Behind Black Curtains
An AU, Sephiroth and Tifa fanfiction
-by Amaranthos-
Chapter 17: Midnight parties…
AN: This is a skeleton lemon, so no real lemon stuff is here. To read the full lemon version plz go to my profile page and click chapter 17 Behind Black Curtains lemon link…^_^'
It was Friday morning and all about the Black Crescents empire was a certain air of chaos. There were lights that needed to be hung, carpets that needed to be rolled out, catering that needed to be attended to and all about small errands that according to Rufus Shinra would never get done. He was working feverishly in getting everything set up that night for his welcome-back party for his soldiers. Not one for too much of the congratulations-you're-alive kind of parties, he figured he'd do it nonetheless all for a feign impression that he cared.
He overlooked the entire procedure. Scarlett came bouncing in with a purple fitted dress, clad around her. Rufus smiled, "why my peach, purple is your colour" he smirks seeing her bite her lips. Scarlett…he thought, 'you are an incredible little tart'
She joined his side, where he placed a hand on her waist. "It's nearly finished…soon everything will be adorn just the way I want it and the ball can begin…"
"Hmm, sounds exciting…" Scarlett smiled… "so, any new surprises for me?" she asked.
It had been one of the things he didn't like about Scarlett, but was it just a woman thing that they expected great surprises from him.
"Why of course my dear… tonight your dress will be a surprise. I've made a beautiful dress for you. It matches your perfect name…" he spoke…
"Are you saying my dress is red?" she asked…
"I'm saying, your dress is exactly red" he smirks…
"I'm excited…" Scarlett grins…
"Good, now you run along… I need to get these preparations done…"
"Yes…my darling" and off she faded around the corner of the huge fortress.
Rufus kept his eyes observing the workers fix the tables accordingly while the maids hurried to and fro from the kitchen with large silverware. A loud clatter could be heard, and he had to sigh, 'this is going to be a long day, indeed'
She ate her morning's breakfast silently, only to reverently examine how lonely she had become. She sighed at the thought. Was there any way to undo her loner status she had developed? Again she sighed, she figured not, especially when Black Crescents was the sole contributor to her loss of happiness.
Impassively she bit at the small tangerine in her plate. Closing her eyes, she tried so hard to ignore the convulsing pain biting at her mind. She closed her eyes to blot him out, but she couldn't deny his memories left her with burgeoning paranoia. So with mixed emotions, she shook her head and averted her attention to the window.
Outside was as grey as ever, the skies sinfully blackened the world Black Crescents seem to call their own. And it should be no other way, thought Tifa. For an organization that has breathed so much grief and sorrow, death and blood they deserved the strongest penalty from the heavens.
There seem to be no salvation in this world. An almost frustrating truth, Tifa noted.
'It's been eight months I've been supplanted here.' Tifa sighed.
Not that she was counting, it seem time here in a room all alone made you that more aware and tentative to things around you, all behind shut doors.
Getting up she advanced towards the window. Looking down she could see thousands and thousands of soldiers. They were perfect in every way. In sharp uniforms of black with weapons of every kind, they in perfect unison greeted their officials and carried out their instructions almost too easily. But this was the life a soldier was subjected to. There was no room for 'maybe' or 'whether or not' their actions were the right thing to do; as far as she was concerned soldiers had no room for being shy when taking a life, as eventually it becomes their simplest routine to do.
Observing the General in the western side of the courtyard, Tifa allowed her eyes to drop on him and couldn't help but to remember, him.
Momentarily Tifa remembered the memory of Sephiroth. It was too sad to know you attached yourself to somebody you didn't quite know. And again the thought conjured its way in, 'how did you die?'
Perhaps Yuffie knew. Again, Tifa treaded against the same grain almost too expectantly. Yuffie was given a rumour that Sephiroth was dead, if she even knew the slightest detail about Sephiroth's death she wouldn't have kept it to herself.
When it came to confidential information, everyone seem to lack what she wanted to know, except of course Rufus Shinra. Who strangely enough kept visiting her all morning. The strange wonder it was that a man like Shinra had wanted a ball almost unnaturally. Knowing his two-fold nature, Tifa figured he must have done it for the sole celebratory factor of Sephiroth's demise. That would be the real cliché Shinra, but no. The psycho was wise thought Tifa. Why not cover your true intentions by holding a ball for your fallen dead soldiers.
