Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII with the characters, items, places, etc. are the property of Square Enix, Inc. No infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Prompt for Endless Summer 2021 for the CloTi-Zerith Week on Tumblr/Twitter. I had this story in my head for almost two months now, and decided to write it for the Alternative Prompt: Favorite Trope for the July 3rd prompt. I wasn't sure about starting a new story, let alone a Regency Romance AU, but I was so inspired by the Bridgerton series on Netflix.
And I will reiterate that again. The story is inspired by Bridgerton but how Cloud and Tifa end up together, or how the story unfolds, will not be the same. I hope you enjoy this period drama piece for Cloud and Tifa, as well as Zack and Aerith!
Much thanks to both my beta readers: Our Lady Muffin and mayelisa from AO3 for the support. The beautiful cover art was illustrated by the lovely Hyoukane on Tumblr/Twitter.
The title of the story was inspired by Utada Hikaru's song "Be My Last".
-. Be My Last .-
Chapter I: An Unexpected Attachment
The carriage door closed behind her while Tifa took her seat on the plush ivory cushion across from her mother. The Dowager Viscountess Thea Lockhart was quite pleased with the events at the debutante's ceremony at the castle from the early afternoon. The new season was starting and her mother had worried that her delayed debut would affect her prospects, but quite the contrary. Her Majesty, Queen Minerva, was astonished by Tifa's exquisite beauty. All the girls were to wear white for the ceremony, which only exemplified the features of her dark curls and vermillion eyes. Her silk dress was heavily embellished with metallic beads and rhinestones, shaped into dazzling stars, from her cap sleeves to the hem of her skirt. She still felt exposed while wearing it, even if the neckline wasn't as risque compared to the other ladies, but the daring ensemble paid off.
Tifa stayed perfectly still while bowing before Her Royal Highness. Presented by her mother, she walked graciously down the aisle inside the crowded chamber. The Queen's gloved hand came under her chin, propping her head up to be further inspected. There was a twinkle in Queen Minerva's sapphire eyes, then she smirked.
"Flawless, my dear," the blonde Royal proclaimed. She leaned forward to kiss Tifa's forehead, cupping her cheeks, to give her the highest blessing of the season.
Was she to be the 'Diamond of the First Water' this year? Tifa could hardly believe it but did not waver as the Queen paced back to her throne. She took another step back to join with her mother in a shared curtsy. "Did that truly just happen?" she whispered to her mother.
"Keep smiling," Thea quietly instructed. "All eyes are on you, now more than ever."
"Your mother certainly knows best, doesn't she?" Thea flipped out her fan just as the carriage started to pull away. "And to think you were going to wear a simple silk piece. I would allow no such thing for a Lockhart girl."
"You were right, Mama," Tifa nodded, her hands folded in her lap. She wanted to be careful with her delayed debut to society but her mother would hear nothing of it and had the modiste use their finest stitchery for this moment. She didn't want to trouble Aerith at the dress shop, but the seamstress only hushed her and went along with her mother's whims. Tifa grew anxious that the gown would be too much and Aerith was only doing it to indulge Thea for her own gain. The tradesperson had a lot to strive for in her position with her secretive relationship with the eldest Lockhart, Zack. One that the family kept private from the public eye to support the couple.
"Do not fret, Tifa. I will make it to your liking as well as have you absolutely sparkle before Her Majesty," Aerith reassured her. "You will only need one season to be matched with my needlework." The chestnut-haired girl winked to Tifa in the mirror, quashing her fears.
"It's a good thing I booked Aerith ahead for the whole season. She held to her promise to make you sparkle, but to be bestowed the 'Diamond of the First Water' from Queen Minerva today—money well spent! That girl is marvelous with her work and I owe her so much now."
"Enough to let her come over for dinner?" Tifa inquired. She knew the nature of her dear brother's affair, so she wanted to give him good news when they reached the house.
"It's a possibility," her mother's eyes softened to the topic. "I don't want her to be too distracted to not work on your dresses. You must have a new gown for each ball. But this one you will wear for tonight's ball since you were already presented to Her Majesty with it," Thea explained. "I do like the girl, but society works against women too much. I can only work around the ways to ensure everyone's future. Being blessed with three daughters after a son changes priorities."
"But Aerith was once nobility herself. She only works to keep her wealth intake with what happened after her father's passing."
"I know that, but society doesn't. If Zack married before you and your sisters ever find husbands, that only sets up your prospects. It's a different world for women." Thea sighed, picking up the speed of her fan due to the summer heat. "I want you all to find happiness, but Zack just has to be patient."
