- Silver Linings -
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"Faye! Faye wake up!"
The slumbering redhead moaned softly, grabbing the pillow which was located behind her head, and placing it over her face, hoping to give her annoying brother-in-law an obvious hint to leave her alone.
She should've known better though, because just as quickly as Faye covered herself with the feather stuffed object, it was just as suddenly taken away.
"Faye, I'm serious! This isn't a game, you have to wake up," the brown eyed man exclaimed anxiously, keeping those watchful eyes on his sister by marriage intently.
"No, I'm serious," Faye proclaimed while snapping her hand up to grab Tifa's father by the collar roughly and pulling him deathly close to her as her eyes opened into small slits which revealed nothing but anger, "After cleaning up from the previous night's affair, I've gotten a total of two hours of sleep plus the fact you have just made the grave mistake of waking me up from the best dream a middle-aged woman could possibly have! So if we're finished here, which I think we are, if you know what's good for you, then you can go about your business and come back in another eight hours when the afternoon had just got done rolling around."
Mr. Lockheart felt her slender hands loosen from his collar, slapping him lightly and playfully on the face before turning her back on him to proceed her anxious return to the magical world of beautiful dreams.
He sat there for a while, backing up slightly, before his next comment was brought to the surface, "Tifa didn't come home last night."
"I'm up," Faye said, sitting up immediately without another word of bitter complaint. Her hands folded on her lap, eyes blinking rapidly to remove the residue of sleep which remained; meaning she was prepared to get down to business, "Now, are you sure she really didn't come home last night?"
"I'm positive," he began, a stern expression on his rugged features, eyes moving past Faye and focusing on the window which revealed, in depth, the outside world, "I went to her room just now. Her bed was made and her clothes from the previous night were nowhere to be found."
The blue eyed woman sat there in strong contemplation, an equally ascetic expression locked on her wrinkle-free face. It had to be a misunderstanding. There was just no way that her niece had never came home, especially after last night's storm. Unless, she had been severely injured and laying lifeless on the ground begging for help right as we speak. No, Faye chastised her conscience, unable to bring herself to imagine Tifa's fragile body lying broken on the cold gravel.
"You don't think she got caught up in the storm, do you," Mr. Lockheart asked, voicing the woman's fears aloud while sliding a shivering hand through his messy, yet amazingly thick hair, then running it down his face and over his chapped lips.
"No," Faye yelled, not only reassuring the discouraged man but herself as well, "let's not think negatively, OK? That's not going to help any."
"You're right. But what if something did happen to her! I'll never get a chance to tell my daughter how sorry I am or how much I really love her," the ponderous father whispered, keeping his hands over his mouth as he continued to think the worst of the situation. The urge of making amends with his rebellious daughter had never been so powerful as it was right now.
"You don't have to worry about that," Faye pointed out, refocusing her eyes away from her sister's husband to the front door, where Tifa stood, her hands shoved into her jeans pockets nonchalantly.
Mr. Lockheart looked behind him in doubt, but then, once spotting Tifa, jumping to his feet rapidly like he had just taken a double dosage of speed. The contemplative expression on his face began to mold itself into one of joy entwined with a twitch of clearly visible anger as he folded his arms across his chest sternly. He was ecstatic to see his daughter, but the fear of losing her, which he experienced shortly before, was so much stronger than the relief.
"Where were you?"
"Out," Tifa curtly said, removing her hands from their burrowed position in her jeans before walking across the living room floor and passing her father without an evident care. The memories from last night and this morning's encounters burned a gaping hole through her pounding head, making everything seem more blurry than they already were.
"No! No, young lady, that's not good enough," Mr. Lockheart shouted loudly, causing Tifa to stop abruptly, "you're 17 years old! 17! Which clearly means you still have one more year before you stop taking orders from me! So since your still considered a minor and under my authority, you're going to tell me where you were! And in specifics this time!"
Faye remained seated on the couch, her eyes moving back and forth from father to daughter. There was so much tension in this very room that it made the redhead feel very uncomfortable. She wanted Tifa to understand her father's worries and concerns, but her niece had viewpoints and was just like her mother: stubborn to a fault. Until that tough and obstinate exterior was broken completely through, there was, unfortunately, no helping the confused teenager.
Tifa stood near the staircase, her eyes looking everywhere but at her father. The dream kept coming back to her, the dream manifested through her guilt, making her feel even more at fault then she already was. It was as though nothing seemed real anymore. Like everything around her had an ultimatum which would eventually lead her back to the bed she usually slept in. How the brunette wished it was so. The mistakes she made, the mother she lost so unfairly, the life she had chosen to live, would all be just a mere distant fantasy where after dreamt, would lead Tifa back to the life she actually belonged to.
"I'm sorry, but I can't discuss it right now. Sometime soon, we'll talk," Tifa murmured audibly, desperately fighting the urge to run right back out the door and away from the inquisitive adults, who, at the moment, waiting patiently for her answer.
"Fine. Just this one I'll let you off the hook with that answer, but just this once," Mr. Lockheart warned, expression softening subtly as his eyes completely lost the stony appearance it had before, "Now go wash up. I'll fix you something to eat when you get out of the shower."
The ruby eyed girl didn't answer back nor did she react with a shake of her head or any kind of body movements. All she did, when given permission, was turn her back on her two scrutinizing family members and slowly walk up the steps to the comfort and security of her bedroom.
"Did she just....apologize," Faye asked once Tifa was out of hearing distance, a confused look on her delicate face but her lips producing a smile which contradicted the conflicting emotions within.
"I don't know. I could have been high," the brown-eyed man explained, not unfolding his arms from their entwined positioning across his slightly muscular chest while his gaze still focused on the steps his teenage daughter had just ascended.
"Well, if your daughter doing the unthinkable was due to you being high, then I want whatever you got."
Both adults looked at each other carefully, their eyes shining with a new found hope, before a loud explosion of laughter encased the once gloomy room with nothing but happiness and glory. They continued to chortle with ease, the huge boulder of guilt and exasperation being lifted off their already heavy shoulders. It wasn't until today, did these two individuals burst into laughter with such a carefree and righteous nature, not even considering a chuckle when Tifa's mother had been diagnosed with her austere illness.
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Yuffie Kisargi walked through Nibelheim, her hands shaking with earnest need as her legs stumbled with every step she took. Her short, ebony hair blew along with the velocity of the wind as the soft violet of her eyes shimmered with moisture. Some of Nibelheim's inhabitant stared at the young teenager strangely, but Yuffie didn't care. She had one distinct destination in mind and nobody would keep her from it.
