R&R longer note at the end
Aerith stepped onto the platform as she made her way back home smiling, today had been a fun day she pushed her empty flower basket further up her arm as the image of the dancing barmaid floated into her mind, she chuckled at the memory as she walked the distance through the slums. She reached down into her pocket as she pulled out her phone seeing the notifications light still flashing, reaching her home she took a seat on the low wall by her flower garden as she clicked on the list of messages.
I want to apologise for my rude behaviour of last night
I should have called or text to tell you I was going to be unable to attend
Due to unforeseen circumstances I was stuck in work
I'd like to make it up to you if you would be willing to give me a second chance
-R-
Aerith read through the message as she sighed, she looked up as she let her mind wonder she understood that things happen when you least expect them, sometimes plans get messed up due to fate finding ways to get in your way. Second chances didn't come along everyday but she believed in them even if others didn't, she looked back at her phone as she read the message again.
I understand so I am willing to give you another chance
The only difference is that this time I will pick the place we meet
If you're ok with this decision, then we can take it from there
A
She rested her phone on her knee clutched in her hand as she waited for a response, she thought back to that first attempt getting all dressed up had been something that she very rarely did but she had forced herself to break out of her comfort zone. Her phone gently buzzed as a response came, she turned her phone over as she took a deep breath before opening the message.
I'm very happy to hear you will give me a second chance
Name the time and place and I will be there
-R-
The flower girl couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips, this time would be different she thought it might not be as flashy as where they had arranged to meet the first time but it would make her feel more comfortable. She replied with a smile as she slowly stood up heading home as she thought about tomorrow, she considered what to wear deciding on something more comfortable to her liking.
XXX
The woman stepped off the train as she looked around smiling as she headed for her destination, her hair flowed freeing tonight with a flower hairpin attached to the left side, she wore a light pink dress that flowed to her ankles with silver high heels she had draped a red cardigan over her slender shoulders to avoid the chill in the air. The crowds in the narrow streets looked as she passed, she heard some people mutter compliments as she passed making her blush a little as she made it to her destination.
Aerith walked up the wooden steps as she held the banister, reaching the porch outside she slowly pushed the doors to the bar open, the sounds of chatter could be heard over the low music from the jukebox as she entered she felt eyes on her as she smiled hearing some drunken men wolf whistle.
"Alright settle down you lot" came the voice of the barmaid as she placed some drinks on a nearby table as she looked over at the girl with a smile pointing to an out of the way open booth. The girl smiled as she made her way over to the seat indicated as everyone went back to their drinks and conversations not wanting to get on the bad side of the owner, when she sat down she spotted the brown haired barmaid made her way over smiling.
"What's got you all dressed up?" She asked with a smile as she wiped the table down.
"I decided to give them a second chance" Aerith replied with a small smile "I recommended that we meet up here, I hope that's not an issue?"
"Of course not" Tifa said as she tucked the cloth into her clip on belt "Believe it or not this is a quiet night so you picked the best day for it, so what can I get you to drink?" Aerith looked over towards the bar as she scanned the shelves, after a few moments her eyes fell onto the wine section before she made her choice.
"A white wine please" she said as Tifa nodded headed to collect her order, Aerith slipped herself further into the booth to avoid the looks from some of the more drunken patrons. A few moments later Tifa returned placing a glass of white wine in front of the girl who smiled as the barmaid walked away to deal with some other orders, as she sipped her wine a drunken man slipped into the seat beside her blocking any way of escape.
"Hey girlie, how about I pay for that drink for you?" he said his breathe reeking of alcohol making her feel a little ill, she didn't respond trying to ignore him as best she could "I asked you a question, it's rude to be ignorant you know".
"Leave her alone" a voice called out as the barmaid turned around seeing the situation going on, an angry look crossed her eyes as she placed the tray on a nearby table walking over to a few cheers from other patrons.
"Excuse me sir" she said as she smiled her tone low and deadly "You're making my customer feel uneasy and I think you've had enough for one night, so why don't you prove to be a gentleman and head on home now". The drunk turned to face the barmaid as he stood up, the alcohol seemingly giving him more confidence than he would usually have.