It was a precarious situation for Aerith and Zack. Finding true love in this era was rare, but by society's standards, the two were on complete opposite ends. Aerith was once the daughter of a Baron, but he had unpaid gambling debts upon his heart attack five years ago. After handing over the deed to the house, she took her savings and what was to be her dowry to set up a boutique. Now it is the most sought-after dress stop in Midgar. With the adjoining flower shop she invested in, she wouldn't have to rely on any man to survive in this world. But Zack became smitten with the young entrepreneur a few years ago and was set on making her his wife. What her mother presumed to be just a man sowing his wild oats was in reality a true love story. She was shocked at first, but became sympathetic for the two. Thea vowed to sponsor Aerith's return to society given her ties, but not until after all her daughters were married. Iris was the youngest at only sixteen years old, so Zack had a bit of a wait still.
Her brother still attended social gatherings around the town to throw off any rumors from forming, what with how popular gossip columns are for both nobles and peasants alike. Now there was a new one making the rounds, but instead of using abbreviations as the other scandal scribblers did, she listed all subjects by full name. Lady Materia got everyone hooked so easily by her initial free copies, then began charging gil upon her fourth print. The whole city had become fascinated with the new circulation, including her mother. Now that Tifa herself was out in society, she wondered what Lady Materia would write about her. If the Queen's blessing was mentioned, it would certainly work in her favor.
"She did finish your red dress for the upcoming ball at Valhalla Court?"
"It is currently hanging up in my dressing room," Tifa answered. "And she is finishing up the third."
"Then I shall extend an invitation to Aerith and I will let you tell Zack the good news."
"Thank you, mother."
Cloud rode up the brick path to Lady Marle's mansion, dodging a few servants that were unloading crates with his chocobo. He could spot her a mile away with her gray hair pinned up in a tight bun, wearing a midnight purple dress with puffy sleeves and over-the-top jewelry even for a minuscule task such as party planning. Even though he held the woman in high regard, he was annoyed she was way too occupied with her housemaid to notice his arrival.
There were quite a few carriages lined up outside her residence, all loaded with what he presumed to be refreshments for her extravaganza tonight; one he was invited to but would not be attending. He would only be in Midgar for a short while, wrapping up whatever business his bastardly father left for him before he returned to Nibelheim. Magnus Strife had the most inopportune timing when he finally popped up his clogs. To die just before the season…it was as if the previous duke had concocted the whole damn thing.
He pulled on the reins when a footman approached him and after climbing to the ground, he took a swig of whiskey from his flask. He needed a little liquid encouragement if he was to decline Lady Marle's invitation in person, which is what he owed her after she took him in as a child. Before that, he was being raised by his nanny and household servants when his mother died. His father couldn't be bothered by him, seeing him less than fit until Cloud became of age. By then, there was such a rift between them he couldn't bother with his father in return, traveling the world after graduating university. He had visited Midgar from time to time in secrecy to visit Lady Marle. Oh, he always enjoyed her company, unless she was prying into his personal love life. Which she happened to do every chance she got since his twentieth birthday.
Cloud couldn't help feeling that this ball she wanted him to go to tonight was the old woman scheming again. He had no plans to marry. Ever. There wasn't much point to him attending a ton of parties if he didn't need a wife. He took one last sip and tucked the flask in his coat pocket when he saw Lady Marle approach him.
"My my, aren't you a sight for sore eyes," she jested him, which he would expect nothing less of her usual greetings. "Never thought you would show up here in Midgar this time of year, Your Grace."
He laughed, seeing how she was being upfront about her tricks. "Wasn't that the idea with your invitation, Lady Marle?"
"I am not sure what you are talking about, Your Grace," Lady Marle dodged his question. She pointed her cane in the direction of her home. "Come, walk with me. I have much to do for this evening's ball I am hosting."
"I've noticed," he observed.
"It's a little disorderly, but it's all coming together. Now, I have managed to keep your return quiet. But when the women around here find out there is an eligible duke at tonight's ball, I cannot keep that a secret anymore. However, as you always wanted, I won't make such an announcement of your presence either."
"That's why I am here early…Lady Marle." Cloud stepped quickly in front of her to get her attention. Which he fully had now that she lifted her head at him, eyeing him suspiciously. "I am only here in Midgar to tie up my late father's affairs. Nothing more. I have no time to socialize. While I am honored by your gracious invitation Lady Marle, I must ask you to accept my regrets."
She hummed in thought for a moment. "Your regrets…are denied. You may be the Duke of Nibelheim now, but no one turns down an invite to one of my events." She cocked out her cane while placing a hand on her hip. "I thought I raised you to have better manners than that, but it seems that I've failed."
His cobalt eyes shifted under her intimidation tactic, feeling immense guilt. "Maybe I could go, for a little while…"
"Excellent," the old woman cut him off with a triumphant smile. Then she leaned in. "And Cloud, you can leave that flask of whiskey you carry back home. It is very unbecoming of a gentleman."
Cloud could only give a wry smile and followed her into the house.