Many knew of the abuse bestowed upon her in the Kisargi household and some knew what her constant visits to Reno implied, but everybody minded their business and allowed this girl to do whatever she pleased. That was the charm of Nibelheim, people kept to themselves, only slightly gossiping, and never allowing themselves to get seriously wrapped up in the affairs of others.
She forced herself to walk further and further into town, ignoring the obvious fact that her legs were so wobbly, it wouldn't be a big surprise if, in a few short minutes, she fell onto the cold foundation below. It didn't help the situation much either that Yuffie's eyes blurred more intensely with every step she took. But the inspiration of her reward far outweighed the physical strain and sacrifice that was being made. The reward's visual was what kept Yuffie going and was all that prevented her collapse.
"Reno, open the door," the dark haired girl shouted, once she reached her arrival, standing at the front stoop, and banging her small fist on the door apprehensively, "I need to talk to you!"
A few minutes lapsed by before the door was hastily opened, revealing the tall, redhead everyone loathed and avoided. His squinting eyes looked down on Yuffie's begging expression as an alcohol infested sigh escaped his frowning lips.
"Yuffie, what are you doing here?"
"I...I need more," Yuffie stuttered, continuing to stare up at the much taller man. Her pale face showed a trace of vulnerability that couldn't help but be noticed and felt, "please, you need to give me more."
Reno continued to stare at the young girl. His heart seemed to pound immensely with guilt as his hand ran over his fiery hair nervously. He didn't want to sell her anymore of his merchandise, but it simply went against the regulations he had abided by. It was so easy to tell her to get lost and disconnect her from her addiction, for Reno was the only dealer in Nibelheim or anywhere close to this deserted town. But, sadly, it was so much more complicated than that. If his connections knew of his refusal, the green eyed man would have a huge price over his lightheaded destiny.
"Come in," Reno said, allowing his eyes to search the outside premises before allowing his visitor to enter the obsolete apartment.
Yuffie wasted no time, walking instantaneously by Reno and into the small, unkempt lodging. It was smaller than she had imagined it to be with spare clothes lying listlessly around and shot glasses overpopulating the coffee table, which sat in the middle of the room. Alcohol seemed to be all this man lived on and Yuffie could have made a bet with herself that the kitchen refrigerator was completely empty with nothing but the occasional beer and wine cooler. She didn't want to interfere because it was obviously none of her business how Reno chose to live his life.
"OK, new rule, kid," Reno proclaimed, moving by the petite female and picking up the abandoned cigarette in the ashtray without stopping once in the process, "I wanna see the cash, right now, in full payment. If it's not all there, then you walk out that door right now. If you have the cash, then we're in business."
Yuffie looked frantic for a moment as she spat out, "Reno, you can't do that! I don't have the full payment and I need this! I need it now!"
The redhead looked unworried, a smug look crossing over his worn out yet still slightly attractive features. It was exactly what he expected. She was too young to pay without installments and too desperate to make negotiable offers which made even the slightest bit of sense. It was a sure thing. A plan that prevented Yuffie from purchasing any further illegal substances and, still, allowed himself to be let off the hook without any future heat from his accomplices.
"OK, well, since you don't have the money, you know the exit route. Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Reno teased, taking a long drag from his cigarette and allowing a grin to materialize itself on his face as he exhaled.
"How about I give you something else," Yuffie offered seductively, moving closer to her dealer with a certain glint in her eye, which even surprised Reno, the experienced man who had seen everything there was to see about seduction.
As Yuffie grew closer, Reno held out a distancing hand while smugly replying, "Sorry, I don't take sexual favors in exchange for cash, this isn't you're local bank where you can make negotiations."
"No! No, Reno, please don't do this to me! Please," the raven haired child screamed, tears burning her eyes and despair becoming her only emotional discharge, "Tifa took away whatever I have left, you have to give me some more! My dad's been on my ass so much more lately, I need this!"
"Go home, Yuffie," the compassionate dealer stated, his eyes burning through hers as the patience within him began withering away slowly yet surely.
"No," she shrieked, the fluids of angry emotions running down her cheeks while Yuffie swung her arms over the inanimate table and knocking over all the shot glasses, cigarettes, and ashtray which resided on it, "I'm not leaving until I get what I want! Give me what I want!"
Once the fragile girl began her temper tantrum, Reno had already sprung into action, grabbing onto her thin wrists and pulling the unstable teenager back against him to restrain her from insuring any more damage. Yuffie struggled against the taller man's grasp violently, but his hold, even intoxicated, was still much stronger than her futile attempts.
"Calm down! Calm down," Reno shouted, feeling her subtle resistance yet not faltering once, "I'm not gonna give you anymore drugs! You understand me? I mean look at you, you're all fucked up!"
Yuffie cried even louder, her scream piercing his ears as the saltine tears in her eyes numbed her cheeks considerably. The struggles inflicted proved futile, but she wouldn't give Reno the satisfaction of knowing he had won both the battle and the war. With sound determination boiling in her veins, Yuffie began thrashing her feet along with her body.
"Yuffie, stop! I'm warning you right now, if you don't calm yourself down, I will use physical force, so help me, I will," Reno warned viciously, noticing the younger girl's screams escalating intensely to where the public would be able to hear her, "So I suggest you stop!"
The screams eventually subsided into heartbreaking cries, her tiny body growing limp in the older man's arms. Leaning back and eventually preventing any further heavy sobs to escape, Yuffie felt the redhead's arms around her, supporting the ailing body any way he could.
"I hate you," the violet eyed girl murmured, lip quivering with earnest need as her eyes continued to water.
"The feeling's mutual, you little brat," Reno teased as a smirk tugged on the corners of his mouth and his arms still continuing to hold onto the bipolar teenager for support.
Silence rang and bounced of the walls of the small apartment as the two individuals stood completely still, enjoying the momentary bliss fate had to offer for the first time in both of their lives. As people walked by, continuing their quotidian routine, and the world slowly amused itself in it's rotating axis, Yuffie and Reno's moment remained frozen, embracing the comfort which they always hoped to receive but never have.
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"We should go see a movie."
Cloud moaned softly at his girlfriend's proposition, running his hands through the blonde spikes, which resided at the top of his head, and not hesitating to respond, "We go to a movie every, single, God-forsaken time we see each other. It was nice the first forty-one times, but, and I mean this in no offense to you, sweetie, it's getting to be boring and starting to make me consider suicide as not such a bad escape route."
