"I'll be there as soon as possible." Yuffie taps the End icon on her phone before shoving it in her purse.
"Your husband needs you?" Reeve teases.
"My brother needs me." Yuffie scoffs playfully. "I'm sorry to cut this so short."
"Family comes first." Reeve reaches into his wallet and throws some money on the counter. Yuffie smiles as she gathers the rest of her belongings and thanks Reeve for picking up the tab.
"I'd love to see you again, whenever you're free of course."
"Maybe some time next week." Yuffie replies with a huge grin on her face. "I have to check my schedule."
"Please do." Reeve reaches into his back pocket and gives Yuffie his card. "Feel free to call me anytime."
Yuffie nods and shoves the card in her purse. She waves goodnight to Reeve before turning to make her leave. She feels a light tap on her shoulder and turns around to see Reeve. Without warning, he presses his lips lightly against her cheek and leaves, after flashing his pearly, white teeth. Yuffie returns a smile and continues to walk towards her car.
Recounting his outing with Tifa, Vincent sits in the kitchen waiting for Yuffie to return home. He doesn't notice the constant swirling motion he's doing with his wine glass. His mind is preoccupied with Tifa. He's here to complete a mission, not get caught up with some woman. Eventually, I would like to settle down, but when? Vincent thought as a splash of wine hit the counter. His thoughts are interrupted when Yuffie comes into the front door. He finally takes a small sip of his wine and swipes away the wine that was on the counter.
"So I found out that Reeve is trying to tie our murders in Midgar with the attack that happened in Rocket Town a few days ago. He's teaming up with some guy from Midgar." Yuffie went to the freezer and grabs a bag of frozen mixed berries. She then went to the fridge and grabs some almond milk. She hastily throws the ingredients in the blender to make herself a smoothie.
Vincent shakes his head as the blender struggles to blend the ingredients. Yuffie always put way too much in the blender. Whether it's making a smoothie or margaritas. One day the thing is gonna blow up in her face. The corner of his lips slightly curls up at the thought.
"What's so funny?"
He could barely hear her with the blender going. He doesn't reply; he continues to sip his wine with the smirk still on his face. Once the fruit is blended to her satisfaction, Yuffie takes a cup from the top cupboard and pours the contents in it. She takes a big gulp before walking to the island and sits next to Vincent.
"Cloud."
"Huh?" Yuffie swallows, looking confused.
"That's the name of the detective Reeve's working with. He's Tifa ex boyfriend."
"Really? Scandalous! I love it."
"We have to kill Genesis soon. Tifa is on to him."
Yuffie frowns. "What do you mean?" She takes a few more gulps of her smoothie.
"She believes that Genesis killed his wife and staged the suicide."
"...That is definitely an issue." Yuffie pauses before continuing. "You don't think she was the one at the scene do you?"
It's now Vincent's turn to take a pause. He had completely forgotten about the footprints that he found the day of the attack. He is certain that he and Yuffie weren't followed, but he couldn't say the same for Genesis or Elena.
"Your silence is telling me that we're thinking the same thing." Yuffie finally speaks.
"I saw the determination in that woman. She's passionate about her career. Genesis has a son, and the boy attends the after school program that Tifa works at."
Yuffie taps her fingers on the island. "She's using her job to keep tabs on him. Hmm...this is difficult. Should we consult with Sephiroth?"
Vincent shakes his head. "No. If our cover is on the brink of being exposed, then yes."
"If our disguise is blown then we'd have to kill her." Yuffie clarifies.
"It won't come to that." Vincent quickly gets up and moves to the sink.
Yuffie arches her right eyebrow. Vincent has never acted this way in all the years Yuffie has known him. Yuffie senses a different vibe from him, though she couldn't put her finger on it. There is only one way to find out.
"You're growing fond of her aren't you?"
Vincent gulps the rest of his wine and places the glass in the sink. He keeps his back towards Yuffie as he slightly hangs his head low and closes his eyes. He has never felt conflicted in his life. For year, he's been a calculating murderer, along with Reno, Yuffie, and Sephiroth. The four of them form a tightly knit bond and catch the monsters that society have let get away, none of them taking a moment to think about their personal lives. It is something about Tifa that dazes him. Her smile, her amaretto eyes, her figure, her laugh, her personality, her determination, the list goes on. It's too early to say it's love, but the power this woman has over him is real. He couldn't deny his curiosity about her, nor did he want to admit it. Just sitting next to her puts Vincent in a trance.
"So this is why you don't want to involve Sephiroth." Yuffie finally speaks again.
"Be honest, have you thought about your personal life?"
Yuffie sits in silence. Her and Vincent have known each other since they were kids. They were practically siblings. They grew up together during the war and stayed close to each other like glue since then. Both of their parents lost their lives during the war, and together, they've faced a lot. Their relationship is completely platonic, but there are these rare moments where the two would get serious.
"Of course I have. I want to get married one day. I...honestly thought it would be to you."