"I leave when I want" he said as the barmaid continued to smile "So get lost hussy". The drunk went to push Tifa away as she stepped to one side gripping his wrist twisting his arm up his back as she brought her free hand up slamming his face into a nearby table to more cheers from the on looking crowd, Aerith watched in shock as the much larger man was marched out the doors by the barmaid who slammed the doors turning to face the room.
"Anyone else wish to cause trouble?" Tifa asked her smile clearly didn't reflect how she really felt as the crowd avoided eye contact as she made her way to Aerith "Sorry about that, are you ok?" Aerith slowly nodded feeling happy she had chosen this bar over others, she watched as Tifa turned back to the room collecting her tray and returning to work like nothing had happened.
XXX
Aerith sat finishing up her third glass as the rest of the patrons left bidding goodnight to Tifa as she waved them from the door as it swung shut she pulled out her keys and locked up, Aerith looked at her phone seeing no messages noting they were over an hour late she looked up as she heard someone sit across from her sliding another glass over to her with a bowl of fries smiling.
"Th-thank you" the brunette said as she couldn't hold it back any longer, Tifa moved to her side as she hugged the crying girl tightly she stayed silent knowing the pain this girl was feeling. After a few minutes the girl managed to calm herself down as Tifa passed her some napkins helping the girl wipe her red eyes, Aerith smiled as she sat up eating the fries in front of her.
"Am I not good enough or something?" the girl muttered as Tifa looked at her.
"Don't ever think that" Tifa said as Aerith looked at her seeing a hint of fire in her eyes "You're not the one who is at fault here, it's them at fault the one who stood you up, they should feel ashamed of themselves. You are a beautiful girl who deserves better than this". Aerith couldn't supress the smile that crossed her lips as she continued eating, the barmaid was right she thought she was worth it she was good enough it was them who wasn't.
"They don't get a third chance" she said her voice a little stronger this time "I'm worth more than this pain right now".
"That's the spirit" Tifa said with a smile as she checked the time "So, how did you plan on getting back home? You've missed the last train". Aerith looked at the time as realisation set in, she looked at the table wondering how exactly she could get home, it would be too far to walk and would be very difficult to make the distance in these heels.
"A friend of mine owns the apartments nearby, she said she had a spare one" Tifa said as she checked her key ring "She gave me the key to keep the place clean, I don't think she'd mind you using it for the night". Aerith looked up as relief washed over her, she hugged the barmaid smiling as Tifa felt her cheeks going a little pink from the sudden movement before she smiled.
XXX
"Here we are" Tifa said as the two girl's walked to the apartment buildings at the far end of the Sector Seven slums "The spare room is on the second floor". Aerith nodded as she followed the brown haired woman up the metal steps, in front of her where three large metal doors as Tifa led her to the one in the very middle unlocking the door as she led her into the minimalistic room.
A wardrobe had been built into one wall, opposite it was a small sink next to the toilet and small shower, pressed against the back wall was a single metal bed with a pillow and blanket set neatly. Aerith smiled as she looked around, this would be perfect for the night she thought as Tifa smiled watching her.
"It's not much but it will get you through the night" Tifa said as Aerith looked at her "I live next door so if you need anything then just knock".
"Thank you" Aerith said with a smile "I'll repay your kindness one day".
"Don't worry about it" Tifa said with a small chuckle "Well, I hope you sleep well. Good night Aerith".
"Good night Tifa" Aerith said as the barmaid left closing the door behind, the brunette turned as she took in a deep breath before sitting on the edge of the bed bending forward removing her shoes, she slipped under the covers as she laid her head on the pillow, closing her eyes she fell into a deep sleep.
Like with the previous chapter, Italics are for Aerith's reply and the Bold is for the mysterious man's reply. I decided to change the outfit for this chapter for Aerith and come on it's Tifa why wouldn't she take down some drunken idiot in the most aggressive fashion possible, also very sorry that I had to break Aerith's heart yet again but it's a needed moment I promise it's nothing against her