"Fine, then you think of something since you seem to be the Casanova of plan making," Aeris proclaimed, folding her arms across her chest in a defiant matter, as her gaze focused to the side and away from her handsome significant other.
"I can think of something that will make you feel better."
The blonde smiled softly, getting up and moving besides the sweet, yet apparently angry girl. He moved her light brown hair aside and placed his lips on her neck, causing the guilt within the flower girl to sky rocket to inhumane levels. She knew he only wanted to rectify his mistake, but Aeris wasn't feeling any more relieved, just more disappointed and unnerved.
"Well, if we're not going to a movie, maybe we should just go get something to eat! I'm famished," Aeris exclaimed giddily, jumping up from the blonde's reach, and feeling her uncertainty lower to appeasing levels.
Cloud remained on the couch, bamboozled at the green-eyed girl's sudden outburst. She always loved it when he kissed her neck in their early dating age, that just so happened to be her favorite way to relax. What had made her react so suddenly? Actually, now that he thought about it; ever since the previous month, Aeris had been acting very strangely. Cold, distant, and very discerning. It was very unlike her. Their relationship had encountered so many tempestuous friction that he constantly wondered what they were still doing together.
"Aeris, is there something that you're not telling me," Cloud asked with a sigh, casting his eyes upon the young woman ahead of him as his body remained unnaturally relaxed during the confrontation.
'Yes, Cloud, there is. I'm seeing someone besides you. Someone who I love more than life itself and it seems that everytime I look at you or even remotely place one finger on you, I feel this immense amount of guilt gnawing at my insides. So, sweetheart, I think it's best if we see other people.'
It was what she wanted to say. Something inside screamed out at her to just say it. Make these feeling go away and go publicly be with the man you're meant for. The comment was inspirational and obviously the reason which would make everything OK again. But after the constant muse Aeris' conscience had posed as, all that escaped her mouth was, "No, babe, I'm just very hungry, so can we please go?"
Cloud remained seated on the couch, unsure whether or not to believe the unlikely excuse she had just given. It was just too common for the reactions Aeris was giving, much to common to be specific. No, lack of food consumption was the least of the problem. There was a secret much bigger, than he could handle, behind those emerald orbs and Cloud would soon discover it without hesitation.
"OK, just let me get my coat and we'll be on our way."
Aeris seemed satisfied at his response with the feeling of her legs returning from it's previous numbness. She had feared Cloud had suspected something, for the teenager in pink was never a good liar. Everything seemed to remain the same when it came to their relationship, but her conscience said differently. If Aeris didn't break things off with Cloud soon, she would loose herself in a way which would be almost impossible to regain.
"You ready," Cloud asked, returning to his lover's side while placing his coat over his upper body swiftly and holding out his hand to Aeris.
Smiling, while reluctantly taking the awaiting hand, the brunette answered, "Let's go."
****************************
Tifa entered her room, towel drying the long strands of hair, which hung from her head, and making herself comfortable. Tossing the practically drenched towel onto the wall-side bed, her dark, moist hair clung to the back of her tanktop, causing a wet spot of become visible. Even with the heat on, the boxers and top she was wearing allowed goosebumps to form on her chilled body.
She honestly didn't want to be in this house. It wasn't that her home was un-welcoming, Tifa just wasn't recently used to these walls. When her mother was still alive and well, the ruby eyed girl spent every moment she could in this room and by her mother's side. But the moment Mrs. Lockheart passed away, the walls seemed almost imprisoning with no escape apparent to the naked eye. The more time she spent within this house, the more it stopped looking like a sanctuary and appeared more like a prison.
Sighing, the brunette walked past her desk, picked up a cigarette, and walked to the window, where her constant escape, when she was a child, lied. Opening the small transparent window, Tifa lit the slim tube and enjoyed the vast view Nibelheim had to offer. This town may be run down and sometimes unlivable, but watching the breathtaking view makes everything else seem so much more classier and unbelievably wonderful. Placing classy and wonderful in the same sentence when describing this town was unbelievable all in itself.
Taking another drag from the cigarette, which hung limply from her lips, Tifa quickly noticed a small silhouette running across town. She was aware of the little things and this little thing you couldn't refuse to ignore.
"Yuffie," the brunette half-murmmered to herself, too shocked to even place the awaiting cigarette back in her mouth as her crimson eyes remained focused on the consecutively fleeing girl.
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She continued to run with cupped hands, afraid to bump into anyone for the outcome of someone seeing what was actually in her hands. Reno had revealed some kindness and gave her some of his sparse supply. It wasn't fresh or unused, but the gesture still was greatly appreciated.
Yuffie's legs began to burn with the clear anticipation of the moment. She just wanted to get home, wanted to dull the pain, banish the harsh memories this reality had to offer. She just wanted to soar above it all and wanted nothing more than to feel free. Reno knew this and that was what made him reluctantly give her the remainders he had. She had eagerly took the merchandise in his hands, affectionately thanking the redheaded dealer, running towards the door and into the outside world where her fate lied.
Her father was most likely home and that realization made Yuffie's steps cease. What if he had drank again? He hadn't laid one finger on her for the half of this day, but then again, it was only the afternoon. Many things could have happened when she went to see Reno at his rundown apartment. It didn't make a difference though. Eventually, the small girl would have to go home and face the father she
unfortunately called her own.
"Now I lay me down to sleep," Yuffie whispered to herself, tightening the grip on her hold, "I pray thee Lord my soul to keep."
She approached closer to the Kisargi household, her eyes never leaving the small cabin home in fear that if she did otherwise, she would never have to courage to enter it's confines.
"If I die before I wake," Yuffie continued, her eyes watering slightly in fear, "I pray thee Lord my soul to take."
Yuffie outstretched her hand and opened the door swiftly, still remaining on the doorstep quivering. No drug in the world would be able to remove the unsecured sensations running through her body at the moment. It was too intense to explain and practically impossible to remove from existence. She hated this feeling. It was so constant she thought it would eventually become just another daily routine, but the fear remained and the screaming order to run the other way practically gave her a migraine. Now was the moment of truth : to run or not to run, that is the question.
"Dad? Are you home?"
Yuffie walked into the house on alert, the insecurities lifting suddenly away when not hearing her father's angry roar of a response or his heavy set body lying lazily on the recliner. The coast was clear and maybe for once, she wouldn't have to worry about hiding the bruises and scars which marked her supple body with such a vengence. The thought was so beautiful, the violet eyes, which were usually filled with tears and panic, now shone so brilliantly with hope. She, for once in her whole adolescent life, revealed the hidden child within.
