Chapter 7: Ready?
"And Mista Tseng actually talked ta me! Ain't it excitin'?" Elena squeaked, and Tifa smiled, the younger girl's enthusiasm taking a hold of her too. It seemed that Elena's crush for 'Mista Tseng' seemed to be going far more deeply than that and Tifa had a sinking suspicion it was developing into love, puppy love or the real thing. Well, whichever one in question, Tifa thought it was cute. She had never experienced love before, not even the first time she had laid eyes on Cloud Strife, and all the girls always swooned whenever his bright blue eyes glanced at one of them. However, the wealthy cattle rancher had yet to do the same to her, and Tifa suspected he never would. She gave a slight sigh, propping her chin up with her slender hands as she watched Elena, her brown eyes sparkling with bits of stars, as if every time she had been hurt by 'Mista Tseng' had faded away, just the way he said 'hello' to her healing the aches and pains of the heart. Tifa gave a slight grin, watching but not really listening to what Elena was happily blabbering about, Aeris soon joining the conversation, also listening to Elena. Both girls gave a dreamy sigh, obviously thinking the same thing.
"Oh ya three! Stop daydreamin' an' get sum work dun please." Shera chided gently, like a mother to all of the girls, who just gave slight embarrassed giggles and scattering to different corners of the bar. Tifa smiled slightly, still polishing the glasses before the usual rush of people poured in, humming a cheerful tune as she listened to Elena's and Aeris's soft chattering as they straightened chairs and tables.
It was quiet and peaceful, moments before the noon rush, and then show girls on stage were just stretching and giggling, Cid puffing contentedly on the stool of the piano, his fingers resting gently against the keys. Sunlight streamed slightly into the small wooden room, the dust rolling by outside lazily, and everything was quiet. Peaceful, unlike the contrast of the rowdy, undisciplined men, though Tifa didn't really mind that. It was better than the civilized silence she had always had since her mother died, the still and quiet that threatened to drive her insane, and the liveliness of the crowd made her feel free, happy to be alive.
Suddenly the old swinging doors swept open, and suddenly even the littlest noises stilling, as if everything was holding its breath. In strode a man who was as evilly handsome as one would expect the devil to be, his malachite eyes cold an piercing, sweeping over the tiny place, then coming to rest on Tifa, and she felt her blood freeze, her breathing stop.
His eyes were much more different than Rufus', which had made her heart beat erratically, his eyes pierced deep into her soul, delving in, as if seeing her every secret while she couldn't see anything. His moon spun locks cascaded to his waist, his build muscular, and even Tifa could see under all the brown hides he wore. It also seemed he was trying to cover most of his outfit, his cowboy hat quickly going back to covering his eyes as he sat down elegantly, all the girls' eyes following him. Tifa was sure that she even saw some of the younger girls' knees tremble. Tifa bit her lip and continued to clean the glasses as if she didn't notice the stranger.
"What'll it be?" Tifa asked, wincing a bit as she noticed she had been picking up some of the 'improper language' that her father had looked down upon. Oh well, he wasn't here, was he?
"Beer." The voice was deep and throaty, enticing and it made the shivers run through Tifa's spine. With a slight nod, she quickly poured the liquor, feeling everyone's eyes on her. She bit her lip again, not really one for everyone's attention on her. She had a sinking feeling that already ever girl in the room was smitten with this tall handsome stranger seated before her, and she would have gladly let someone else run the bar in these circumstances. Call her crazy, but she had a nagging suspicion this man wasn't here just for the drinks.
"So, what's your name sir? It's not often we're graced with strangers." Tifa said truthfully, since she practically knew all the regulars that came by, since it was the same roaring crowd every night, though Tifa had liked that. It was like a small community that everyone knew everyone, and it was kinda homey, though a bit dull after a while.
