Disclaimers: Final Fantasy VII © under Square-Enix, as well all other Final Fantasy references. Everything else under their respective owners.
Through Forest and Grove
Jason M. Lee
Chapter 7: That Which I Yearn...
"It has been awhile, hasn't it?"
Silence.
A soft giggle. "Still the same, I see."
Shock.
"Oh, relax now. I'm fine. See?"
Some mumbling, voice embarrassed.
"What was that?"
"I think I want to be forgiven!"
Several petals danced as a breeze flew by, catching and tossing her caramel locks.
"Yeah... I want to be forgiven..."
"Forgiven? I never blamed you."
"But I let you died..."
"You came, at the most. I'm grateful for that." Teasing and gentle at the same time.
"...you're happy here, are you?"
Bending of flowers as footsteps moved. "Sometimes, sometimes not."
"Eh?"
"I miss being with you... all of you. The time we spent together... Tifa, Yuffie, Vincent... I miss everyone, even Elmyra."
"Yet..."
A twirl of hair and leaves, dancing in the wind.
"I have them and that's enough for me. I'm happy that we were all able to meet at some point in our lives."
A low chuckle as a heavy hand clapped him on the shoulder from behind.
"You two better patch things up with your old man. Both of you will have to, sooner or later."
The younger man gave a scowl, fist clenching.
"How am I supposed to forgive that bas--" What he wanted to say was quickly changed considering she was present; appropriate among others but not around people like her. "--THAT MAN! Even he agrees to it as well! Leaving us and not being there when we needed him the most... Sometimes, I wish I had never wanted to meet him!
"Now, I have to deal with this awareness that seems to excite me, like the anticipation before a good fight. Yet at the same time, I'm afraid of those same feelings because I've never felt them before in my entire life. I don't know what to do anymore."
A knowing smile as heavy boots moved over to join the smaller figure.
"The poor guy hasn't forgiven himself when he found out ever since." Rough and temperate chiding, as well understanding. "At least give him that much credit for even bothering to find you guys. As for yourself, you'll eventually work it out."
"But..."
"You'll also have to learn to forgive yourself first. Learn to forgive him and learn to forgive yourselves." Gentle fingers briefly touched his cheek and then drew away. "Stay with her and you'll discover more. Send them my regards as well, dear friend."
The petals swirled about until the other two disappeared, leaving behind conflicting emotions.
x x x x x x x
"I saw Aerith."
Tifa nearly dropped her clipboard in surprise. It had been nearly two weeks since their conversation regarding his biological father. That case still wasn't quite resolved, given the blonde's occasional stubborn nature.
"Wh-what?"
Cloud scratched his nose before covering a sneeze. Well-kept outside, the Wutai restaurant-bar can say that much but a locker fridge is still the same. Cold enough to freeze your butt off or to rival the Northern Continent if someone played with the settings.
"As well Zack."
Arms hugged the clipboard, hope, anxiousness, and several more feelings dancing about.
"How-- Is she-- Are they--"
A rueful sigh as he leaned against the wall.
"She's happy with Zack and her parents, but she's sad since that she couldn't stay with us. Oh yeah, Aerith also says hi."
The martial artist nodded, reassured before returning back to her list. Jealousy had flared a little but it was overshadowed by relief, glad that her "older sister" was in peace. One couldn't really hate Aerith Gainsborough; there was something about her that could make even Barett and Cid tone down their language.
"It's funny, really. Remember our final battle?"
She paused checking off the boxes, baffled.
"When we were fighting Sephiroth," he continued slowly, shuffling through the chilly mist. "You were standing in front of me, protecting me. You also said that I'll be able to stand."
"I wasn't thinking at the time," Tifa confessed, embarrassment coloring her face.
"Before that blast hit us, I kinda blacked out for a moment. Aerith then showed up. I was on the ground, chains holding me like the helplessness pressing down on me."
Their breaths came out in small puffs upon contacting the cold air. Tifa waited, knowing how important this was to him and not giving a damn how freezing it is.
"She held her hand out, asking if I need help. At that point, I wanted to take it but I didn't."
"Why?" 'Be still, my fluttering heart.'
A small smile that always relaxed her as they left the locker, shedding the heavy jackets.
"The chains broke and I was able to stand by myself. That was because of you. I still had you on my mind, even though Aerith was there. She smiled and told me good luck."