Tifa thought about it in retrospect and couldn't help but to ask, what sense does a ball do for the dead. Knowing Shinra, he wouldn't even a raise a glass of wine or have a moment of silence for the dead. Oh no, his character was undoubtedly too mighty for such a gesture.
A small knock came to her door.
"Come in" she spoke.
Slowly the door opens, and standing in her doorway was Rufus Shinra again, perhaps for the twelfth time that morning.
"My dear, Tifa… lovely to see you're enjoying your morning's solace" he spoke, affording himself to enter Sephiroth's room.
He looked around the room, wrinkling his nose at his atmosphere. Examining the paint on the wall, he gently paced a finger over the surface. He drew a sigh, "this old thing needs changing" he spoke quietly.
Tifa allowed her gaze to follow his movement to a chair opposite of her.
"I wanted to speak with you about a matter. It's rather a little proposal" he informs.
Tifa raised an interested brow interested at his newest overture. He turned his gaze from her, and began pulling something out his pocket.
It was a small velvet box. Within it Tifa was sure was a fine mysterious icon he thought could capture her heart with. Tifa soured on the thought. Rufus was too sad in predicting her character. Sometimes she wondered if he sadly stereotyped women because of Scarlett.
"A gift" he placed the box on the table, "I had it made for you." He paused almost to acknowledge the merit of his actions.
'Egotistical man…' Tifa thought.
"I would gladly like for you to wear it tonight." He spoke. A closed expression coming to his face "if that wouldn't be a problem" his eyes asked as they studied her unresponsive expression.
She stared at the small box. If eyes could burn holes this box would be destroyed. He could tell she was considering her options, or perhaps the contents of the box. Smirking at her salutation to his gift, he thought the woman was indeed unreadable and a mystery. A mystery he enjoyed.
Recovering from her contemplation, Tifa softly smiled, "why not?" Tifa could not show the ill emotions she felt for this man. Sometimes, she pitied him, but most of time…she despised him.
It was true, she longed to help souls that were far erased into the darkness, like Shinra, or even Sephiroth. But men like that… don't always come knocking on your door to be saved. Nor do they part with their labouring egos.
He spared a small smile. Standing from his seat, he bowed and began taking his leave.
Tifa hadn't expected him to leave so suddenly, and with one thing on her mind she stopped him.
"Wait" she called out. It was bothering her and she wanted to know now the truth from lies. She might as well ask him. Tomorrow could not wait especially with how she felt.
"Yes my dear?" he turned to look at her.
Her eyes looked at the ground. Almost like a frighten kitten her eyes met his, and he could tell the mood in her had changed. 'From mystery to mystery you keep inviting me in'
"I heard a rumour… is it true, is General Sephiroth …dead?" she asked in a new voice. Somehow imagining him dying alone in his own puddle of blood was cruel.
He smirked, his handsome features almost accentuated to his evil thoughts.
Tifa at first could not believe that was his first reaction. To smirk?
Shinra returned to his seat and looked at Tifa. Their eyes engaged in a hold. It was no surprise she heard the story that wandered by.
"And where would you hear such a rumour, my dear?" he asked humouring the source of her knowledge.
Tifa figured, he suspected Yuffie but she was quick to reciprocate.
"Let's just say the walls can talk and besides, wouldn't it be news if Sephiroth – the greatest assassin of all time truly was dead?" she asked. "I'd barely think these walls could hide that truth"
For a moment he strew his features into distaste. He seems almost irked at the 'patronizing' topic of Sephiroth and his legend. And now more than ever Tifa could tell Shinra and Sephiroth truly did hate each other. Whatever hate there was, was more than pungently discernible. Shinra looped a leg around the next before leaning into the chair. His brilliant blue eyes caught hers, and for a moment, she surrendered under their vulgar language.
"I'll leave the creative details to you but it was reported that he was expensed to the battle of Mack Knights" he spoke, his eyes holding not a single ounce of sympathy for his fallen soldier.
Tifa swallowed. Tifa couldn't believe it. He truly was dead. Expensed, lost…gone. How could someone like that be dead? And all the sadness she felt the day before began scratching at her once again. Yet curiosity was burning in her nature today, and she would not end the conversation with just one truth known.
"How did he die?" her curious eyes looked at his. For a minute, Rufus marveled at her eyes. Wondering what curiosity she had for this dreaded man.
He looked at her intently. "They said a mortar killed him. It attached itself to his back and that was it" he casually explains.