Moving across the living room, in fear of jinxing herself, Yuffie giddily climbed the steps, stashing her "stress reliever" into the small pouch hanging over her shoulder, and humming a small tune. Nothing could possibly ruin the reverie she was living in and shockingly, the dark haired girl would take a short, body refreshing nap without the occasional tossing and turning. Then afterwards, fix lunch for her father and herself.
Yuffie twirled once she arrived at the top of the staircase and leapt to the door which separated the hallway from her own personal sanctuary. Giggling and pushing the entrance blockage back, the hopes within her heart immediately crashed and burned with no possible survivors, when her eyes beheld the individual sitting on her bed with a stern and drunken expression on his full-bodied face.
"Didn't I tell you to clean this room? Didn't I?"
Yuffie remained quiet, prepared to received whatever physical and emotional blow that was coming to her. She had so much to say in that brain of hers, but it was a proven fact that trying to prove this man wrong, especially with the excessive amounts of liquor in his bloodstream, was a colossal mistake. Not only did the fight make him angrier, but the blinding fury made him hit so much harder than humanly possible.
"Ah, now she's too good to speak, just like her bitch of a mother," Mr. Kisargi slurred, grinning smugly to himself.
The anger within the once patient girl burned so intensely, it outsized her body mass. Her mother was a good woman and did nothing more than try to keep this family together. It wasn't her fault that she ran off, leaving her husband and only child behind. It wasn't her fault that the drinking and abuse became so unlivable that it left her with the only option worth experiencing. Yuffie loved her mother, no matter if bitter feelings of leaving her father's wrath solely on her still remained.
"My mother wasn't a bitch! You didn't deserve her! You never deserved her! You don't deserve anyone you hateful, sadistic bastard! I hate you! I hope one day you experience what we did every day of our lives and die a slow and agonizing death! I hope you get what you deserve! I fucking hate you," Yuffie screamed loudly, not surprised once she felt her father's hot hands around her neck and tossing her frail body into the nearby wall.
"You disobedient little rat, I'll teach you to respect your elders," Gordo Kisargi shouted into his daughter's face, the stench of heavy alcohol burning Yuffie's nostrils, as one hand remained securely gripped on her slender neck and the other reeled back and repeatedly made contact with the tear stained face.
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The wind was cool and relaxing from the open window as Tifa laid in her bed with eyes opened and aware of her surroundings. She wanted to run after Yuffie and check up on her, but the ruby eyed teenager thought better of it. Yuffie was a big girl, she could take care of herself and would have to make her own mistakes to learn life's lessons. Nobody was around to teach Tifa of the resentment and bitterness this world could, at times, be sick with. She learned herself and from the mistakes came the strength. Yuffie needed to learn that. On her own.
Groaning, the brunette placed her hands over her face and rubbed vigorously. Her life seemed so swirled and confusing that it made insanity seem so easy to slip into. She wanted to be in Cloud's arms again, in the only place where her world seemed so much easier than it actually was. In his arms, Tifa's atheist nature deteriorated and she actually had something to believe in. Something, for the first time, considered beautiful.
She groaned again, and made her way, once again, to the open window. Placing her hand up on the slender frame to support herself, Tifa's eyes scrutinized the outside world. The world where nobody, but the truly happy, wanted to live. She wished she could find the happiness which kept humanity satisfied but everytime she would look, the solution would always prove equivalent. Nothing is ever what it should be.
Continuing to rely her body's weight on her gaunt arm, Tifa's eyes maneuevered towards Yuffie's house. She always wondered why nobody could ever hear what was going on in there. It was so obvious that nothing but violence occurred in those walls, but why could nobody hear her? For maybe if a single sound was heard, Yuffie could be possibly saved.
"Cloud, stop! You know I'm really ticklish on my stomach!"
Tifa's focus drifted once again from the Kisargi house to the floor portion of the town where Nibelheim's power couple walked, hand in hand. Once Cloud Strife and Aeris Gainsbourgh got together, everyone knew and practically considered their joining a holiday. These two were everyone's role model and it wouldn't be a surprise if Ken and Barbie were inspired by these two lovers because perfection obviously ran in reality and the world of plastic. Not only were the youngsters perfect but they also came from upstanding parents. The two individual's families were like the Cleavers, but only Cloud lacked a father figure and they were in color.
Tifa continued to watch and was suddenly surprised when Cloud's focus drifted away from the love of his life and onto Tifa's window. Not only was she shocked at having the blonde's attention, but he also shared the same emotion at noticing her at standing by window in watchful contemplation. The two continued to stare at each other in mystical anticipation, either unable to tear themselves away from what they saw.
Cloud was captivated at the wisdom and secrecy the crimson eyes of his affection had to offer. It was something he never dreamed of seeing or experiencing and slowly, they transformed into an emotion which he became utterlessly fixated with. In the ocean eyes of Cloud Strife, Tifa saw nothing but serenity and peace, like a lake under the soft kisses of the sun's rays. The aura it revealed was something the brunette yearned jealously for. She didn't want him to turn away for fear of never experiencing the joy his eyes had to offer to the observers of this world.
Aeris noticed Cloud's wanders gaze towards the window, in which the town's black sheep stood. Her heart pounded with anger and selfishness as her hands reached out and grabbed her lover's chin gently, pulling him towards her and kissing his lips longingly. During the passionate kiss, green eyes opened and focused on Tifa, giving the speculator a glance which explained every threat thought of without any necessary words involved.
Tifa remained unmoved, her eyes burning a hole right through the flower girl without any fear evident. As seconds ticked by and the two kissing fools broke away from their hold, Aeris shot the ruby eyed girl a venomous look, which was only reacted to by Tifa blowing Aeris a taunting yet supposedly friendly kiss and a subtle wave good-bye. The aggressor in pink huffed silently, removing her eyes away from the window, and grabbing onto Cloud possessively, moving away from the Lockheart house as quickly as possible.
Tifa smiled at the damage inflicted and focused her eyes back on the Kisargi household, smile slowly dropping. She hoped Yuffie was learning from her mistakes and would soon actually recover from the emotional scars implanted in her by that bastard of a father.
****************************
Soft music played in the small bedroom as Yuffie's broken body laid itself on the small bed. Placing the small syringe in the pulsating vein located her inner-arm, her head tilted backward in pleasure as tears coursed down her pale and numb cheeks.
Crying silently, she whispered to herself, "Everything'll be OK."