Tifa wrung her hands together from the corner of the dance floor, quietly witnessing all the other eligible women to be conversed or danced with. Zack kept her close on his arm and their mother was close beside them in her shimmering evening gown; the dark gray contrasted well with Tifa's white and silver star ceremony dress. When she first arrived tonight, she was in complete awe of the lavish setup of Lady Marle's ballroom. Fresh flowers and candles were along every wall, butlers bustling about with trays of hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne, and every attendant was either dancing with the music or engrossed in conversation. The season's opening ball was everything she dreamt it would be. A magical atmosphere for her to start finding a love match.
However, her night thus far was a true disaster.
Not one dance this evening's ball at Lady Marle's mansion in the few hours she was here. Even if Tifa was declared the 'Diamond of the First Water' by both Queen Minerva and Lady Materia's society papers, no suitable gentlemen approached her thus far. Zack had escorted her tonight, and while five men came up for conversation, her older brother warded them off with their shortcomings. Being a member of the Aces Club on Leonis Street gave him access to privy situations like Lord Kinneas' rakish reputation or Lord Gabbiani's unpaid gambling debts since the past winter. Even though Zack was quite intimidating to these men, he didn't want anyone to use his sister or her sizable dowry. Or be unfaithful to her during the marriage, as he would say.
So many of the other girls new to the marriage market were joyously dancing in front of her, yet she, the season's Diamond, was just a wallflower at this point. Just thinking about how empty her dance card tied to her wrist was itched her nerves. Glancing around the lively ballroom, she looked for any reason to escape for just a moment. Her scarlet eyes landed on the refreshments table, giving her the perfect opportunity. "I'm quite parched. I believe I'll get myself a beverage."
Zack let his hold loose on her. "I can fetch you a glass of lemonade."
"I am perfectly capable of getting my own drink, Zack," Tifa countered back quickly but Zack seemed intent on suffocating her and her prospects. How can she find a husband if no man would talk to her? "It'll only be a mere moment to do just that."
His azure eyes narrowed at her retort, but their mother bopped her fan on his shoulder before he could speak. "Let her go, Zack. It's just lemonade."
Her brother only nodded. Giving him a simper back, Tifa was thrilled to be finally free and carefully walked her way to the other side of the room. She could feel the eyes of a few gentleman onlookers, following her every move and every curve in her dress. It was explained to her that her looks would be her prime asset to draw men to her while on the marriage market. Upon reaching the table, she brought the glass of lemonade to her lips, hoping for a new candidate to approach her.
"Miss Lockhart."
Recognizing that voice, Tifa almost choked on her drink. She should've been more careful about what she wished for. With a quick wipe with her fingers across her lip, she turned around to see Johnny Berbrooke beside her, slurping loudly on his glass. He was an attractive fellow, with tall cropped red hair and brown eyes. But he was way too temperamental and brash for her liking. She's had trying conversations with him before, finding him positively boring for a possible husband. Despite her reservations about him, she was courteous in return anyway. "Lord Berbrooke."
"You look very pretty tonight among all the white-gowned ladies here. You shine, like fresh vanilla ice cream," Johnny genuinely complimented her, even if he failed miserably at his endeavor.
"Like ice cream?" Tifa blinked slowly, showing a forced smile. Usually, it took him a bit before he said something utterly dimwitted.
"Yes. It is my favorite dessert." He lifted his drink toward her, then took another loud sip.
"I had no idea," she set her empty glass down on the edge of the table. "But I do have to go. My brother, he is summoning me." And she gave him no opportunity to stop her in her getaway.
"Miss Lockhart, wait—"
Tifa scrunched the front of her snowy white skirt a little to get away from him faster, weaving into the crowd. "Excuse me."
"A moment, please—" Johnny called out from behind her again.
She looked over her shoulder to see him following her. He was the kind to stubbornly pursue despite the lack of interest she showed him. And he was gaining on her with his hastiness, bumping into anyone without disregard for manners and waving his arm to get her attention. This is not how tonight was supposed to go at all! To have Johnny Berbrooke chasing her down at a ball. Feeling miffed, she breathed out heavily and picked up the pace.
One last look over her shoulder to see if he was off her tail, Tifa collided against a muscled frame covered in a thick navy blazer. She gasped upon the impact of the crash with the stranger, who reached to grasp her forearm to prevent her from stumbling over.
"Pardon me," Tifa apologized as she was righted up by the man.
"Forgive me," the spiky blond nobleman said cooly. She didn't recognize the man at all, surprising her as she knew everyone in Midgar. This stranger's eyes were a brilliant electric blue and she felt her stomach flip flop when his gaze was fixed on her. Whoever he was, he was not pleased by their run-in at all, despite his politeness. He began to fix his sky blue cravat.
Tifa peered over her shoulder again, seeing that Johnny had not given up at all. With no other choice, she turned to the handsome man once more. "Tell me your name."
He gave her the most incredulous look before he scoffed. "Am I honestly to believe you do not already know my name?"