Vincent snaps his head in her direction. "What?" His crimson eyes are wide.
"I know it's silly." Yuffie quickly defends as she waves her hands back and forth. "It's one of those random fantasy type things. Like, oh, we're done murdering people. Let's fall in love and get married cause there's nothing else to do in life, and it's so cliche."
He couldn't help but chuckle, and she is happy he did. "It does sound far-fetched when it's said out loud." Once their laughter subsides, he continues. "Have you ever….thought about me in that way before?"
"Honestly, not in the traditional let's fall in love and get married way. There were a few times I wanted to sleep with you though."
Vincent chokes on his on spit. "Wh-what?!"
Yuffie couldn't help but laugh. "Well, can you blame a girl?! You wear that long, jet black hair of yours then you got the nerve to be all tall and lean. Not to mention that huge package in between your legs."
"That was a long time ago!" Vincent shrieks in between coughs. Yuffie and Vincent always shared a home together, and the duo decided to get a dog for their first apartment. Vincent came out of the shower and the dog snatched the towel from around Vincent's waist, exposing his private area, and leaving Yuffie bright red and a very happy dog.
"You know, I told the dog to snatch that towel."
"I wouldn't put it past you." Vincent rolls his playfully.
Yuffie couldn't help but laugh. "But you're right, that was long ago. Refresh my memory."
She playfully gets up from her chair and jumps towards Vincent. He covers his private area and quickly turns away from Yuffie while also laughing. Yuffie doesn't put an effort to tug at his pants.
"But seriously Vince, I love you, and I don't want nothing but happiness for you. If you're curious about Tifa, go for it. You never know."
"Hm." Vincent thought for a moment and then looks up at Yuffie. "Thank you. You should do the same with Reno."
It's Yuffie's turn to choke on spit and act as if she doesn't know what Vincent is talking about. "Though I'm not a fan of his personality most of the time, I see the way you look at each other since college. Dig into it. The two of you will figure it out. Go for your happiness as well."
After her coughs ends, she looks into Vincent's eyes. His crimson eyes shows nothing but happiness and his personal blessing. She smiles and hugs her brother before releasing him.
"Let's kill this son of a bitch and move on with our lives."
"Couldn't agree with you more, Yuffie."
They high-five each other and discusses ideas with one another on how to keep Tifa safe and kill Genesis without blowing their cover and alerting Sephiroth.
"Ms. Lockhart, I'm sorry about our meeting earlier today." The husky voice surprises Tifa.
She didn't bother to look at the caller ID, mainly because she expected Vincent to schedule a follow-up movie date, but also she is getting settled in her home.
"May I ask who's calling?" Tifa asks as she places her car keys on the table. Papa is sleeping soundly in the recliner that is a few inches away from the TV. She picks up the remote and turns off the television.
"It's Genesis Rhapsodos. Tyler's father. Sorry to call at this time of night."
"Oh! Mr. Rhapsodos! Is Tyler okay?"
"Yes, but I'm concerned about him. Can we meet for coffee tomorrow morning. Say...10am?"
A smug look creeps up Tifa's face. She knows it is a front. If Genesis wants to play a game, she'll play the role of oblivious chick, and switch things up when the time is right. "Sure. Is Nibelheim Cafe okay with you?"
"Sure."
Tifa taps the end icon and tosses the phone on the counter. She lightly taps her index finger on the counter as she thought about what she said to Vincent. She knew she couldn't go to Reeve without some sort of proof. It's time for her to do some recon of her own. When Tifa was in freshman year in high school, she would always participate in high school plays and routines. Not performance wise, but she was in charge of the sound quality of every show. She kept her old equipment from those days and her old laptop that had her audio and editing software. Slowly creeping upstairs to not wake up Papa, Tifa reaches inside the hallway closet to look for her old belongings in a huge tote she stored away years go.
"This is the fifth time I've came her and saw you so blue." Reno smiles devilishly.
It was like clock work. Genesis ignores Elena and she gets drunk at the bar in Costa del Sol and cry her sorrows out. The entire situation is exhausting for Reno. He wants to just kill this blonde-haired bitch and get things over with. He has better things to do other than to woo this psycho-killing, sex-crazed chick.
"Maybe you should stop coming then." Elena bitterly replies, not taking her eyes away from her glass.
Bitch, you just don't know I could kill you right now, but I value my freedom so I'm not going to...yet. Reno thought to himself as he calms himself down. Ignoring Elena's snipe, Reno continues on with the conversation.
"Why do you allow that man to do you like that?"
Elena gulps the rest of her alcohol and waves the bartender down to pour her another drink. The way Genesis has been treating her since the incident in Rocket Town has left her feeling empty, almost...needy. She turns at the young red-haired man, and observes him. The flames from the tiki torches dances heavenly inside his blue eyes.
"I wouldn't expect a kid like you to understand."