****************************
"Faye! Faye wake up!"
The slumbering redhead moaned softly, grabbing the pillow which was located behind her head, and placing it over her face, hoping to give her annoying brother-in-law an obvious hint to leave her alone.
She should've known better though, because just as quickly as Faye covered herself with the feather stuffed object, it was just as suddenly taken away.
"Faye, I'm serious! This isn't a game, you have to wake up," the brown eyed man exclaimed anxiously, keeping those watchful eyes on his sister by marriage intently.
"No, I'm serious," Faye proclaimed while snapping her hand up to grab Tifa's father by the collar roughly and pulling him deathly close to her as her eyes opened into small slits which revealed nothing but anger, "After cleaning up from the previous night's affair, I've gotten a total of two hours of sleep plus the fact you have just made the grave mistake of waking me up from the best dream a middle-aged woman could possibly have! So if we're finished here, which I think we are, if you know what's good for you, then you can go about your business and come back in another eight hours when the afternoon had just got done rolling around."
Mr. Lockheart felt her slender hands loosen from his collar, slapping him lightly and playfully on the face before turning her back on him to proceed her anxious return to the magical world of beautiful dreams.
He sat there for a while, backing up slightly, before his next comment was brought to the surface, "Tifa didn't come home last night."
"I'm up," Faye said, sitting up immediately without another word of bitter complaint. Her hands folded on her lap, eyes blinking rapidly to remove the residue of sleep which remained; meaning she was prepared to get down to business, "Now, are you sure she really didn't come home last night?"
"I'm positive," he began, a stern expression on his rugged features, eyes moving past Faye and focusing on the window which revealed, in depth, the outside world, "I went to her room just now. Her bed was made and her clothes from the previous night were nowhere to be found."
The blue eyed woman sat there in strong contemplation, an equally ascetic expression locked on her wrinkle-free face. It had to be a misunderstanding. There was just no way that her niece had never came home, especially after last night's storm. Unless, she had been severely injured and laying lifeless on the ground begging for help right as we speak. No, Faye chastised her conscience, unable to bring herself to imagine Tifa's fragile body lying broken on the cold gravel.
"You don't think she got caught up in the storm, do you," Mr. Lockheart asked, voicing the woman's fears aloud while sliding a shivering hand through his messy, yet amazingly thick hair, then running it down his face and over his chapped lips.
"No," Faye yelled, not only reassuring the discouraged man but herself as well, "let's not think negatively, OK? That's not going to help any."
"You're right. But what if something did happen to her! I'll never get a chance to tell my daughter how sorry I am or how much I really love her," the ponderous father whispered, keeping his hands over his mouth as he continued to think the worst of the situation. The urge of making amends with his rebellious daughter had never been so powerful as it was right now.
"You don't have to worry about that," Faye pointed out, refocusing her eyes away from her sister's husband to the front door, where Tifa stood, her hands shoved into her jeans pockets nonchalantly.
Mr. Lockheart looked behind him in doubt, but then, once spotting Tifa, jumping to his feet rapidly like he had just taken a double dosage of speed. The contemplative expression on his face began to mold itself into one of joy entwined with a twitch of clearly visible anger as he folded his arms across his chest sternly. He was ecstatic to see his daughter, but the fear of losing her, which he experienced shortly before, was so much stronger than the relief.
"Where were you?"
"Out," Tifa curtly said, removing her hands from their burrowed position in her jeans before walking across the living room floor and passing her father without an evident care. The memories from last night and this morning's encounters burned a gaping hole through her pounding head, making everything seem more blurry than they already were.
"No! No, young lady, that's not good enough," Mr. Lockheart shouted loudly, causing Tifa to stop abruptly, "you're 17 years old! 17! Which clearly means you still have one more year before you stop taking orders from me! So since your still considered a minor and under my authority, you're going to tell me where you were! And in specifics this time!"
Faye remained seated on the couch, her eyes moving back and forth from father to daughter. There was so much tension in this very room that it made the redhead feel very uncomfortable. She wanted Tifa to understand her father's worries and concerns, but her niece had viewpoints and was just like her mother: stubborn to a fault. Until that tough and obstinate exterior was broken completely through, there was, unfortunately, no helping the confused teenager.
Tifa stood near the staircase, her eyes looking everywhere but at her father. The dream kept coming back to her, the dream manifested through her guilt, making her feel even more at fault then she already was. It was as though nothing seemed real anymore. Like everything around her had an ultimatum which would eventually lead her back to the bed she usually slept in. How the brunette wished it was so. The mistakes she made, the mother she lost so unfairly, the life she had chosen to live, would all be just a mere distant fantasy where after dreamt, would lead Tifa back to the life she actually belonged to.
"I'm sorry, but I can't discuss it right now. Sometime soon, we'll talk," Tifa murmured audibly, desperately fighting the urge to run right back out the door and away from the inquisitive adults, who, at the moment, waiting patiently for her answer.
"Fine. Just this one I'll let you off the hook with that answer, but just this once," Mr. Lockheart warned, expression softening subtly as his eyes completely lost the stony appearance it had before, "Now go wash up. I'll fix you something to eat when you get out of the shower."
The ruby eyed girl didn't answer back nor did she react with a shake of her head or any kind of body movements. All she did, when given permission, was turn her back on her two scrutinizing family members and slowly walk up the steps to the comfort and security of her bedroom.
"Did she just....apologize," Faye asked once Tifa was out of hearing distance, a confused look on her delicate face but her lips producing a smile which contradicted the conflicting emotions within.
"I don't know. I could have been high," the brown-eyed man explained, not unfolding his arms from their entwined positioning across his slightly muscular chest while his gaze still focused on the steps his teenage daughter had just ascended.
"Well, if your daughter doing the unthinkable was due to you being high, then I want whatever you got."
Both adults looked at each other carefully, their eyes shining with a new found hope, before a loud explosion of laughter encased the once gloomy room with nothing but happiness and glory. They continued to chortle with ease, the huge boulder of guilt and exasperation being lifted off their already heavy shoulders. It wasn't until today, did these two individuals burst into laughter with such a carefree and righteous nature, not even considering a chuckle when Tifa's mother had been diagnosed with her austere illness.
****************************
Yuffie Kisargi walked through Nibelheim, her hands shaking with earnest need as her legs stumbled with every step she took. Her short, ebony hair blew along with the velocity of the wind as the soft violet of her eyes shimmered with moisture. Some of Nibelheim's inhabitant stared at the young teenager strangely, but Yuffie didn't care. She had one distinct destination in mind and nobody would keep her from it.