"Well, I don't know it," she answered honestly, perplexed by his attitude. "That's why I was hoping you would tell me."
"If you desired an introduction, madam, I do believe accosting me to be the least civilized of ways," he crossed his arms knowingly.
"Me, accosting you?" Tifa was baffled by his accusation. "Why would I do such a thing?"
"Truly, you women will try anything," he bemoaned while rolling his eyes.
"Sir, unlike the other women here, I do not lower myself to play such games. Now, your name," Tifa demanded, leaning into his space, and he rose to her challenge by locking his eyes with hers. She meant to appear intimidating but she began to drink in every detail of him. His blond, wild hair framed his face and she made out tiny freckles on his pale cheeks and nose. But what she really was captivated by was his eyes. Intense cerulean with the sweetest threads of teal green, reminding her of the color of the river hurrying to join the great ocean.
There was a teenage boy from her youth with the same deep blue hues of flowing water and hair like the golden sun. He stayed at their home for a season before he joined Zack at secondary school. One summer afternoon, she was knocked over in an accident and he came barreling to her rescue. Of course, after hitting the boy that had injured her.
It couldn't be, but what if it was him?
"Cloud, is that you?" Tifa asked, completely mystified. Her claret eyes widened. She brought her hand to her glossy lips, catching her misspeak. He may be from her childhood, but he still had a title she had to show respect for, given his higher rank. "I mean, Lord Strife."
Uncrossing his arms, he searched her eyes and recognition washed over his face. He was recalling the same time she was, his blue eyes softening in return, and a tender smile formed on his lips. He stepped a little closer. "Tifa?"
"Strife!" Zack's voice snapped her out of Cloud's penetrative gaze. Turning toward his direction, she saw him slip out from a crowd, waving his arm. Her brother was so excited to see his best friend.
A beam shot up across Cloud's face once he recognized the man. "Lockhart!"
"Come here, old friend. Lady Marle mentioned you were here tonight," Zack shook Cloud's hand tightly. "I heard the news of your father a while back. I express my condolences."
"There is no need to do that, Lockhart." With a curt nod, the blond nobleman released his hand.
"You did hate that man since we were young, which I do not blame you for Strife," the raven-haired man commented. "But it's Nibelheim, isn't it? The Duke of Nibelheim, now known forevermore."
"Duke of Nibelheim?" she repeated quizzically. Now his earlier perception of her was beginning to make sense. She had kept quiet from the shock until now, choosing to observe Cloud. Not seeing him since he was all but fourteen years old, she was amazed to see how much he had grown. The angled slants of his face made him strikingly handsome, compared to his younger self.
"Forgive my manners," Zack apologized, putting his hand behind Tifa's back to bring her a step closer. "You remember my sister, don't you?"
"We were just getting reacquainted."
His eyes settled on her, making Tifa swallow to wet her suddenly parched throat. The way she spoke to him before, her brother would be furious if he knew given their standing in the peerage. But it seemed Cloud was willing to keep the debacle a secret.
"It's been a long time for you two, hasn't it?" Her brother's gaze darted between the two. "Ten years?"
"Eleven," Tifa corrected, placing her hands behind her back and swayed her shoulders momentarily. "I was only ten when Lord Strife stayed with us that summer before you two went away to boarding school for freshmen year."
"Ah, yes," Zack nodded. "Strife, we shall get together properly soon? Besides at our club, I mean. Mother would be very upset if you're in town and didn't stop by for dinner."
"I will, Lockhart," he dipped his head to Zack, then a short bow to Tifa. "Miss Lockhart."
"Your Grace," she curtsied, her hands bunched into the fabric of the light tulle fabric. She's not sure why, but she liked the way he said her name. Her brother's arm was waiting for her to take it, and as they stepped away from Cloud, she couldn't help but look back at him between the crowds.
She gasped. Cloud's eyes never left her. He was standing there, his hands behind his back and his head adjusted to look over his shoulder, purely focusing on her retreating form. And she can't make out why on his stoic face. Tifa turned back forward, not wanting him to see her cheeks turn rouge.
"Are you alright, Tifa?" Zack sincerely asked her.
"Yes, it's just a bit warm in here with all these people," she fibbed, hoping he would let the topic die. Her eyes lit up when she saw her mother approaching them at the edge of the dance floor.
"Tifa," she reached her hand out to her daughter. "I believe Lord Caelum is looking for you to dance."
"Is he?" Tifa perked up. A dance with Noctis? Finally, an honest suitor!
"But Mother, it is time for us to retire," her brother interjected before turning to his sister. "There isn't a man here that wouldn't want to dance with Tifa, but the best thing to do right now is not to dance, and leave them all wanting more. I know how this works."
Perhaps Zack is right. Her lips pursed. "Then we shall go home."