"Cloud..."
Calloused fingers stroked her pale cheek warmly, lips ghosting over dark coffee hair. Wine orbs half closed at the touch, savoring the intimate contact. 'Warm... He isn't that cold anymore...'
"Not just on my mind, in my heart as well. You were my sealed up secret, my wish that no one ever knew back then. Tender memories I've always hid since childhood. The promise made back at the well and kept thrice in our lifetime. The answers found inside you when we fell into the Lifestream back at Mideel during my coma. Fits your name, doesn't it? 'Lockheart'?"
Their breaths seemed intermingled as her heart felt like it was about to explode from his close proximity. A hint of ozone, like that of after a lightning strike, and summer rain coming from him tickled her nose.
"Tifa! We need some help up here!"
Letting out a groan, said bar tender tossed an apologetic glance at him, which he chuckled at. The martial artist moved to leave but strong hands caught her shoulders.
"Clo--"
He gently captured her mouth for what seemed to stretch from a mere moment to eternity. Mind-blowing or exploding wasn't the correct description; soulful and deep was more apt. Comparable to listening to the sounds of Nature while deep in meditation. He nipped her lightly on the nose and disappeared as if the wind with half-lidded eyes.
Tifa was left breathless and flushed, long fingers touching the tingling sensation that stayed behind on her lips. It was as if someone from inside of him had decided to come out for a moment, if those darkened Mako sapphire were any indication.
'I wonder if I'll ever see that again. It surprised me but at the same time, I felt... safe.'
A shout from the front immediately brought her back to reality but the redness faded only a bit. She doubt that it wouldn't be long before Yuffie found out, not that the older woman really mind. Bliss laced her mind and a spring in her step as she left the back.
x x x x x x x
"Oi, Spike. What are you doing bashing your head against the wall?"
"...stupid..."
"You do know that priest-lady's gonna make ya patch it up when she finds out."
"Shut up, Reno."
x x x x x x x
Godo's hand twitched as he walked to his office with Reno in tow. The elder Kisaragi now wished that he hadn't been such an idiot after the War. Dealing with warriors and soldiers on the battlefield was no problem. Dealing with young adults in marriage situations as well with changing laws, that's another thing.
Reaching the spacious room, Yuffie's father gestured the quiet man a seat as a servant brought in a tray onto the chabudai. While the tea was being served, he noted that the red-haired Turk was attentive to their surroundings. 'Smart boy. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.'
The teacup was placed onto the saucer with a loud clink, catching Reno's attention immediately.
"The questions I ask, I want you to answer truthfully."
'Oh, goody. Dear-old daddy wanting to protect his little girl. At least he hasn't pulled out his katana... yet. Time to switch from Cocky to Business. Man, I REALLY hate these kind of meetings.' A concentrated air replaced the jovial demeanor. "Yes, sir."
"While I know that the relationship between Wutai and ShinRa had always been... tremulous, both Reeve and I still have hope."
A scrutinizing look, causing Reno to feel like he was being examined by Tseng.
"I haven't completely given my blessings on your engagement to my daughter--"
'Princess' gonna be pissed. ... ...What the fuck did I just think?'
"--however, I will allow this to continue and see how things develop."
'...say what?'
Smirking at the Turk's confusion, Godo stood up and went over to a black/silver falcon perched on a thick branch. Rough fingers stroked the tethered raptor, a soft "cree" emitting from the bird as she fluffed its feathers. Small but fast, like lightning if it was ever set loose on a target.
"Whereas this is another 'father to future son-in-law' talk in your opinion, I am merely doing my job to the best of my extent."
'How many times have I been in something like this? Oh, wait, never had. Well, okay, some interrogations here and there...'
"Explain yourself clearly, why should I not kill you for that wheel tattoo found on my daughter after you bought her back? Half-way inebriated, might I add?" Godo snapped, switching into angry-father mode mixed with that of a general.
Reno wasn't the type of person to panic easily but as they say, there's always a first time.
'CRAP! Crapcrapcrap...'
x x x x x x x
/Yuffie was partially drunk and at the same time had been acting quite childishly. Flailing her arms about and singing some odd song that involved alcohol and... Castanets? He couldn't quite get the Wutaiese but figured it was some sort of drinking game, given the pacing.
"'--who should drink? Two and two, you drink first!'" the Kisaragi sung drunkenly, almost flipping herself out of Reno's arms. One stray hand smacked him on the side of the head.