Tifa listened silently. He was dead because of a bomb. Tifa could feel her emotions stab at her once again. Biting her lips, she would not break under Shinra's gaze.
"But don't worry. The bestial man that has hurt you these many months would have gotten the right punishment he deserved for hurting you and so many others." He playfully jested at his dead soldier's death.
It could hardly be called funny, humorous or anything of the nature to jest about. But of course, again, Shinra was unmasked to be a psycho.
"I see…" she nodded.
It was in a moment of their paused silence, a knock came to the door with a soldier mentioning that Shinra was required. Shinra sighed.
Sparing a small smile, he looked at her, "please excuse me my dear, duty calls"
Straightening his white jacket, he bade her and left her to the silence of her heart. Tifa sat there, motionless. Almost like a silent poison, her body was welcomed to an old pain.
Night quickly came by and with it the advent of the ball. At 6:15pm when the horizon began fading into the earth, a night of black seemed to welcome lights at Black crescents where fine music and company seem to revel. The empire was done preparing and the party was ready for all those who were invited.
Friends and alliances of Black Crescents had come from near and far to partake in a rare ball which Black Crescents had become the best at throwing. For all the evil would now stand under one roof, where allies would come and feast in the memory of dead soldiers.
Many had come, flooding the halls with mass hysteria. Music, so beautiful it was uncommon to hear. Violins played softly, as laughing and clattering heels of dance could be heard.
One after the next, they came in carriages, in strange vehicles carrying the rich, pompous and cruel. At the inside heart of the building, was a beautiful majestic staircase that only officials like Rufus, and his father took the privilege to descend. In the ballroom, there were countless people. They were laughing, and some dancing. Some kissing, and even some drunk to all of the above. All around on the tables were ice sculptors of Rufus, or perhaps the Black Crescents emblem. Whatever it was, Black Crescents spared no expense. Food, more than the poorest man could imagine, had been in a sickening abundance. Every shape, every colour, every taste for every type of palette.
Sharply dressed butlers and maids maneuvered throughout the crowds offering wine and appetizers to the many guests at Black Crescents.
The time was going by quickly and Rufus almost nervously waited for the two main attractions this afternoon, the first Scarlett and the second Tifa. He would hope that Tifa would cooperate about attending his ball, and wearing his surprise dress he made for her. There was much excitement for her.
"Good evening, Rufus" an old woman with a dark blue velvet dress spoke. She wore a thick diamond chain about her neck, and red lipstick that look almost vulgar on an old hag.
"Good evening, Madam Catherina" Rufus kissed the old woman's hand.
"A fine party you've thrown, I see" she lightly smirked.
"Why thank you" he lightly nodded at the compliment.
It was then Rufus caught the movement of red coming down the aisle. In a red flowing dress, with red gloves and red lips, was his darling.
"Scarlett" he whispered. She truly was beautiful. She loved the attention of the crowd, she loved eyes on her. It was the same thing both Shinra and her had in common, that and their lusts for each other.
Catherina looked at the young woman. Snarling at her approaching presence. She had never liked the blonde. Scarlett, as Rufus calls her never had the assertion or graces to be with a man like Rufus, but no one could argue with Rufus' tastes, no matter how bland they were.
Catherina examined Scarlett. As usual the discontent she brought the old woman, made her coughed the word slut at Scarlett's arrival. A truth, everyone knew. Adorn in a red silk dress with red heels and red lips, Scarlett became that girl everyone wanted to be around, the one you enjoyed showing off. But according to Catherina and others, if it had not been for her brooding vanity and inferiority, she would have made a fine match.
"Good evening, Madam Catherina" Scarlett lightly bowed. Catherina frowned. The girl was obviously way above her head in anticipating the good graces of the old woman.
"I'll see you in the gathering room, Rufus" she spoke, taking her leave, ignoring Scarlett.
"She likes you" Rufus smiled at Scarlett.
Scarlett returned the smile.
'I really hate that woman' Scarlett thought.
The party had truly advanced. Everyone was drinking champagne, eating fine appetizers and desserts, while others simply sat and conversed with each other. Rufus had taken a minute from greeting all the guests. He could hardly believe he knew a thousand people. He sat in silence, and drew a sigh of relief. His father was right when he said inviting everyone they knew would become overbearing. He didn't know it would happen so soon though. No matter, it was only once in a while Black Crescents threw a party, and it could only be grand.