This author finds herself compelled to share the most curious of news. It seems our diamond requires a closer inspection. This author is left to wonder whether Her Majesty might reconsider the high praise she once afforded Miss Lockhart. For we all must know what the Queen despises more than anything…being wrong. Was Miss Lockhart left on the shelf too long before her debut? Instead of gracing herself on the dance floor, she was stiff on the sidelines all evening before leaving early. And the drawing room this morning at the Lockhart House currently is emptier than the muddled head of lost, lowbred Chocobo. Only two suitors arrived and left in haste soon after! Word is that Lord Lockhart would intervene the gentleman callers at any chance given to him. Is this diamond flawed in any way that we know not of yet? It certainly seems to be the case! Maybe she'll be a spinster like Miss Gainsborough, working on all our fine dresses for a lifetime.
Now onto exciting news since our diamond possesses a rather glaring imperfection. Every ambitious mother and daughter, rejoice! For the new Duke of Nibelheim has graced our fair city with his presence. And oh, what an impressive presence it is! It should be noted that Lord Strife has been overheard announcing to mamas everywhere he has no plans of EVER marrying. This author wonders which brazen matchmaker shall rise to such a challenge? There will most certainly be a competition for this Duke's attention.
Yours truly,
Lady Materia
Zack knew this season would make both his mother and sister intolerable at some point, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon. The debut ball was only last night and the two women were fretting from the latest utter musings by Lady Materia. His mother sat on the pearl blue damask sofa, glaring at him from across the room while the eldest daughter paced in front of the fireplace.
"I cannot believe how blunt she is" Tifa spat, her voice thick with pure panic. "She has maligned our family."
Zack eyed the scandal sheet that rested on the mahogany end table. "Oh, it wasn't that bad. Everyone knows it is pure rubbish what she writes. Stop supporting a business like Lady Materia."
"What good would that do?" Thea countered. "Everyone else is reading it and it gives us good insight at Tifa's endeavors for marriage. You need to take what is said about our family more seriously, Zack. And for you to change your actions." She pointed at him.
"I haven't done anything wrong," Zack replied, not liking the accusation that this was his fault.
"You kicked any suitor out of their seat next to me, all so you could sit down!" She snapped at him, balling her hands into tiny fists at the sides of her ivory lace dress. His sister took a deep breath before continuing. "If you continue to kick every man away from me, then the rest will do the same. However you may feel about them, I still have to talk to them to find the right match for me. Otherwise, I might end up as a spinster now."
"You are giving far too much credit to some anonymous scribbler. Those men this morning were not honorable and would only hurt your reputation by being here. These other musings about you, they're not true." Zack didn't like to see his sister distressed but she was overreacting.
"Only they are true, Zack, and they are true because of you," his mother interjected. "Don't pretend you don't know how it looks when a girl new to society is put into a bad light." And he knew she was hinting about Aerith. "Men are going to court your sister, whether you like it or not."
"I am only trying to protect her. It is my duty."
"And what of my duty?!" Tifa shouted. "You have no idea what it is to be a woman, what it might feel like to have one's entire life reduced to a single moment." Her red eyes glimmered with determination at Zack. "I was hoping to find some happiness like Mama and Papa. You have to understand. I have no other value to society. If I am unable to find a husband, I shall be worthless."
"Tifa, remember what Her Majesty bestowed upon you," he tried reassuring his younger sister. "You will find a man to marry, I am sure of it."
"It would be easier if you weren't so overprotective of me," she told him before she retreated from the drawing room.
He could only roll his eyes at Tifa's retreating form, feeling she was being overly emotional when it was only the start of the season. The idea of rakes only pursuing her was unsettling for him. He was once one himself but grew out of that phase, and those men earlier were not about to change their ways because of marriage. His sister could be frustrated with him as much as she wanted to be, but it was for her good. It's not like he was preventing her from getting married at all. He just didn't want her to be stuck with the wrong match by her mistakes.
But his mother was also frustrated with him. She was leveling the same stare that Tifa did just now, just an older version of her, but with light brown eyes.
"Zack…" Thea stood up from the plush couch.
"Mother…" he matched her tone.
She clasped her hands in front of her, tilting her head to the side. "You do remember that for me to sponsor Aerith to come back to society, all your little sisters have to be married first?"
"Of course I do."
"Then tell me, why are you getting in Tifa's way?"
"I know those men from the Aces Club. Not one is suitable for her," he explained. "Tifa cannot spend time with men that are not honorable."
"As opposed to not spending time with any man at all? Who are you to judge them when your history isn't spotless? Your sister is a good character for judgment. Leave it up to her to decide, then you can do your part with the contract."
"I am only watching out for her best interest, Mother. Hanging out with a rake will only hurt her chances, as will it hurt the rest of us. They wouldn't be entirely devoted to her as they should be," Zack exasperated.
"Then I guess she should just find a monk that is willing to marry," she quipped back while picking up the scandal sheet. "Lady Materia would have the grandest time writing that story up!"