Many knew of the abuse bestowed upon her in the Kisargi household and some knew what her constant visits to Reno implied, but everybody minded their business and allowed this girl to do whatever she pleased. That was the charm of Nibelheim, people kept to themselves, only slightly gossiping, and never allowing themselves to get seriously wrapped up in the affairs of others.
She forced herself to walk further and further into town, ignoring the obvious fact that her legs were so wobbly, it wouldn't be a big surprise if, in a few short minutes, she fell onto the cold foundation below. It didn't help the situation much either that Yuffie's eyes blurred more intensely with every step she took. But the inspiration of her reward far outweighed the physical strain and sacrifice that was being made. The reward's visual was what kept Yuffie going and was all that prevented her collapse.
"Reno, open the door," the dark haired girl shouted, once she reached her arrival, standing at the front stoop, and banging her small fist on the door apprehensively, "I need to talk to you!"
A few minutes lapsed by before the door was hastily opened, revealing the tall, redhead everyone loathed and avoided. His squinting eyes looked down on Yuffie's begging expression as an alcohol infested sigh escaped his frowning lips.
"Yuffie, what are you doing here?"
"I...I need more," Yuffie stuttered, continuing to stare up at the much taller man. Her pale face showed a trace of vulnerability that couldn't help but be noticed and felt, "please, you need to give me more."
Reno continued to stare at the young girl. His heart seemed to pound immensely with guilt as his hand ran over his fiery hair nervously. He didn't want to sell her anymore of his merchandise, but it simply went against the regulations he had abided by. It was so easy to tell her to get lost and disconnect her from her addiction, for Reno was the only dealer in Nibelheim or anywhere close to this deserted town. But, sadly, it was so much more complicated than that. If his connections knew of his refusal, the green eyed man would have a huge price over his lightheaded destiny.
"Come in," Reno said, allowing his eyes to search the outside premises before allowing his visitor to enter the obsolete apartment.
Yuffie wasted no time, walking instantaneously by Reno and into the small, unkempt lodging. It was smaller than she had imagined it to be with spare clothes lying listlessly around and shot glasses overpopulating the coffee table, which sat in the middle of the room. Alcohol seemed to be all this man lived on and Yuffie could have made a bet with herself that the kitchen refrigerator was completely empty with nothing but the occasional beer and wine cooler. She didn't want to interfere because it was obviously none of her business how Reno chose to live his life.
"OK, new rule, kid," Reno proclaimed, moving by the petite female and picking up the abandoned cigarette in the ashtray without stopping once in the process, "I wanna see the cash, right now, in full payment. If it's not all there, then you walk out that door right now. If you have the cash, then we're in business."
Yuffie looked frantic for a moment as she spat out, "Reno, you can't do that! I don't have the full payment and I need this! I need it now!"
The redhead looked unworried, a smug look crossing over his worn out yet still slightly attractive features. It was exactly what he expected. She was too young to pay without installments and too desperate to make negotiable offers which made even the slightest bit of sense. It was a sure thing. A plan that prevented Yuffie from purchasing any further illegal substances and, still, allowed himself to be let off the hook without any future heat from his accomplices.
"OK, well, since you don't have the money, you know the exit route. Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Reno teased, taking a long drag from his cigarette and allowing a grin to materialize itself on his face as he exhaled.
"How about I give you something else," Yuffie offered seductively, moving closer to her dealer with a certain glint in her eye, which even surprised Reno, the experienced man who had seen everything there was to see about seduction.
As Yuffie grew closer, Reno held out a distancing hand while smugly replying, "Sorry, I don't take sexual favors in exchange for cash, this isn't you're local bank where you can make negotiations."
"No! No, Reno, please don't do this to me! Please," the raven haired child screamed, tears burning her eyes and despair becoming her only emotional discharge, "Tifa took away whatever I have left, you have to give me some more! My dad's been on my ass so much more lately, I need this!"
"Go home, Yuffie," the compassionate dealer stated, his eyes burning through hers as the patience within him began withering away slowly yet surely.
"No," she shrieked, the fluids of angry emotions running down her cheeks while Yuffie swung her arms over the inanimate table and knocking over all the shot glasses, cigarettes, and ashtray which resided on it, "I'm not leaving until I get what I want! Give me what I want!"
Once the fragile girl began her temper tantrum, Reno had already sprung into action, grabbing onto her thin wrists and pulling the unstable teenager back against him to restrain her from insuring any more damage. Yuffie struggled against the taller man's grasp violently, but his hold, even intoxicated, was still much stronger than her futile attempts.
"Calm down! Calm down," Reno shouted, feeling her subtle resistance yet not faltering once, "I'm not gonna give you anymore drugs! You understand me? I mean look at you, you're all fucked up!"
Yuffie cried even louder, her scream piercing his ears as the saltine tears in her eyes numbed her cheeks considerably. The struggles inflicted proved futile, but she wouldn't give Reno the satisfaction of knowing he had won both the battle and the war. With sound determination boiling in her veins, Yuffie began thrashing her feet along with her body.
"Yuffie, stop! I'm warning you right now, if you don't calm yourself down, I will use physical force, so help me, I will," Reno warned viciously, noticing the younger girl's screams escalating intensely to where the public would be able to hear her, "So I suggest you stop!"
The screams eventually subsided into heartbreaking cries, her tiny body growing limp in the older man's arms. Leaning back and eventually preventing any further heavy sobs to escape, Yuffie felt the redhead's arms around her, supporting the ailing body any way he could.
"I hate you," the violet eyed girl murmured, lip quivering with earnest need as her eyes continued to water.
"The feeling's mutual, you little brat," Reno teased as a smirk tugged on the corners of his mouth and his arms still continuing to hold onto the bipolar teenager for support.
Silence rang and bounced of the walls of the small apartment as the two individuals stood completely still, enjoying the momentary bliss fate had to offer for the first time in both of their lives. As people walked by, continuing their quotidian routine, and the world slowly amused itself in it's rotating axis, Yuffie and Reno's moment remained frozen, embracing the comfort which they always hoped to receive but never have.
****************************
"We should go see a movie."
Cloud moaned softly at his girlfriend's proposition, running his hands through the blonde spikes, which resided at the top of his head, and not hesitating to respond, "We go to a movie every, single, God-forsaken time we see each other. It was nice the first forty-one times, but, and I mean this in no offense to you, sweetie, it's getting to be boring and starting to make me consider suicide as not such a bad escape route."