Returning to the chaotic ballroom, he took a glass of wine from one of the maids before conversing with some of his old friends. Then suddenly a small tap came to his shoulder. Turning around he was welcomed to his matron maid who bowed at him.
"Good afternoon, Master Shinra" she bowed.
"Maleen" he acknowledged.
"Ms. Lockhart is ready" she spoke.
It was then excitement was brought to his face. 'Finally' thought Shinra.
She stood in front the mirror, her eyes inhaling her sight. Everything about her reeked the obscure difference. If this had not been Rufus' ball, she would have never found herself the excuse to wear such clothes, or pretty herself at such an ugly expense. She reminded herself of nothing of the pacifist she was. Yet seeing herself in the mirror, she could not deny her provocative image only incited many dirty thoughts. She resembled Scarlett in every bit, and she despised all the more the wealthy fabric adorning her. She couldn't begin to imagine the family Shinra took this from.
Looking down at her hand was a red ring that Shinra had given her. It sparkled almost frantically, but as much as it matched her eyes, there was nothing pure about her in wearing any of this. She nurtured the fact strongly, that she needed to take the dress off, but to ruin her dress was to inconvenience the maids and their handiwork, not to mention imagining the kind of character Rufus is on a crazy night like this, he would not have second thought about taking their lives.
Tifa had learned all about insubordination and the disaster it could spell for others, especially people like Yuffie who surprisingly had not come by. Perhaps she was busy with the soldiers down at the infirmary. Poor kid, fancy balls like these didn't match Tifa's character. Going out and meeting people, or perhaps going to gatherings to stand for peace diplomacy was more of her sure thing, but today… was just not her day.
Tifa stood next to Sephiroth's window and couldn't help but to look up. 'Why is it that we look at the stars and think for some strange reason, they'll sparkle the way we want and grant us what we need?' Tifa swallowed. She wasn't even hoping for some miracle or anything, she was just silently grieving for the loss of someone she mistook as the enemy.
'And today I'm standing all beautiful and heartbroken at the same time'
"Ms. Lockhart… we're ready" calls one of the maid's.
Tifa nodded. Wiping the silent tear from her cheek, Tifa bit her lips.
It was difficult to grieve for someone who you didn't quite know or rather you didn't quite understand, but to lose them and realize that you're affected … makes it more of a pathetic case. And now, realizing that the ball was waiting on her, Tifa had to arrest her emotions in suspension as she had a certain profile to maintain. But granted she didn't have to attend this ball, she would break apart. It was too much for her to hold in right now. But somehow, it wasn't time to grieve…
"Ms. Lockhart?" the maid called.
Tifa swallowed. Wiping the tears from her face, Tifa took a breath and readied herself. Seeing the stars sparkle, Tifa whispered… "good bye"
Tifa was told to stand at the top of the stairs, where after she heard the violin crescendo she would descend the staircase. Tifa reluctantly agreed, seeing the maids one by one leave her side. The olden maid smiled at Tifa and with the sound of the violins, she gently gestured her to go forward.
Tifa quizzically looked at the path in front of her and then back at the maids. Somehow, this scenario seem so epic for Tifa. Clenching her fists, Tifa advanced forward.
Slowly she walked reaching the end of the step, she turned around to the maids who heartily smiled at her. Nodding, she took her first step and then another until the ballroom became discernible to her.
It was then the crowd looked up.
Slowly she advances down the stairs, meeting the eyes of inquisition with her pair of dare. These were the many friends and allies of Black Crescents, she figured. She could see the rich and filthy rich everywhere. Her presence at Black Crescents she affirmed was a heavy one. She had stirred the crowds with whispers and questions as she was unwelcome guest to the grand ball. But none could deny, even if she was the enemy, her presence could not go unnoticed.
Rufus pushed himself through the crowd, bursting free at the end of the stairs. For the first time, he could see how sinfully beautiful she was.
Scarlett had noticed the eyes were no longer on her. In fact, they had turned from her and where now directed to the staircase. Immediately, a gasp comes from her mouth and she could hardly believe her eyes. 'It couldn't be'
She observed Tifa's dress, makeup and attention. She could tell Rufus had gone full out for the enemy. Again, she could not understand his obsession with this..girl.
But before everyone was no girl. They could see a woman who was eloquent in walk, prized and proud as being a Red Heart. Rufus stared at Tifa. All he could do was marvel.