"Now the both of you are being melodramatic," he snapped back, growing tired of how irrational she was sounding. No one even knew who Lady Materia was and the women in this house were holding her up with such high regard. He reached for the newspaper from the end table, but Thea placed her palm on it to block his attempt.
"The only melodramatic person in this house is you after your ambushes this morning," his mother leveled her eyes with him. "Do you know what I saw in here just now? A young woman who is terrified because she knows what kind of future awaits her should you continue to hold her back."
Zack sighed. "That's not what I am trying to do to her…"
"Tifa would have already been matched through an arrangement with a friend if your father was still alive. He would have done what was necessary for her as the man of this house. You have to stop acting like an older brother."
"I am beginning to see your point." However trying it would be to see men go after Tifa, he would keep an open mind for more possible suitors for her. "I'll distance myself from her at tonight's ball."
"Good," she smiled with approval, then held out the newspaper to him. Solemnly, he took it to not provoke her any further.
Cloud finished his glass of champagne, placing it on the tray of a passing butler. Here he was, at another ball due to Lady Marle's persistence. Out of loyalty to her, he agreed on the condition that this was the last one as he never wanted to deal with such functions again. Blessedly, it wasn't as stuffy as the last one, for this one was outdoors.
Wooden planks were set down at Valhalla Court for dancing under the night sky. To the side, a small platform was built for leisurely party goers that wanted to sip wine and talk, illuminated with a canopy of lanterns. Torches were set up on either the high pillars around the dance floor or every so often in the grass. Even though he loathed balls, this was quite extraordinary, but he wouldn't dare tell Lady Marle any of that. She took great pride in hosting. There would even be a firework show later and he would stay long enough for that before he departed.
Around him, the women were swooning just because he was a duke. At least eight mothers presented their daughters to him that evening, and he calmly put up with each encounter with great patience on his part. He stiffened and began to cut off a few conversations with people when they mentioned that he looked so much like his father. They were only complimenting his father as they thought that was what he wanted to hear.
"Hey Spikey, care to dance with me?" a young woman solicited him from the side. Short raven hair and brown eyes, he could tell she was of Wutaian descent. She wore a deep emerald ball gown, woven with a green flower design on her lacy skirt.
Even though she was dressed like the rest of the women here, he knew she wasn't anything like them. To outrightly ask to dance was uncommon for ladies to do. And to not even address him by his title. He didn't care, but he was flabbergasted by the girl. He dealt with women throwing himself at him all night.
"I don't dance," he told her.
"Come on Strife, just one to make my old man shut up for the night."
"No," Cloud firmly declined her once again. He was finally at his wit's end and decided right then and there, he couldn't put up with anymore tonight.
.
.
.
Even though tonight was very much like the last, Tifa was determined to still enjoy such a beautiful evening outside. She was able to converse with a few ladies when they were not occupied by a suitor but she soon found herself alone. One by one, they were all picked off by men, except her. The damage from her brother and Lady Materia had already been done. But she didn't want to think about it anymore. Her mother had promised her that Zack would keep his distance and so far, he had.
She was relishing in her freedom, walking by the string quartet in her dark burgundy ball gown. The tulle skirt and bodice were covered in a floral pattern at every possible inch. Aerith did every stitch of the design with metallic beading, including her lacy flutter sleeves. When she first saw it was a V neck in front and back, she felt it was too much for her. She had stared at herself in the mirror when Jessie was done curling her hair and putting mauve lipstick on her lips, completely bewildered at her makeover. Her mother exclaimed at how stunning she looked, and she found herself agreeing.
She looked down at her skirt. It was such a pretty dress not to be dancing in but hopefully, with time and her brother's distance, things would eventually turn around for her.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Tifa?" Zack asked her upon his approach.
"I am," Tifa looked up, running a hand over her curls that laid over her shoulder. "I know it's hard for you to see me grow up, but I really do appreciate you trying tonight."
Her brother shifted uncomfortably, placing his hands tightly behind his back. He couldn't look at her and this puzzled her.
"Zack, what is it?" She tilted her head to the side.
He chewed on his cheek for a moment before facing her.
"Lord Berbrooke's barony is over a hundred years old. His lineage is legitimate. He has had an excellent education, possesses no debts, would never hurt a woman, and is even a decent card player. To speak frankly, there is nothing wrong with him. As a match."
"What should any of this—"
"Lord Berbrooke asked me for your hand and I accepted." He cut her off, gently.
"Johnny?" Tifa uttered in disbelief.
"He is the only one that has given a proper proposal. Over time, you will fall in love with him, as you would anyone else," Zack tried to console her.
"How could you?" she hissed at him. "You blocked every avenue for me and then throw me down this one lane since it's merely convenient for you?"
"If father was here, this is how he would've gotten it done, given the circumstances now. Johnny will make you happy, be devoted to married life and never hurt you, I am sure of it."