His deep green eyes turned back to her, and immediately she felt their cold gaze spill ice all over her, and goosebumps spread throughout her pale skin, and she bit her lip, still holding his gaze. She didn't want him to think that she was another woman who couldn't defend herself, that would get kidnapped easily. Tifa blinked, startled at that revelation. She had gotten kidnapped, though at least she had gone down fighting. For heaven's sakes her mother had hired an ex-marauder, a kind man by the name of Zagan, to make sure her daughter was never in one of these situations. How ironic, Tifa noted with a dreary look on her face as the man continued to stare at her piercingly. She bit her lip again, feeling very uncomfortable in this situation.
"In exchange for that information, I would like some in return." All the girls were silently pleading for Tifa to tell him anything, already their love sick gazes looking longing at the figure before her, his deep voice enchanting then, alluring them to his otherwise cold green eyes. Tifa bit her lip again, suppressing a sigh. Yuffie had always scolded her for being too nice, often saying she was like dirt. Everyone stepped all over her. Though Yuffie had been joking, Tifa could see now how this applied to her situation.
"A'ight, what would you like to know?" Tifa asked, noticing the small smirk that had spread across the man's delicate and noble features, feeling dread surge through her. Something wasn't right about him. However, all the rest of the females in the bar were already close to swooning, Aeris giving Tifa a grateful look. Suddenly he slid a frayed poster to her reach, and she blinked, looking down at the picture, putting a hand over her mouth to stifle the gasp that was ripping up her throat, but she couldn't stop her eyes from widening in shock.
Cobalt blue eyes stared back up her, even in the wanted poster making her heart skip a beat. She bit her lip as she looked back up at the man, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. She had almost forgotten. Rufus Shinra was one of the most wanted outlaws in the west, and she had almost forgotten that. She had tucked that little piece of information in the back of her mind, wanting to forget what kind of situation she was in, though it was hard to forget. That she was living with a criminal, a murder, a man with no morals. Definitely someone her father wouldn't approve of.
"You know him." It was a statement, not a question, and she could feel those cold eyes looking over her, their icy fingers brushing against her skin and making her shiver. She looked behind him, seeing that Cid was ready, his hand already above his holster, his blue eyes narrowed as his mouth was set in a grim line, his cigarette still dangling from it. It was obvious that Rufus's fellow outlaw had been listening also, and didn't like the way things were turning out. If Tifa didn't do something quickly, it would turn into a massacre, and even the girls who were once enchanted by the deep voice and alluring eyes were shivering slightly in fear as they started backing away.
"Of course I do." Everyone tensed, the girls and Cid looking up at her as if she had betrayed them, while the stranger looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. The signs of a small smirk still lingered on his lips. "He's Rufus Shinra, one of the most wanted outlaws in the west. Don't everyone know him?" Tifa asked, while the girls and Cid breathed a slight sigh of relief, Cid's hand going away from his gun, while the stranger's smirk turned into a frown, though he hid it. Tifa smiled inwardly. Take that! She wasn't another push over girl that would let someone intimidate her with fear.
"I see." Was all he said, getting up and setting gil on the table, his back turning to her as he turned to go out of the bar, though Tifa found her voice, halting him.
"Sir, you promised to tell me your name for my information. I believe that a man's word still holds firm in this day?" Tifa asked sweetly, the others looking at her like she was crazy, though Tifa said nothing, her eyes still narrowed as she glared at the man's back, which had stiffened. To her surprise, he gave a slight chuckle, deep and somewhat beautiful, haunting as if it would linger here, and his back relaxed a bit.
"I suppose it was rude of me. Sephiroth. My name is Sephiroth." With that, he disappeared, leaving everyone, including the ever-ready-to-voice-his- opinions-by-cussing Cid Highwind speechless.
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"Sir!" Rufus turned his gaze away from his window, turning to see Elena and Tifa, both panting as if they had run a long way from the bar to his office, and he raised an eyebrow. Beside him, both Vincent and Tseng stiffened, their hands instinctively going to their guns.