"Fine, then you think of something since you seem to be the Casanova of plan making," Aeris proclaimed, folding her arms across her chest in a defiant matter, as her gaze focused to the side and away from her handsome significant other.
"I can think of something that will make you feel better."
The blonde smiled softly, getting up and moving besides the sweet, yet apparently angry girl. He moved her light brown hair aside and placed his lips on her neck, causing the guilt within the flower girl to sky rocket to inhumane levels. She knew he only wanted to rectify his mistake, but Aeris wasn't feeling any more relieved, just more disappointed and unnerved.
"Well, if we're not going to a movie, maybe we should just go get something to eat! I'm famished," Aeris exclaimed giddily, jumping up from the blonde's reach, and feeling her uncertainty lower to appeasing levels.
Cloud remained on the couch, bamboozled at the green-eyed girl's sudden outburst. She always loved it when he kissed her neck in their early dating age, that just so happened to be her favorite way to relax. What had made her react so suddenly? Actually, now that he thought about it; ever since the previous month, Aeris had been acting very strangely. Cold, distant, and very discerning. It was very unlike her. Their relationship had encountered so many tempestuous friction that he constantly wondered what they were still doing together.
"Aeris, is there something that you're not telling me," Cloud asked with a sigh, casting his eyes upon the young woman ahead of him as his body remained unnaturally relaxed during the confrontation.
'Yes, Cloud, there is. I'm seeing someone besides you. Someone who I love more than life itself and it seems that everytime I look at you or even remotely place one finger on you, I feel this immense amount of guilt gnawing at my insides. So, sweetheart, I think it's best if we see other people.'
It was what she wanted to say. Something inside screamed out at her to just say it. Make these feeling go away and go publicly be with the man you're meant for. The comment was inspirational and obviously the reason which would make everything OK again. But after the constant muse Aeris' conscience had posed as, all that escaped her mouth was, "No, babe, I'm just very hungry, so can we please go?"
Cloud remained seated on the couch, unsure whether or not to believe the unlikely excuse she had just given. It was just too common for the reactions Aeris was giving, much to common to be specific. No, lack of food consumption was the least of the problem. There was a secret much bigger, than he could handle, behind those emerald orbs and Cloud would soon discover it without hesitation.
"OK, just let me get my coat and we'll be on our way."
Aeris seemed satisfied at his response with the feeling of her legs returning from it's previous numbness. She had feared Cloud had suspected something, for the teenager in pink was never a good liar. Everything seemed to remain the same when it came to their relationship, but her conscience said differently. If Aeris didn't break things off with Cloud soon, she would loose herself in a way which would be almost impossible to regain.
"You ready," Cloud asked, returning to his lover's side while placing his coat over his upper body swiftly and holding out his hand to Aeris.
Smiling, while reluctantly taking the awaiting hand, the brunette answered, "Let's go."
****************************
Tifa entered her room, towel drying the long strands of hair, which hung from her head, and making herself comfortable. Tossing the practically drenched towel onto the wall-side bed, her dark, moist hair clung to the back of her tanktop, causing a wet spot of become visible. Even with the heat on, the boxers and top she was wearing allowed goosebumps to form on her chilled body.
She honestly didn't want to be in this house. It wasn't that her home was un-welcoming, Tifa just wasn't recently used to these walls. When her mother was still alive and well, the ruby eyed girl spent every moment she could in this room and by her mother's side. But the moment Mrs. Lockheart passed away, the walls seemed almost imprisoning with no escape apparent to the naked eye. The more time she spent within this house, the more it stopped looking like a sanctuary and appeared more like a prison.
Sighing, the brunette walked past her desk, picked up a cigarette, and walked to the window, where her constant escape, when she was a child, lied. Opening the small transparent window, Tifa lit the slim tube and enjoyed the vast view Nibelheim had to offer. This town may be run down and sometimes unlivable, but watching the breathtaking view makes everything else seem so much more classier and unbelievably wonderful. Placing classy and wonderful in the same sentence when describing this town was unbelievable all in itself.
Taking another drag from the cigarette, which hung limply from her lips, Tifa quickly noticed a small silhouette running across town. She was aware of the little things and this little thing you couldn't refuse to ignore.
"Yuffie," the brunette half-murmmered to herself, too shocked to even place the awaiting cigarette back in her mouth as her crimson eyes remained focused on the consecutively fleeing girl.
****************************
She continued to run with cupped hands, afraid to bump into anyone for the outcome of someone seeing what was actually in her hands. Reno had revealed some kindness and gave her some of his sparse supply. It wasn't fresh or unused, but the gesture still was greatly appreciated.
Yuffie's legs began to burn with the clear anticipation of the moment. She just wanted to get home, wanted to dull the pain, banish the harsh memories this reality had to offer. She just wanted to soar above it all and wanted nothing more than to feel free. Reno knew this and that was what made him reluctantly give her the remainders he had. She had eagerly took the merchandise in his hands, affectionately thanking the redheaded dealer, running towards the door and into the outside world where her fate lied.
Her father was most likely home and that realization made Yuffie's steps cease. What if he had drank again? He hadn't laid one finger on her for the half of this day, but then again, it was only the afternoon. Many things could have happened when she went to see Reno at his rundown apartment. It didn't make a difference though. Eventually, the small girl would have to go home and face the father she
unfortunately called her own.
"Now I lay me down to sleep," Yuffie whispered to herself, tightening the grip on her hold, "I pray thee Lord my soul to keep."
She approached closer to the Kisargi household, her eyes never leaving the small cabin home in fear that if she did otherwise, she would never have to courage to enter it's confines.
"If I die before I wake," Yuffie continued, her eyes watering slightly in fear, "I pray thee Lord my soul to take."
Yuffie outstretched her hand and opened the door swiftly, still remaining on the doorstep quivering. No drug in the world would be able to remove the unsecured sensations running through her body at the moment. It was too intense to explain and practically impossible to remove from existence. She hated this feeling. It was so constant she thought it would eventually become just another daily routine, but the fear remained and the screaming order to run the other way practically gave her a migraine. Now was the moment of truth : to run or not to run, that is the question.
"Dad? Are you home?"
Yuffie walked into the house on alert, the insecurities lifting suddenly away when not hearing her father's angry roar of a response or his heavy set body lying lazily on the recliner. The coast was clear and maybe for once, she wouldn't have to worry about hiding the bruises and scars which marked her supple body with such a vengence. The thought was so beautiful, the violet eyes, which were usually filled with tears and panic, now shone so brilliantly with hope. She, for once in her whole adolescent life, revealed the hidden child within.