"Ompf! Could you just stay still, brat?"
Unfocused lavender eyes stared up at the scarred face, then she giggled like a schoolgirl. Her finger began tracing circles on his chest, which he didn't really mind. He preferred to be breathing, thank you very much.
"You look cute when--hic--you look like your hair, Turkey," Yuffie breathed quietly, dancing the slender digits around.
Bright sea-green widened slightly, not expecting that comment out of her mouth (in which a part of his mind sang "Cute lips!" but got smashed down). Curses and death threats, yes but actual compliments from a once-enemy-turned-ally-TURNED-possible-fiancée?
"Bet you get that a lot, Turkey," she continued, resting her head against his shoulder. "From all those girls you hang out with..."
Reno shifted his arms to resettle her weight, snorting softly. "Nah. The most I'd get would be something else."
"Like wha?"
A small grin. "You wouldn't want to hear it."
"Try me," Yuffie muttered, hiccupping again.
He whispered into her right ear and when the Turk drew back, the kunoichi's blush had returned full force.
"Grossness! Oh, gawd. I should never had asked you! Thanks a bunch, Turk-boy. Now I'm gonna be scarred for life."
At that, Reno's grin immediately disappeared and his face darkened. Yuffie felt guilty after realizing what she just said.
"Sumimasen, Turkey. I get like this when I drink too much." A humorless laugh left her lips. Although she couldn't handle her alcohol too well, her body processed it a little faster. Yet, lowered inhibitions and lack of judgment remained the usual result. 'Baka. That outta teach ya to drown your frustrations next time.'
"Forget it, princess," the crimson-haired assassin rumbled in his chest. The unbidden memories mixed with that unknown factor had lashed out, reopening some old wounds. He had to fight for control over his feelings that were surging about, one in particular that reached out toward the kunoichi.
This time, she had the sensibility to keep her mouth shut.
Mercifully, the remainder of the trip was peaceful and the only persons at the Kisaragi estate were the servants. Most of which gave Reno odd stares but kept silent and mainly bowed at them. The Guardians and Godo were thankfully attending more conferences on the other side of the globe.
Reaching Yuffie's room, there was an awkward moment between the two as Reno gently set the ninja down.
"Well..." the Turk started, glancing at anything BUT her. Wutaian weapons decorated one wall in a glass-display, shining from excellent care. Mahogany was fashioned into a sturdy desk bearing one of the latest computers, including scattered paper work. A bulletin board held a Midgar/Wutai calendar surrounded by various notes and random pictures of almost the entire crew. One especially caught his eye and he moved closer to get a better look.
"Haa?"
It was a shot where someone had caught them during Cid and Shera's outdoor wedding. Both Reno and Yuffie were lightly dozing back-to-back underneath a large tree, looking quite content. The youngest AVALANCHE member had been teased mercilessly by both Tifa and Elena when they found out. However, all three females made sure that the photo didn't make it to the press for obvious reasons.
"Oh, that one." Yuffie wobbled closer, holding onto his arm to steady herself. "Godo finally found out and we had a pretty long one over it. He did calm down eventually and never bothered me about the damn picture ever since."
"Feh. That's a relief."
"So... yer gonna take up my offer?"
He raised an eyebrow. That had been spontaneous.
"What if I don't?"
She shrugged indifferently, as if not caring of her feelings on the unwanted marriage.
"Probably run away to live with Tifa. Maybe go wandering around like Vinnie. Either those options, or I'll just live away here as an old maid."
Reno continued looking at the picture, trying to ignore the alien sensation inside. It alarmed him, yet felt somewhat natural.
"And what if I do accept?"
Yuffie blinked, not expecting THAT response. Then, she laughed quietly a bit.
Cocky, overbearing at times, a slacker, flirt and other things Reno is but she still wanted to know more. Learn beyond the rumors and the image settled onto him. See underneath the mask he had erected, finding out who the man truly is. From the few things Cloud leaked out, the older brother was just as human as they were (IF both men were fully human to begin with).
"Then I suppose you'll have to put up with stuffy traditions (which I am SO going to change one of these days), as well old geezers who have been living underneath rocks far too long. Not to mention some of my bad habits or the Guardians' over-protectiveness."
To that, Reno chuckled, knowing first hand the retainers' duties and nature.