"Yes?" Rufus asked calmly, turning his gaze to Tifa, who bit her lip nervously, ringing her hands on her dress. She looked him straight in the eye, something not many people could do for an extended period of time. He was instantly pulled into her innocence, her trusting, her kindness, the feeling of wine colored honey dripping down onto him, warm and sweet. Just as suddenly, he was back into his room when she blinked, giving a slight sigh.
"We think the sheriff's after ya!" Elena squeaked, her brown eyes distressed, as for once, she looked at him, and not behind him to see Tseng. Rufus arched an eyebrow, not sure why it was so distressing. Plenty of sheriffs had come after him before, and had been meet with Vincent or Tseng's gun to their foreheads, or, if they really were a challenge, faced Rufus himself and lost. Just because he had other people to do his dirty work didn't mean Rufus couldn't do it himself. He had made a name for himself, by himself, and his age didn't matter either. He was just as brutal and heartless as either Tseng or Vincent.
His arched eyebrow spoke enough for him, and Tifa gave a slight groan, shaking her head as if they were all doomed. Tifa Lockheart was truly a unique woman, since after all, most of them didn't know how to defend themselves, not to mention that most of them feared or respected him, thought ninety nine percent of the time it was both. But Tifa was unusual. She didn't succumb to his threats, his cold glares. She just looked at him and stuck out her chin and talked right back to him as if he was a simple farmer, as if he wasn't one of the most dangerous and wanted outlaws in the west, and that had intrigued him, much to Tseng's distain.
"It's Sephiroth! Surely you know him!" Tifa gave a slight cry, her face scrunched up with worry, startling Rufus for a moment, though he hid it well. She was worried for him? Rufus gave a slight smirk, flipping his bangs back for a moment, impressed. He couldn't understand this girl at all, and maybe she was the challenge he needed.
Then her words sunk into his skin, making his eyes narrow a bit angrily. Sephiroth, the great mighty sheriff that was feared among all outlaws because he had always been able to catch whomever he felt like. It was like a sport for him, and he only went after the biggest and the worst because that's what his reputation was built upon. Rufus knew it had only been a matter of time before the green-eyed monster would turn his gaze over to him. He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, as if this news weren't bothering him, though he knew he would have to spend some more time back in training, not just lazing around.
"Rufus?" He turned his gaze to Tseng, whose black eyes pierced deeply into his, obviously knowing what he was thinking. Tseng was like his father, someone he could respect and trust a little more than others, since the dark haired man and his brother had always been loyal to him. He couldn't remember a time when Tseng wasn't by his side.
"Ms. Lockheart, I have a favor to ask of you." There was a smirk on his lips as he turned back to Tifa, who was eyeing him somewhat wearily.
"What kind of favor?" She asked suspiciously, her hands on her shapely hips, and he inwardly licked his lips in apprehension. Maybe she was the challenge he needed. So he spoke before Tseng could reject, since Rufus knew he would.
"I would like you to meet me back here in three hours. Be prepared for some combat." With that, he dismissed both girls, feeling Tseng's glare on his back.
"That was unwise." Tseng hissed, almost going into his southern drawl, which meant even Vincent couldn't save him, and Rufus raised an eyebrow, turning back to his comrade with a slight smirk on his face. It was his world, as he had told Tifa, and he ruled it. No one, not even the great Sephiroth, could stop him.
~*Author's Notes*~ Yea! Sephiroth! *sighs dreamily* Now you know why I made it Zack instead of Sephiroth. I had a hard time thinking Zack could be a sheriff, but hey, whatever. Constructive criticism is always welcome! Oh, soda_cola_pop? When are you going to update? Do it now please! *grins* Well, anyway, actually, I think Wanderlust means the desire to travel, or something, but I thought it sounded nice, and I needed a title. ( No real reason for that. Anyway, please read and review, m'kay? Oh, the fighting/sparring/whatever thing. You didn't think I put Tifa knew martial arts in there for no apparent reason, did ya?