"I will not hear of this," she declared back to him before storming off. And she wasn't surprised that her brother didn't even try to stop her.
Why was this happening like this? She hurried through the crowd toward the garden. This isn't how it was supposed to be. To find a match, fall in love, and get married. To have children with her husband and grow old with him.
Zack was such an idiot to readily accept such a suitor without her consultation first. Without any consideration to her feelings. He was finally willing to let her grow up, but she hadn't expected him to do this. All because he didn't trust any man to truly love her and stay faithful, he let the most unsophisticated man be her only choice because he felt it was the safest. Tifa knew the logic behind this but would not condone what her brother had done.
Finding refuge behind the hedges, she paced back and forth by the clearing. She was too angry to cry and let out a shaky breath instead. Her brother was so infuriating when it came down to her life!
"Miss Lockhart, what are you doing out here by yourself?" Johnny called out to her as he came under the hedge way, making his way to her.
He must've followed her when she ran off…
"Johnny, not now," Tifa dismissed his approach without facing him. She needed to be alone and he was the last man she wanted to see right now. Even more so than her foolish brother.
"'Johnny?'" She could hear his smile. "Are we to drop the honorific so soon? I suppose, as your soon to be husband—"
Tifa quickly whirled around to cut him off. He wasn't that far from her. "I will never marry you. I'm sorry, but Zack made a mistake."
"Do you think you are better than me? Because I am a Baron?"
"Not at all, Johnny. I just know I could never fall in love with you."
"You want love? You delayed your debut and there is no other suitor interested. I am your last hope, Miss Lockhart," Johnny grabbed her arm, the stench of liquor was thick on his breath.
"Let go of me!" Tifa pushed him back. Was he seriously this drunk?
"No one wants you, except me."
Seeing him approach her again, she held her fist back, pushing it forward with all her strength to connect with his cheekbone. "Stop it!"
The inebriated man fell to the grass, unconscious from her punch and all Tifa could concentrate on was the sting in her hand, rubbing it over due to the pain. She heard footsteps speeding her way from the other side of the clearing.
It was Cloud.
The Duke of Nibelheim was running to her.
He slowed down, scanning the scene before him before he turned to her with his hand out. His breathing was labored from exertion. "Are you alright, Miss Lockhart?"
Tifa was in complete shock and utter delight to see him. There was some sort of nostalgia pulling at her heartstrings for him to show up like this. But she had to explain herself to him.
"Your Grace, I had no intention—"
"Of knocking the pompous jackass flat out? He had it coming," Cloud stated, walking over to Johnny's limp body. "I must say though, I am impressed." The blond leaned down to check on the fallen candidate.
"What are you doing out here?"
"I had to come to your rescue again, didn't I?" Cloud looked up at her, the corner of his lip quirked.
Her cheeks tinted a bit pink at his cocky remark. His smirk didn't help her either, feeling her heart flutter a bit. Cloud really did remember that summer from her childhood. But the duke was nothing but a rake now, and she had to remember that. "Thank you, Your Grace, but I am sure you are not out here because of me."
"I'm avoiding certain people. Mothers and their daughters," he grimaced. "But they are still people, I suppose."
Tifa crossed the distance to Cloud's side. "I didn't hurt him too much, did I?"
"Marry me, Miss Lockhart," Johnny groaned.
"Well, that answers your concern," the duke stood up, placing his hands on his hips. "But, as far as proposals go, that may be the least romantic attempt for a lady like yourself."
"It's the only proposal I have received," Tifa sharply pointed out. "From a drunk."
Cloud crossed his arms. "Oh, you cannot possibly be thinking of marrying him."
"Women don't really have many alternatives in life, Your Grace. No one will approach me, the supposed 'Diamond of the First Water' because of my older brother and that blasted Lady Materia. Unlike you, I cannot simply choose to not get married." She wasn't privileged like he was.
"I was quite surprised that you didn't have a line of suitors around the square outside your home."
"Do not mock me, sir."
"I do not mock you. I am being sincere," Cloud said genuinely. "With your beauty, outward kindness, society status, sizable dowry, and perfect breeding age, men should be lining up for you. But they are not."
Tifa blushed, averting her eyes from him after his bluntness. Did he really just say that? Nibbling her bottom lip, she knew everything he was pointing out was true. She clasped her hands in front of herself to keep her fingers from being restless.
"I know of what this Lady Materia has written about you," he continued. "I have the same amount of contempt for the author as you do."
"Because she wrote about your rakish reputation?" She cheekily commented. Even before it was written by that anonymous author, Tifa was well aware of the company her brother used to keep, hearing the stories from the boys' schooling days through university.
"She's all but issued a challenge to Midgar's most ambitious women, provoking them to—"
"Claim you as their prize?" the brunette finished his rant for him. Her future was much bleaker than his and she didn't need to hear this. An unwanted woman in society hoping to marry for love was her dim reality. "At least I will not be one of those women."