She wore a white dress that was tightly clad to her curves. Her body was dangerously accentuated to the thin material that shimmered frenetically under light. Her dress was long, with a small white train behind it. With no straps on her shoulders, and a low décolleté that fitted snug to her large breasts, none could deny she wasn't heavenly. Her hair was curled partially and placed over one shoulder while white feathers adorned her head. With long white gloves on her arms, and the red ring on her right hand, Rufus smiled. She had fulfilled his wish. She caught his gaze where he felt struck by her beauty, dumbly. Her eyes were outlined in dark kohl, where white jewels like tear drops were adorned around her eyes. Her lips were thick and tidied in a bright red lipstick that made her a temptress.
Tifa came to Rufus' side, who offered her his hand; reluctantly under the intense stares from the crowd she obliged. Kissing her hand just so softly, Tifa swallowed the lump in her throat. She could feel their gazes burn at her skin, and if it was one time she truly felt like the enemy it was now. Rufus looked at Tifa and for a moment she was unsure about his thoughts.
"Can I say, you look absolutely stunning?" he whispered. Nervously she smiled.
Rufus then spoke aloud, "My friends, I give you the heir of Red Hearts, Ms. Tifa Lockhart" he spoke aloud.
Everyone just looked at her, feeding in her presence.
But Tifa equally fed in his appearance. He appeared in a sharp uniform of navy blue with gold buttons. His blonde hair was whiter under the bright lights and something about Rufus Shinra seem a little more tidy.
Taking her hand, he led her through the crowd where they found themselves around a large table. Tifa sat next to Rufus, who was very bold at placing a hand around her waist. Tifa met his eyes with her cold ones, but he ignored her plea. They sat with some of the giants in the war. Tifa could not imagine what her significance talking to these people were? How do you socialize with enemies against your will?
"So you are the daughter of Arthur Lockhart" an olden woman asks.
"I am" Tifa was sharp to reply.
"I'm amazed my nephew kept you alive, could it be your pretty looks or quiet voice that keeps you safe?" she paused to study Tifa.
"Neither" Tifa responded coldly, almost confused at the woman before her.
"Now now, let's not start off on the wrong foot" Rufus laughed, "Tifa, this is Madam Catherina, leader of Titus De Amok" he paused, "she is also my good aunt" he spoke smiling at his aunt who noticed none but Tifa in front of her.
"I'm aware of who she is…" Tifa spoke.
"Who does not know of me and my tyrannical ways of war. Best you and your father should know." She glints nastily at Tifa.
"Oh we are aware." Tifa countered… 'of the simpletons of war'
Catherina drank at her wine, her gaze fallen on Tifa.
It was a chaotic night, first Catherina and her constant barrage of attacks, and now Scarlett.
'If I didn't know any better I'd say this party is about making yourself more of an enemy to the enemy.' Tifa sighed, listening to Rufus bore them with some outdated story about how he managed to win some battle against some small empire. Really, thought Tifa, how annoying.
So far, she interpreted these "people", as some of coldest beasts she ever knew. Their adventures, could hardly promote an ounce of joy in a person as their adventures sounded more like sick pleasures and escapades of death. They had 'fun' in destroying villages and organizations of good. Such people, could not live with themselves; but looking around the room, she could see them laughing and conversing, eating and dining as kings and queens, forgetting every single black deed they indulged. And it was, such people thought they were actually people.
It was already half past 10, and the ball had only gotten more chaotic. Security was very thick, no one could go upstairs as no one could come downstairs.
She figured the fortress had become impregnable considering the type of officials attending the party; maids were wildly chased back and forth from table to table, person to person. Drunkards, and wild women all adorn this sickening room of dark souls. Nothing made sense with her being here. She was the irony in a place like this. Her soul, if symbolized would be as white as snow in a heavy darkness that would not go away. She could not deny the stares and looks these people threw at her was enough to severe.
She felt outside their box, too uncultured to their principles and their stereotyped rules. Their lifestyles where parallel to her own. These were things she understood, but could not accept. She figured, this was not the place for a pacifist much less anyone who shared a single different fiber of belief.