The redness had by now faded to a pink tinge, a smile that was somewhat nostalgic. "They may be a bit overbearing but, they mean well. I mainly grew up as a boy, learning shinobi stuff and all that, as well wanting to rebuild Wutai. Never got the time to think about anything else (you know about the whole Sephiroth mess). And now..."
Here, the kunoichi hesitated, her breathe catching a hitch. He waited, struggling to keep the new feelings in check.
"I think I'm falling and I can't seem to climb back up," came out in a very soft and shaky whisper.
Something snapped.
As if attacked by a Bandersnatch, sharp pain exploded on the right side of her neck. The Kisaragi heir was aware of strong fingers that were gripping her shoulders, as well the faint scent of iron/copper drifting in the air. Aggressive possessiveness and gentle protectiveness mixed in a whirlwind that was almost tangible, confusing her even further.
The last thing Yuffie saw was bright aquamarine streaked with gold before the Sleep spell took full effect./
x x x x x x x
'I don't know what came over me.' He could still taste her sweet blood on his tongue, as well smell the tinge of jasmine from her hair.
"Is... Is Yuffie alright?" Reno spoke quietly. 'Almost two years. Have I changed that much? Over a girl--young lady who always got on my nerves yet intrigues me at the same time? Am I being defeated by my memories if I stayed that way?'
Godo's gray eyes widened in surprise, since this was the very first time he has ever heard the Turk use the future Lady of Wutai's name. When the elder Kisaragi had asked the rest of AVALANCHE, they all said that the redhead often used nicknames which riled up their youngest member. Same thing applied from an amused Reeve over the PHS.
"She's well, confused but fine. In fact, my daughter seems to find the fact that she has a tattoo quite, 'cool', as to quote. A free one, if her gleefulness is any indication."
From the older man's tone, he wasn't all that angry. Just a little annoyed.
"Thank you, sir. So, do I still keep my head?" A small grin escaped the younger man's lips.
"Hmph." Large hands pushed the windows open, allowing fresh air to flow in. "I expect you to treat my daughter with at least some respect. If not, you'll find that death would be more preferable." 'Watch over my treasure.'
Reno was shocked for several moments, turquoise staring at the back of dark blue robes. As the news slowly settled in, a look of relief came onto his face, his head dropping to that similar of a head-bow. 'I'll watch her with my life.'
A knock on the fusuma revealed a very intimidated servant standing before the ever quiet Vincent. Noting the younger Turk, the gunman gave a brief nod. Reno saw the dismissing gesture and returned a salute at the ex-Turk before bowing to Godo and leaving. He had some questions for THAT MAN.
A breeze gently rang the fuurin from the eave outside the window as both older men shared the silence over chrysanthemum tea. Vincent idly looked around the room, crimson eyes taking in what had changed and what was moved. Godo released a deep sigh, staring at his wavering reflection.
"How many years has it been?"
"Nearly thirty-one years."
"I thought my father forbid you to return to Wutai."
"Only after I have atoned for my sins."
"Did you?"
"...yes."
"In some form or another."
"You could put it that way."
"Then, I welcome you back."
"That easily?" Caution, wariness. 'Even with my demons?'
Silk and cotton rustled in a helpless and tired shrug.
"Times are changing, Valentine. Traditions must be altered if our culture is to survive. If we stayed the same now, no progress will ever be made in the future. Yuffie opened my eyes to that since your group came here more than one year ago. I cannot follow the council's demands forever and Leviathan may as well damn me should I allow something like the War to happen again." 'Too many mistakes I have made, far too many.'
A quirk of pale lips, close to a smile.
"No need to welcome me back, as much as I have been holding this hope. I already have a place and I am not quite ready to settle down."
"Then accept my offer as your secondary home, Vincent-joukei... Elder cousin." 'Family is family. I will not lose any more. And as a gift for many times missed birthday.'
Surprise showed in the other man's eyes, and then, a gracious bow with his head nearly touching the tatami. Even the demons were touched and for once, they stayed extremely quiet.
A/N: Tifa shielding Cloud from FF7/FF8 doujinshi Asche zu Asche by "Gee" ShirowMiwa ("ashes to ashes" in German, according to a friend). Several lines from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
Jackie Chan's Shanghai Noon reference for some fans on the drinking song. -smiles sardonically- Family relationships in Asia are FUN.
Feedback appreciated.