"And Mista Tseng actually talked ta me! Ain't it excitin'?" Elena squeaked, and Tifa smiled, the younger girl's enthusiasm taking a hold of her too. It seemed that Elena's crush for 'Mista Tseng' seemed to be going far more deeply than that and Tifa had a sinking suspicion it was developing into love, puppy love or the real thing. Well, whichever one in question, Tifa thought it was cute. She had never experienced love before, not even the first time she had laid eyes on Cloud Strife, and all the girls always swooned whenever his bright blue eyes glanced at one of them. However, the wealthy cattle rancher had yet to do the same to her, and Tifa suspected he never would. She gave a slight sigh, propping her chin up with her slender hands as she watched Elena, her brown eyes sparkling with bits of stars, as if every time she had been hurt by 'Mista Tseng' had faded away, just the way he said 'hello' to her healing the aches and pains of the heart. Tifa gave a slight grin, watching but not really listening to what Elena was happily blabbering about, Aeris soon joining the conversation, also listening to Elena. Both girls gave a dreamy sigh, obviously thinking the same thing.
"Oh ya three! Stop daydreamin' an' get sum work dun please." Shera chided gently, like a mother to all of the girls, who just gave slight embarrassed giggles and scattering to different corners of the bar. Tifa smiled slightly, still polishing the glasses before the usual rush of people poured in, humming a cheerful tune as she listened to Elena's and Aeris's soft chattering as they straightened chairs and tables.
It was quiet and peaceful, moments before the noon rush, and then show girls on stage were just stretching and giggling, Cid puffing contentedly on the stool of the piano, his fingers resting gently against the keys. Sunlight streamed slightly into the small wooden room, the dust rolling by outside lazily, and everything was quiet. Peaceful, unlike the contrast of the rowdy, undisciplined men, though Tifa didn't really mind that. It was better than the civilized silence she had always had since her mother died, the still and quiet that threatened to drive her insane, and the liveliness of the crowd made her feel free, happy to be alive.
Suddenly the old swinging doors swept open, and suddenly even the littlest noises stilling, as if everything was holding its breath. In strode a man who was as evilly handsome as one would expect the devil to be, his malachite eyes cold an piercing, sweeping over the tiny place, then coming to rest on Tifa, and she felt her blood freeze, her breathing stop.
His eyes were much more different than Rufus', which had made her heart beat erratically, his eyes pierced deep into her soul, delving in, as if seeing her every secret while she couldn't see anything. His moon spun locks cascaded to his waist, his build muscular, and even Tifa could see under all the brown hides he wore. It also seemed he was trying to cover most of his outfit, his cowboy hat quickly going back to covering his eyes as he sat down elegantly, all the girls' eyes following him. Tifa was sure that she even saw some of the younger girls' knees tremble. Tifa bit her lip and continued to clean the glasses as if she didn't notice the stranger.
"What'll it be?" Tifa asked, wincing a bit as she noticed she had been picking up some of the 'improper language' that her father had looked down upon. Oh well, he wasn't here, was he?
"Beer." The voice was deep and throaty, enticing and it made the shivers run through Tifa's spine. With a slight nod, she quickly poured the liquor, feeling everyone's eyes on her. She bit her lip again, not really one for everyone's attention on her. She had a sinking feeling that already ever girl in the room was smitten with this tall handsome stranger seated before her, and she would have gladly let someone else run the bar in these circumstances. Call her crazy, but she had a nagging suspicion this man wasn't here just for the drinks.
"So, what's your name sir? It's not often we're graced with strangers." Tifa said truthfully, since she practically knew all the regulars that came by, since it was the same roaring crowd every night, though Tifa had liked that. It was like a small community that everyone knew everyone, and it was kinda homey, though a bit dull after a while.