She kept reserved most of the time, but she figured, eventually Shinra would stir another conversation about her father in which she was growing tired in having this 'Lady Catherina' fill in with dirty and besmirching statements. The woman, was a black tongue as it couldn't be hidden for all the world. But in addition, the woman had a certain vendetta against Scarlett who she easily ransacked with foul statements. It was not comical to see any one person be contumely marred by another. Yet witnessing Scarlett and how uncomfortably she sat, Tifa couldn't help but to feel a certain sympathy for her.
The attacks had only escalated with some of the dirt falling on Tifa. Tifa could hardly understand the complex of Rufus' aunt. She was in indeed foul at mouth, but horrible at heart. The woman could only pollute the air by the rubbished she spared.
Tired at how the party had declined, Tifa turned to Rufus with a stressed face.
"Would you excuse me, I need to use the bathroom" Tifa pleaded with Rufus, who she hoped would understand for once, how important it was for her to be pardoned from the table. He understood her plea.
"But of course, Scarlett won't you join Tifa" he asked Scarlett.
Scarlett examined the nature of his question. Again he was asking for conveniences that he shouldn't be providing to the prisoner. Reluctantly, she took her leave following Tifa who was taken to the bathroom.
On her way, Tifa could feel the eyes of both men and women eat at her. It was sickening being looked at this way. You felt more like a virus under a microscope rather than a human. Tifa pushed the door back and entered the beautifully ornate bathroom. It reminded her of a picture rather than a reality. Everything seem to shine and be of a rich ambience.
Leaning over the faucet, Tifa pulled at her gloves completely worn out from the façade she wore all afternoon. 'Damn, I hate this place'
Scarlett who observed Tifa, could only narrow her eyes in slits at the young woman. She couldn't understand why everyone was so struck by her. She swore she heard a hundred comments about how beautiful an enemy she was, as they all pardoned her for the evening.
"Enjoying yourself Tiffy?" she asked sarcastically, "you must be enjoying yourself when all the attention is on the daughter of Arthur Lockhart" she spoke vehemently.
"What are you talking about?" Tifa pulled at her other glove, "do you think I want this?" Tifa looked at her unbelievably, "I'm the outsider Scarlett, I can't imagine the kind of attention you think I'm getting" Tifa didn't understand Scarlett.
Did she honestly think she wanted to be here, much less having a million eyes eating at? Obviously, by seeing Scarlett's expression, she figured not.
"Let me tell you something, pacifist" Scarlett started.
Tifa paid no attention to Scarlett as she struggled to pull off her glove, which refused to budge.
Scarlett pulled Tifa around by the shoulder, where the glove and ring flew off. It was then Tifa's ring collected on the vanity. Scarlett looked at the ring.
That ring. She had known that ring. Rufus once stole a ring from his mother that according to his father was a priceless family heirloom. To lose it would be tragic, but to give it to the enemy… was insanely ridiculous.
'How dare he? Here I am, his woman and he doesn't give an ounce of what he gives her.'
Tifa took the ring and placed it on her hand.
"You think you're so lucky don't you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Oh you heard me. Well just remember you're in my walls now…so don't get carried away Tiffy"
Tifa didn't understand it. What was Scarlett's problem?
"Look" Tifa started, closing the faucet, completely fed up of everything. First the ball, then the dress, then Catherina and now Scarlett. Honestly, she didn't care about the punishment, these people were expecting too much. They killed her people, soiled her mind and took everything she held dear and ripped it away. Honestly, she didn't care the consequences.
"What is your problem Scarlett?" Tifa turned to the girl.
"Ohh, so I made the pacifist angry. Ohh, I'm so scared" she mocked.
"Would you quit your immaturity…"
"Immaturity you say?" She came forward with menacing eyes.
"I'll remind you Tiffy, you're the enemy and what we say goes… " she warned.
Tifa who knew Scarlett's tactic, took a breath and removed herself from Scarlett's stare.
"I absolutely hate everything about you and Red Hearts…" she sighed, "the whole pack of you are cynics with a death wish" she started. Tifa looked at Scarlett, observing how the blonde-haired woman truly was evil.
"I mean, when you get right down to it, its amazing that we actually consider you fools our adversaries." She laughed to herself.
"And look at you, daughter of Arthur Lockhart? What happened, were you the mistake your father produced. Humph!" she paused, "I can't imagine anyone having a pacifist child as sad as you"
"This coming from the woman who is absolutely inadequate to fill her disposition to war. Numbly she surrenders to my father's strategy, and has her team killed." Tifa was tired of their beating.
"How dare you!"
