-Nine: Epilogue: Rufus-
The last time that I saw her was that night…
She was lying on the ground by the well, lifeless. Her face was smeared with tears and dirt, and I wiped those away with my own hand. I rested her head on my lap as I stared down at her lifeless form, regretting the fact that I am a ShinRa and she hated me… but one thing I'm sure, I don't regret the fact that I am a ShinRa but given that fact, I was still capable of loving someone like her even she hated me.
Some witnesses claimed that they've seen those people who had killed her.
ShinRa Soldiers.
The more I didn't want to go back to where I came from because of them and all the others who had thought of doing this to her…
No one's ever seen me cry before… that's what everyone knows about me: I don't cry.
But that night, there were several people who were unfortunate enough to see me cry… and I was also bleeding that night: my heart was bleeding for the dead girl in my arms.
We bury the dead. And when I say that, it would mean that we bury not only the literally dead bodies, but also the dead memories.
The past sins, mistakes and shortcomings we have committed.
We forget them and start a new life.
Ever since that incident, I just decided to stay in Nibelheim and live there. I don't care what others might think of me: Rufus ShinRa without the riches and all the worldly pleasures that money can buy.
Everyday, I would visit the cemetery and put red and white roses on her grave.
Of course, I still have my old acquired wealth from before, but I really don't touch it in the bank. I just add up to it with the salary that I get from my new job.
I worked hard as a bartender for three years, earning my own money… and I know it's way different from my former job as the President of ShinRa Electric Power Company… but it's worth it.
I became really close friends with Cloud, Sephiroth and Vincent, and sometimes, I would envy them whenever I visit their homes and see them with their own families and children. I'd think of the what-might-have-been and the what-could-have-been… and end up feeling so lonely and miserable once I get home.
Fine, I changed… but having a change of heart made me realize again the cruelty of life. It's been cruel to me ever since I was born, and now I wonder… when will it be kind to me?
And I realized that life isn't that bad… at least it became better when she came into my life.
The only woman I ever loved…
If only it could get better than this…
***
Rufus was on his way home from the bar one late evening. It had been three years ever since he lost the biggest part of his life.
The cold December evening breeze blew against his face and he slightly shivered at it. Latest news earlier that evening revealed to him that ShinRa finally fell apart. It didn't bother him, to his own surprise. He realized then that he's already satisfied with his current state of living.
He got the key to Tifa's house, the place where he had decided to stay ever since she died, upon reaching the front door. He opened it quickly and then just as he was about to enter, he heard someone speak to him from behind him. "Excuse me,"
He froze as his eyes widened. The voice was very familiar.
He slowly turned around and saw a young woman about his age standing there. She had long raven hair and crimson eyes; and she was wearing a red long sundress with a white cardigan. She was smiling at him lovingly.
If only the Lifestream could speak to me and give me a second chance, I would know where to go; tell you how much I really loved you and would never leave your side again…
"I just came from Costa del Sol and… I really don't have a place to stay here. I was wondering if…" she did not go on anymore.
Rufus instantly ran to her and embraced her tightly, tears falling from his eyes.
She was surprised at his reaction at first, but then she relaxed in his embrace. She leaned her head against his chest and returned his embrace as she sighed in contentment. "I'm home…" she thought silently as she slowly closed her eyes.
He looked down at her. "Please don't tell me that your name is Tiffany or anything close to that, because if you do, I wouldn't believe you." He told her with a stern but joking tone, but he was still smiling.
She opened her eyes once again and looked up at him lovingly. "Of course not. My name is Tifa. Tifa Lockheart." She told him.
With that, he took her hand and led her inside the house after watching the first few snowflakes fall down from the skies down to the ground.
`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
Winter may be harsh, but it can never freeze the loving heart.
------from the poem "Loving the Girl With the Locked Heart" by my friend, Rufus-5. =)
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-The End-
Author's Notes: Okay, in case you didn't understand that last scene, here's an explanation: She was also given another chance just like Rufus, Sephiroth, Lucrecia and Aerith before.
This fic is dedicated to my friend Rufus-5. =)