His deep green eyes turned back to her, and immediately she felt their cold gaze spill ice all over her, and goosebumps spread throughout her pale skin, and she bit her lip, still holding his gaze. She didn't want him to think that she was another woman who couldn't defend herself, that would get kidnapped easily. Tifa blinked, startled at that revelation. She had gotten kidnapped, though at least she had gone down fighting. For heaven's sakes her mother had hired an ex-marauder, a kind man by the name of Zagan, to make sure her daughter was never in one of these situations. How ironic, Tifa noted with a dreary look on her face as the man continued to stare at her piercingly. She bit her lip again, feeling very uncomfortable in this situation.
"In exchange for that information, I would like some in return." All the girls were silently pleading for Tifa to tell him anything, already their love sick gazes looking longing at the figure before her, his deep voice enchanting then, alluring them to his otherwise cold green eyes. Tifa bit her lip again, suppressing a sigh. Yuffie had always scolded her for being too nice, often saying she was like dirt. Everyone stepped all over her. Though Yuffie had been joking, Tifa could see now how this applied to her situation.
"A'ight, what would you like to know?" Tifa asked, noticing the small smirk that had spread across the man's delicate and noble features, feeling dread surge through her. Something wasn't right about him. However, all the rest of the females in the bar were already close to swooning, Aeris giving Tifa a grateful look. Suddenly he slid a frayed poster to her reach, and she blinked, looking down at the picture, putting a hand over her mouth to stifle the gasp that was ripping up her throat, but she couldn't stop her eyes from widening in shock.
Cobalt blue eyes stared back up her, even in the wanted poster making her heart skip a beat. She bit her lip as she looked back up at the man, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. She had almost forgotten. Rufus Shinra was one of the most wanted outlaws in the west, and she had almost forgotten that. She had tucked that little piece of information in the back of her mind, wanting to forget what kind of situation she was in, though it was hard to forget. That she was living with a criminal, a murder, a man with no morals. Definitely someone her father wouldn't approve of.
"You know him." It was a statement, not a question, and she could feel those cold eyes looking over her, their icy fingers brushing against her skin and making her shiver. She looked behind him, seeing that Cid was ready, his hand already above his holster, his blue eyes narrowed as his mouth was set in a grim line, his cigarette still dangling from it. It was obvious that Rufus's fellow outlaw had been listening also, and didn't like the way things were turning out. If Tifa didn't do something quickly, it would turn into a massacre, and even the girls who were once enchanted by the deep voice and alluring eyes were shivering slightly in fear as they started backing away.
"Of course I do." Everyone tensed, the girls and Cid looking up at her as if she had betrayed them, while the stranger looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. The signs of a small smirk still lingered on his lips. "He's Rufus Shinra, one of the most wanted outlaws in the west. Don't everyone know him?" Tifa asked, while the girls and Cid breathed a slight sigh of relief, Cid's hand going away from his gun, while the stranger's smirk turned into a frown, though he hid it. Tifa smiled inwardly. Take that! She wasn't another push over girl that would let someone intimidate her with fear.
"I see." Was all he said, getting up and setting gil on the table, his back turning to her as he turned to go out of the bar, though Tifa found her voice, halting him.
"Sir, you promised to tell me your name for my information. I believe that a man's word still holds firm in this day?" Tifa asked sweetly, the others looking at her like she was crazy, though Tifa said nothing, her eyes still narrowed as she glared at the man's back, which had stiffened. To her surprise, he gave a slight chuckle, deep and somewhat beautiful, haunting as if it would linger here, and his back relaxed a bit.
"I suppose it was rude of me. Sephiroth. My name is Sephiroth." With that, he disappeared, leaving everyone, including the ever-ready-to-voice-his- opinions-by-cussing Cid Highwind speechless.
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"Sir!" Rufus turned his gaze away from his window, turning to see Elena and Tifa, both panting as if they had run a long way from the bar to his office, and he raised an eyebrow. Beside him, both Vincent and Tseng stiffened, their hands instinctively going to their guns.