"I said nothing but the truth" Tifa whispered
"You shut that mouth of yours pacifist. If you know what's good for you, you'll know to draw the line here" Scarlett shouted. "You think you're so lucky that Rufus protects you and gives you anything you want, well that line is about to end"
She approached Tifa.
"That should be my red ring"
Again Tifa thought, it was materialistic trash Scarlett wanted… things Tifa personally didn't want.
"Now now, it's not red…" Tifa paused to smirk, "it's Scarlett" Tifa mockingly stated looking at the woman in her eyes. "It matches my eyes, don't you think?"
It was the first out-of-line thing Tifa did here at Black Crescents, but she would no longer surrender to the verbal and physical attacks. It couldn't be right to stay bottled up for your life, especially when people like this were responsible for all the bad things in your life.
"You…" she started, and with that she ran forward, slamming her hands across Tifa's face. Tifa took the first lash almost openly, and then recoiled by striking back in defense. Scarlett, pulled at Tifa's long dress, ripping the thin fabric to pieces. Tifa retaliated and cried out when Scarlett grabbed a fistful of her hair.
Their cries and screams caught the attention of the guards. The doors were flung open and both women parted. Both exchange angry expressions of hate. Rufus is addressed of the news and hurriedly attends to the sight of dismay. Both Scarlett and Tifa were trashed.
"What the hell happened?" he confusedly asks inspecting the mess and destruction of both women's poise and clothing.
"Scarlett attacked me" were Tifa's small simple words.
"Oh keep talking you trashy pacifist. I'll get you!" Scarlett bit back.
"Enough!" Rufus shouted.
"Honestly, I had hoped both of you could get along this afternoon." He started, "I'm extremely disappointed in both of you. As such I will not have both of you making a mess of the Shinra house tonight" he paused, "Ms. Lockhart it is therefore sad for me to say, that you must return to your chamber for the afternoon, and as for you Scarlett, go get tidied up and return immediately. Tonight I'll deal with you.." he pointed at Scarlett before leaving them.
Tifa ascended the stairs and made her way to her room. No one was on the floor. How strange. She figured maybe the priority of security wasn't empty rooms but rather the people down below. The music was so loud you could hardly sleep. Still, security at her door was absolutely zero, a strange wonder that was. She was about to open the door, when she observed it was partly ajar.
Immediately she stopped to notice if someone had entered the apartment. Impossible she thought. Looking at the door handle she could see smears of blood. Pushing the door open, she cautiously entered, looking around almost frantically. No one was within the apartment. Feeling something wet by her toes, she looked down. It was blood. Alarmed, she held her breath and slowly followed the trail; the trail leading to Sephiroth's room.
Immediately, she pushed his door open and there lying on his bed, was the man who plagued her dreams with nothing but sadness. Here he was, breathing and in the living flesh lying on his bed. It was something so strange for her, this feeling of having everything you feared go away almost immediately. Fragile and tender from how these feelings left her she reacted by slowly going forward, her eyes shining.
Blood unfortunately reeked strongly in the room. Blood was on the ground and approaching him now, she saw exactly how human he had been. The world had always seen him otherwise to his title. A god, a legend… a myth, but now seeing him close his eyes and bleed it reminded her how frail he truly was in being human. Grabbing some of the gauze from the kit he brought with him, she began almost immediately unrolling it. Leaning forward, she looked at him.
"Sephiroth" it was the first time she said his name in such a long time.
Gently she applied the gauze over his bleeding biceps wrapping it around his arm. Carefully she tied the gauze in a knot.
It was then Sephiroth felt the tightening of the pressure on his arms. He looked up and recalls his room. He hears fabric rustle and he averts his eyes to the industrious woman in front of him.
'Lockhart'
Sephiroth tensed at her fingers on his arms. Tifa looked up and slowly, she backed off and examined him as he positioned himself forward. She leaned forward, trying to help him but he would not let her. Even after all of this he wore his dignity rich.
There was always an element about Sephiroth that could not be matched. For whatever this unnamed element was, it always affiliated itself with pride and dignity.
She could see a trail of blood roll down the side of his mouth. Alarmed, she ripped the tail of her dress wiping the blood from his mouth. Not in a million years would Sephiroth allow anyone to touch him in such a state, but something about Lockhart had changed. Something about her was different.
For a long time, he allowed his eyes to feed her in. What mistake of a dress did she find herself in, and why was she looking like a courtesan in all that makeup. Assessing his thoughts, he figured it must have been Shinra who made the poor woman disgrace herself into his silly fancies.