Kid? Lady, you tap dancing on my last nerve. Ignoring the second snipe, Reno laughs. "I may be younger than you, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if someone isn't treating you right, pack up and go."
Elena snorts. "You've never been in love."
For a brief moment, Reno actually feels sorry for Elena. It's amazing how people draw up conclusions about one another without looking at the full story.
"I love how you think you know everything about me. I experienced love in my life. Never got the woman. I'm too much of a screw up."
Reno sits down next to Elena and orders a long island ice tea when the bartender comes back with Elena's drink.
"Did she tell you that?" Elena asks as she took a sip of her drink.
"Nope. I told her that. I knew I was a man that she wanted, not what she needed. I had to be the bigger person and walk away because she's an awesome person. She deserved more than what I offered her."
Reno didn't expect to speak his truth to a woman like Elena. He never openly admitted that he was in the wrong to anyone, not even himself. It feels refreshing to let it out, despite how horrible it may sound. He knows he sounds like a helpless romantic, but it is his truth. Coming to terms with it and bettering himself over the years shows his progress over the years. Maybe when this is all over, he could go back to that chapter in his life.
"That's deep." Elena breaks the silence.
"It is." Reno gulps the rest of his drink down and looks back at Elena. "How about you go to the restroom and dry your tears? Then come back out here and hit the dance floor with me. Tonight, you're gonna forget about him."
Smiling, Elena got up from the bar and heads to the restroom. She went over to the sink and splash water in her face. As she reaches for the paper towels, eyes still closed, she hears her phone ring. She wipes her hands and water away from her face before reaching into her cleavage to grab her phone. Genesis' number flashes on her screen. She snorts as she sends him to voicemail before turning off her phone completely. Tonight, she's forgetting about him.
That's the fourth time Elena's phone went straight to voicemail. Genesis is beginning to get irritated with Elena. She's been ignoring his calls since last night. When he finally do get a hold of her, he will speak his mind in a rather harsh tone, and may kill her himself. Lately, he doesn't get the thrill anymore with Elena. She always wants to be in control, and she mouthed off so much that it is beginning to turn him off. When they first got together, it was always understood that he would always be the dominate one, but in recent attacks, she's slowly trying to be the dominant one.
Genesis is slowly seeing her as a weak link and something has to be done about her. His focus is now turning towards the sexy brunette that's approaching his table. She is right on time, just as they had planned together. He is sure Tifa is too smart to join in on his sexual adventures, but he could at least taste her, and if she doesn't comply, dispose of her. Maybe doing his dirty deeds solo may be good for him. As Tifa sits down, her scent hits his nose hard. She smells like fine wine and strawberries.
"Sorry I'm a little late, Mr. Rhapsodos." She tosses her jacket over her chair as she adjusts her body more comfortably in her chair.
"You're fine. Actually, it's ten on the nose, and please, call me Genesis."
Tifa nods. This man could act his ass off. "Right. So, what did you want to talk about?"
Such forwardness. So fierce. I have got to have her. Genesis closes his eyes for a brief moment to contain himself. He doesn't want his amusement to show. "I wanted to tell you that I sent Tyler with his grandparents."
Tifa's eyes widens. "What? Why?!"
"His grandmother called to check up on him, and they got to talking to each other for hours. I don't know what was said, but he said he wanted to go with them for a while." Genesis thanks the waiter who places his coffee in front of him. Tifa asks the waiter to bring her a hot french vanilla coffee and the waiter walks away.
"I think my parents can reach out more to him. It sucks that I can't be the father he needs at this time in his life." Genesis hangs his head. Tifa glares at the man. He's seriously milking this 'helpless father' routine. She shakes her head in disbelief and stops just in time so Genesis didn't see her when he held his head up.
"Don't feel down. It may just be something his grandparents can help him with. I know when I was growing up, there were things that I could tell my grandparents that I could never tell my parents."
Genesis nods as he takes a sip of his coffee. Tifa's coffee arrives a few seconds later and she thanks the waiter. "I want to thank you for taking time out to help Tyler." Genesis continues.
Tifa takes a sip of her coffee before answering. "It's no problem. It's my destiny to help those in need. Is there anything I can help you with?"
The corner of Genesis' lips curls up. "Are you a natural flirt with all of your children's parents?"
"Only the handsome ones." She has him by the balls. Her personal documentation has officially begun. She needs him to start hanging himself.
He couldn't help but praise her boldness. She is a woman full of surprises. "I'm still grieving, but I could use the nice distraction."
Tifa smirks. "Well, I don't want to come on too strong so give me a call when you get things figured out."
She winks at him before getting up from the table and walking away with her coffee in her right hand. Genesis smirks as the waiter comes back with the bill. Never taking his eyes off of Tifa's back, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out some money. He tells the waiter to keep the change.
She's easier than I thought. Maybe I won't off her so quickly. But first, I have to arrange a trip to Costa del Sol. Genesis licks his lips wickedly as he gets up from the table, not caring about people seeing his rock, hard erection.