"Yes?" Rufus asked calmly, turning his gaze to Tifa, who bit her lip nervously, ringing her hands on her dress. She looked him straight in the eye, something not many people could do for an extended period of time. He was instantly pulled into her innocence, her trusting, her kindness, the feeling of wine colored honey dripping down onto him, warm and sweet. Just as suddenly, he was back into his room when she blinked, giving a slight sigh.
"We think the sheriff's after ya!" Elena squeaked, her brown eyes distressed, as for once, she looked at him, and not behind him to see Tseng. Rufus arched an eyebrow, not sure why it was so distressing. Plenty of sheriffs had come after him before, and had been meet with Vincent or Tseng's gun to their foreheads, or, if they really were a challenge, faced Rufus himself and lost. Just because he had other people to do his dirty work didn't mean Rufus couldn't do it himself. He had made a name for himself, by himself, and his age didn't matter either. He was just as brutal and heartless as either Tseng or Vincent.
His arched eyebrow spoke enough for him, and Tifa gave a slight groan, shaking her head as if they were all doomed. Tifa Lockheart was truly a unique woman, since after all, most of them didn't know how to defend themselves, not to mention that most of them feared or respected him, thought ninety nine percent of the time it was both. But Tifa was unusual. She didn't succumb to his threats, his cold glares. She just looked at him and stuck out her chin and talked right back to him as if he was a simple farmer, as if he wasn't one of the most dangerous and wanted outlaws in the west, and that had intrigued him, much to Tseng's distain.
"It's Sephiroth! Surely you know him!" Tifa gave a slight cry, her face scrunched up with worry, startling Rufus for a moment, though he hid it well. She was worried for him? Rufus gave a slight smirk, flipping his bangs back for a moment, impressed. He couldn't understand this girl at all, and maybe she was the challenge he needed.
Then her words sunk into his skin, making his eyes narrow a bit angrily. Sephiroth, the great mighty sheriff that was feared among all outlaws because he had always been able to catch whomever he felt like. It was like a sport for him, and he only went after the biggest and the worst because that's what his reputation was built upon. Rufus knew it had only been a matter of time before the green-eyed monster would turn his gaze over to him. He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, as if this news weren't bothering him, though he knew he would have to spend some more time back in training, not just lazing around.
"Rufus?" He turned his gaze to Tseng, whose black eyes pierced deeply into his, obviously knowing what he was thinking. Tseng was like his father, someone he could respect and trust a little more than others, since the dark haired man and his brother had always been loyal to him. He couldn't remember a time when Tseng wasn't by his side.
"Ms. Lockheart, I have a favor to ask of you." There was a smirk on his lips as he turned back to Tifa, who was eyeing him somewhat wearily.
"What kind of favor?" She asked suspiciously, her hands on her shapely hips, and he inwardly licked his lips in apprehension. Maybe she was the challenge he needed. So he spoke before Tseng could reject, since Rufus knew he would.
"I would like you to meet me back here in three hours. Be prepared for some combat." With that, he dismissed both girls, feeling Tseng's glare on his back.
"That was unwise." Tseng hissed, almost going into his southern drawl, which meant even Vincent couldn't save him, and Rufus raised an eyebrow, turning back to his comrade with a slight smirk on his face. It was his world, as he had told Tifa, and he ruled it. No one, not even the great Sephiroth, could stop him.
~*Author's Notes*~ Yea! Sephiroth! *sighs dreamily* Now you know why I made it Zack instead of Sephiroth. I had a hard time thinking Zack could be a sheriff, but hey, whatever. Constructive criticism is always welcome! Oh, soda_cola_pop? When are you going to update? Do it now please! *grins* Well, anyway, actually, I think Wanderlust means the desire to travel, or something, but I thought it sounded nice, and I needed a title. ( No real reason for that. Anyway, please read and review, m'kay? Oh, the fighting/sparring/whatever thing. You didn't think I put Tifa knew martial arts in there for no apparent reason, did ya?