Tifa left Sephiroth's side with his eyes following her. He leaned forward and coughed. Blood coming from his mouth. Tifa returned with a small bowl of hot water from his bathroom. She sat down in front of him on the floor. She placed the cloth in the water and slowly, eased the fabric over the blood. She took patience and pride in her work but all the while she would not allow him to capture her eyes. It was almost with persistence she kept evading his eyes, focusing all her attention on his mouth. Sephiroth examined her, allowing her to help him. He examined the way her face beaconed in the dark. The way her red lips articulated to his gory bruises. Like a china doll, he allowed his eyes to trial to her flimsy dress that barely covered anything in a woman like Lockhart.
Sephiroth again searched for her eyes, but avoided him avidly. And with confusion, he held her hand against his mouth and for the first time her eyes were full of the million literatures of woe and sorrow she kept. Her eyes held all the things that had happened. He could tell she had grown up but not exactly the way he wanted her to. Equally shining in her eyes was a stunning revelation. Something warm in Lockhart's eyes welcomed him. Something that was always cold, did not carry a chill, but rather tenderly welcomed him. And he knew now, what her eyes held, being not a fool to observe it in Aerith's eyes also.
"Why?" his voice was hoarse, broken up terribly thought Tifa.
Tifa looked down, feeling tears coming to her. He placed a hand under her chin where her eyes sparkled with remarkable truth. Here she was, in all her simplicity providing the truth.
"Do you really not know?" she whispered her eyes flooding with tears, yet the woman never etched her face once to cry. He studied her features, and couldn't deny she was a very pleasant surprise.
"Do you not fear me?" he asked, wondering had his power been lost to the different magic he left her with. He brushed his thumb against her pale winter cheek, allowing his blood to soil her skin. It was beautiful seeing how innocent she was, painted in his blood. Tifa spasm momentarily to his touches and then she closed her eyes.
She wanted him to know. She wanted him to understand.
"Yes… I still fear you" she whispered sharply, as her tears fell. He observed her, and then her lips. Sephiroth touched her lips with his thumb almost numbly, painting her lips with a new kind of red. His blood met her lips and she whimpered.
If she knew poison, she would taste it in his blood and run away like all the others, but she opened her eyes defiantly and met his, "but it is because of my fear, there is mystery in you…a-a-and, I know" she paused to let herself break under his gaze. "And I-I know, I w-want y-yo—
And she was never allowed to finish her statement, as his lips caught hers. Tifa breathed into him. His lips touching hers, and for a moment she could not react to the thrill and danger her heart raced at. She leaned forward, her hands slowly coming to his cheek. She could feel the way his mouth moved against hers, his slow movements deliberate and enticing.
Tifa reacted, kissing back tasting the blood from his mouth in hers. Something about tasting his blood and kissing him, almost as hungrily as he drank her in, made her invited that much more to the mysterious delight Sephiroth was. And yet there was pleasure in the forbidden, of tasting something so different.
His blood tasted delicious, yet wrong which made it the perfect reason to indulge. With blood between their lips and their hunger lighting to fire, Tifa didn't mind where the ecstasy would stop.
They kissed with their mouths tracing perfectly against each other. Rhythm for rhythm they kissed, hunger for hunger they matched. Their hearts were racing and Tifa could feel her legs weaken as Sephiroth took control. All Sephiroth knew was the pain could not be felt, and it enticed him all the more. He placed a hand on her waist where he dug his fingers into the small of back. Almost softly she moaned into his mouth.
The temperature between their bodies were escalating with sweat glistening on their beautiful bodies. Sephiroth looked at Tifa and observed her hand on his chest. She was clutching to him dearly and he could see why in her eyes.
Tifa pushed herself into his arms wanting him around her. Craving his touch… she wanted him so badly.
Sephiroth as well had a desire to submerge himself and become undone taking her whole with him.
It was strange thought Tifa. Now, more than ever she wanted him she wanted the same arms that were known to kill a field of innocent men like crops. The carnage and death he waged with his arms were taken away as he softly touches her.
Again, how could a man this gruff be so gentle as a summer's wind?
To be continued…
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You can read the full version of the lemon on my profile page under the section with Behind Black Curtains lemons.
The link posted on scribd was revised on 14th of Jan, 2013. So no more problems with links.