Moving across the living room, in fear of jinxing herself, Yuffie giddily climbed the steps, stashing her "stress reliever" into the small pouch hanging over her shoulder, and humming a small tune. Nothing could possibly ruin the reverie she was living in and shockingly, the dark haired girl would take a short, body refreshing nap without the occasional tossing and turning. Then afterwards, fix lunch for her father and herself.
Yuffie twirled once she arrived at the top of the staircase and leapt to the door which separated the hallway from her own personal sanctuary. Giggling and pushing the entrance blockage back, the hopes within her heart immediately crashed and burned with no possible survivors, when her eyes beheld the individual sitting on her bed with a stern and drunken expression on his full-bodied face.
"Didn't I tell you to clean this room? Didn't I?"
Yuffie remained quiet, prepared to received whatever physical and emotional blow that was coming to her. She had so much to say in that brain of hers, but it was a proven fact that trying to prove this man wrong, especially with the excessive amounts of liquor in his bloodstream, was a colossal mistake. Not only did the fight make him angrier, but the blinding fury made him hit so much harder than humanly possible.
"Ah, now she's too good to speak, just like her bitch of a mother," Mr. Kisargi slurred, grinning smugly to himself.
The anger within the once patient girl burned so intensely, it outsized her body mass. Her mother was a good woman and did nothing more than try to keep this family together. It wasn't her fault that she ran off, leaving her husband and only child behind. It wasn't her fault that the drinking and abuse became so unlivable that it left her with the only option worth experiencing. Yuffie loved her mother, no matter if bitter feelings of leaving her father's wrath solely on her still remained.
"My mother wasn't a bitch! You didn't deserve her! You never deserved her! You don't deserve anyone you hateful, sadistic bastard! I hate you! I hope one day you experience what we did every day of our lives and die a slow and agonizing death! I hope you get what you deserve! I fucking hate you," Yuffie screamed loudly, not surprised once she felt her father's hot hands around her neck and tossing her frail body into the nearby wall.
"You disobedient little rat, I'll teach you to respect your elders," Gordo Kisargi shouted into his daughter's face, the stench of heavy alcohol burning Yuffie's nostrils, as one hand remained securely gripped on her slender neck and the other reeled back and repeatedly made contact with the tear stained face.
****************************
The wind was cool and relaxing from the open window as Tifa laid in her bed with eyes opened and aware of her surroundings. She wanted to run after Yuffie and check up on her, but the ruby eyed teenager thought better of it. Yuffie was a big girl, she could take care of herself and would have to make her own mistakes to learn life's lessons. Nobody was around to teach Tifa of the resentment and bitterness this world could, at times, be sick with. She learned herself and from the mistakes came the strength. Yuffie needed to learn that. On her own.
Groaning, the brunette placed her hands over her face and rubbed vigorously. Her life seemed so swirled and confusing that it made insanity seem so easy to slip into. She wanted to be in Cloud's arms again, in the only place where her world seemed so much easier than it actually was. In his arms, Tifa's atheist nature deteriorated and she actually had something to believe in. Something, for the first time, considered beautiful.
She groaned again, and made her way, once again, to the open window. Placing her hand up on the slender frame to support herself, Tifa's eyes scrutinized the outside world. The world where nobody, but the truly happy, wanted to live. She wished she could find the happiness which kept humanity satisfied but everytime she would look, the solution would always prove equivalent. Nothing is ever what it should be.
Continuing to rely her body's weight on her gaunt arm, Tifa's eyes maneuevered towards Yuffie's house. She always wondered why nobody could ever hear what was going on in there. It was so obvious that nothing but violence occurred in those walls, but why could nobody hear her? For maybe if a single sound was heard, Yuffie could be possibly saved.
"Cloud, stop! You know I'm really ticklish on my stomach!"
Tifa's focus drifted once again from the Kisargi house to the floor portion of the town where Nibelheim's power couple walked, hand in hand. Once Cloud Strife and Aeris Gainsbourgh got together, everyone knew and practically considered their joining a holiday. These two were everyone's role model and it wouldn't be a surprise if Ken and Barbie were inspired by these two lovers because perfection obviously ran in reality and the world of plastic. Not only were the youngsters perfect but they also came from upstanding parents. The two individual's families were like the Cleavers, but only Cloud lacked a father figure and they were in color.
Tifa continued to watch and was suddenly surprised when Cloud's focus drifted away from the love of his life and onto Tifa's window. Not only was she shocked at having the blonde's attention, but he also shared the same emotion at noticing her at standing by window in watchful contemplation. The two continued to stare at each other in mystical anticipation, either unable to tear themselves away from what they saw.
Cloud was captivated at the wisdom and secrecy the crimson eyes of his affection had to offer. It was something he never dreamed of seeing or experiencing and slowly, they transformed into an emotion which he became utterlessly fixated with. In the ocean eyes of Cloud Strife, Tifa saw nothing but serenity and peace, like a lake under the soft kisses of the sun's rays. The aura it revealed was something the brunette yearned jealously for. She didn't want him to turn away for fear of never experiencing the joy his eyes had to offer to the observers of this world.
Aeris noticed Cloud's wanders gaze towards the window, in which the town's black sheep stood. Her heart pounded with anger and selfishness as her hands reached out and grabbed her lover's chin gently, pulling him towards her and kissing his lips longingly. During the passionate kiss, green eyes opened and focused on Tifa, giving the speculator a glance which explained every threat thought of without any necessary words involved.
Tifa remained unmoved, her eyes burning a hole right through the flower girl without any fear evident. As seconds ticked by and the two kissing fools broke away from their hold, Aeris shot the ruby eyed girl a venomous look, which was only reacted to by Tifa blowing Aeris a taunting yet supposedly friendly kiss and a subtle wave good-bye. The aggressor in pink huffed silently, removing her eyes away from the window, and grabbing onto Cloud possessively, moving away from the Lockheart house as quickly as possible.
Tifa smiled at the damage inflicted and focused her eyes back on the Kisargi household, smile slowly dropping. She hoped Yuffie was learning from her mistakes and would soon actually recover from the emotional scars implanted in her by that bastard of a father.
****************************
Soft music played in the small bedroom as Yuffie's broken body laid itself on the small bed. Placing the small syringe in the pulsating vein located her inner-arm, her head tilted backward in pleasure as tears coursed down her pale and numb cheeks.
Crying silently, she whispered to herself, "Everything'll be OK."