"But…you could be." His eyes lit up at her remark.
Tifa laughed heartily, bringing a hand to her chest. "What ever are you saying, sir?"
"Hear me out," the duke began slowly as he leaned forward. Tifa felt like his gaze was pinning her in place while he laid out his plan. "Perhaps there is an answer to our collective Lady Materia issue. We could pretend to form an attachment."
"Are you serious?" She looked at him intently.
"With you on my arm, the world will believe I've finally found my duchess. Every presumptuous woman around will leave me alone, and every suitor will be looking at you. Men are always interested in a woman when they believe another, particularly a duke, to be interested as well."
"You presume Lady Materia—"
"I presume she will write precisely what we are. Me, unavailable," Cloud gestured to himself before he pointed to her. "You, desirable."
"That sounds absurd," Tifa shook her head. "Your plan would never work."
"I think it's quite brilliant. Provided you do not wish to marry a rake like me, and I do not wish to marry at all, whatever should you have to lose?"
.
.
.
He held her hand firmly in his and he escorted Tifa along the rim of the outdoor dance floor. The crowd of people seemed to clear out of the way as they walked together, whispering amongst themselves at an unforeseen match such as the duke with his best friend's sister. Cloud held his head high and in his peripheral view, he found her doing the same.
They stepped gracefully onto the dance floor, well aware of the curious crowd they drew. He led her to stand in front of him, finding Tifa looking at the sidelines and beginning to appear timid with the attention.
"Stare into my eyes," he calmly directed her.
He was met with carmine eyes fringed with thick lashes. The duke bowed to her and Tifa smiled before she curtsied back.
"Come closer," Cloud beckoned her nearer as the quartet began playing the strings to a new rhythm, holding his hand out between them for her to take it. "If our plan is to work, we must appear to be madly in love. Can you do that, Miss Lockhart?"
"Yes, Your Grace."
Cloud stepped forward while Tifa followed his lead in two steps. His arm arched up with their fingers still intertwined, spinning her once before they swayed together through held hands in harmony, just as the other dancers did down the line. As they moved together, a smile blossomed on her face with her growing confidence.
Her hand found purchase on his shoulder when he brought her closer. His fingers gently brushed the floral appliques of her maroon dress when his hand drew up to her mid-back. He wanted to keep it modest for their first waltz by only keeping his touch on the maroon fabric. One step, then two, they round together graciously across the courtyard dance floor.
He tipped the young brunette backward, allowing her curls to slip off her shoulder to cascade into a dark waterfall behind her. Anchoring her in his arms, he couldn't help but notice there was something in her fiery red eyes that was so splendid, so devoted and warm as they stared back into his. If she was any other woman, he would've let those flaming irises smolder him. Instead, Cloud smirked down at her, knowing she was playing the part in their ploy well. Lifting her back up, he saw her face get rosy and Tifa took a deep breath once she was back on her feet.
Raising his hand, he twirled her in an underarm turn not once, but twice. They circled around with joined hands before he closed in on his position to her, feeling the burgundy skirt of her ballgown bustling up by his legs. He stared down at her pink lips while they moved swiftly together in close proximity. They broke apart from each other into another step-step turn pattern and sapphire blue locked onto ruby red.
If he was going to play a game against the ton, he was glad it was with a beautiful girl like her. He wasn't going to be trapped by society's conventions or expectations, and if he happened to aid his best friend's sister while doing it, happiness can be bestowed on both of them. After a quick twirl, Cloud covertly peeked at the onlookers and brought Tifa back in. The ladies were still whispering behind their fans, pointing with their fingers at the two of them in simple sync. The gentlemen were murmuring amongst themselves, unable to keep their eyes off the radiantly beautiful woman in his arms.
And Cloud found himself unable to do the same either.
For those not in attendance at the Valhalla Court celebration, you missed the most remarkable coup of the season. It appears Miss Tifa Lockhart has captured the interest of the newly returned Duke of Nibelheim. Emerging, phoenix-like from the ashes of irrelevance, the illustrious debutante was seen dancing not once, but twice with the season's most eligible and most uncatchable rake. How the young miss secured her newfound suitor is yet to be determined. If anyone shall reveal the circumstances of this match, it is I.
Yours truly,
Lady Materia
Author's Note Continued: A fake courtship between Cloud and Tifa? We all know how that is going to play out! I hope you like the inspirational similarities from Bridgerton I put together for this new story. Their childhood wasn't a close friendship as they were four years apart, but there is more to Cloud's time at the Lockhart House that summer. Then there is Zack and Aerith's hidden relationship. Both will be explored!
And a little side note on the M rating, it is for scandalous smut for both Cloti and Zerith fans. Thank you for the support and reviews!
Update: I changed Tifa's mother's name to her official name in this story. Lorelai will now by called by Thea.
Happy Cloti/Zerith Week!
