TOMB OF LIFE
TOMB OF LIFE
CHAPTER 8
Fair warning - this chapter is romance heavy with some OOC scenes.
Lara escorted Sephiroth back to his room realizing that he was in no condition to face the crowds of the dinning hall. Once at the door she offered to bring him back a tray, but he refused, opting to invite her inside under the prospects of having a surprise for her.
It was Lara's first time in his apartment – it was definitely bachelor with dark blues and blacks the prominent colors of the furniture and the walls. She saw him disappear into an adjacent room, and when he re-emerged he was minus the Masamune but plus a small box he held tightly between his hands.
"I got this for you," Sephiroth said, before handing her the tiny box.
Lara took the box and glanced at him warily, then she opened it and looked inside. Amidst a velvet cushion was the blue pendant she had admired at the market place. "It's beautiful, but I'd told you I didn't need it," Lara said glancing back at him.
"It will match perfectly with what you're wearing now." Sephiroth took the necklace from the box then moved behind her, intent on putting it on her.
Lara realized he wasn't going to take no for an answer so she pulled he auburn curls out of the way revealing her slender neck to his view. She had no idea what effect the arousing sight of her bare neck elicited in him. She felt the light weight of the necklace and pendant as it descended around her and heard the soft clasping sound as Sephiroth completed his task. When he turned her around to admire his handiwork his eyes lingered only briefly on the pendant before they returned to her face, her eyes, then her mouth.
Suddenly, Lara's face was pressed against his as his mouth collided with hers in a bruising kiss. Lara blinked a few times at the intensity of the onslaught before closing her eyes allowing herself to relish in the taste and feel of the warm mouth against hers. She didn't know how long they had been kissing, but when he lifted her in his arms and began to carry her to the bedroom her passions were so inflamed as were his that she made no move to deny him. They tumbled onto his king sized bed and soon were lost to each other and their flaring desires.
--
A man dressed in black crept slowly into Sephiroth's quarters that night. The apartment was mostly in darkness, but once he entered the bedroom – pale moonlight spilled in through an open window offering enough illumination for him to make out the couple entwined between the sheets on the bed. Taking his cell phone, he quickly took a picture before making his way back out of the room.
--
Lara awoke in a euphoric haze – had it all been a dream or had she really taken her relationship with Sephiroth to the next level? She felt a presence stir beside her which prompted her to open her eyes. Lying next to her with eyes closed was the silver-haired General – her new lover. She couldn't help reaching out and gently caressing his cheek, in response to her touch she watched as his eyes fluttered open and a sultry emerald gaze collided with her own. "So I didn't imagine it," Lara whispered, before lowering her eyes to his lips. She leaned forward and he met her halfway as their mouths crushed against each other in an early morning kiss. Moments later she abruptly pulled away with a light laugh covering her mouth with her hand. "I'm sorry, morning breath."
"You taste wonderful," Sephiroth replied, his eyes burning into hers. He was so pleased she hadn't stopped him last night. In fact, she had been quite enthusiastic about their lovemaking. She had been so passionate, more so than any other woman he had been with in the past. Now would be the perfect time to build upon their newfound relationship. "So how long will it take you to get ready?"
"To go where?" Lara asked.
"We're leaving for Costa Del Sol within the hour, Company Jet will be available – oh, and pack warm it's a tropical area," Sephiroth explained. "It seems a fitting time to begin our Gaia world tour."
Lara grinned at him before leaning in for another quick kiss then bounded up in bed to get ready.
An hour and a half later Sephiroth and Lara were aboard one of the ShinRa jets bound for Costa Del Sol, the resort area that was a popular vacation destination for many on the planet.
"So, did you pack your swim trunks?" Lara asked the silver-haired man – a twinkle of amusement in her hazel eyes.
Sephiroth had a half grin on his face. "I don't have any."
"Well I don't have any either, are you suggesting we skinny dip on this trip?" she held back a giggle.
"Even though I would gladly love another chance to see you naked, we can purchase swim suits there." There was a sensually wicked spark in his jade eyes.
Lara crossed her legs and rested her hand over Sephiroth's which lay on the chair handle. "I sense we are going to have a marvelous time."
"If we spend a good portion of that time in the bedroom, then I agree." Sephiroth burst into a full grin this time.
Lara squeezed her eyes shut, if she were a lesser woman she would have been blushing furiously at the moment, but it took more than mere suggestive speech to turn the seasoned adventurer a light shade of pink. Eventually she was able to look away from Sephiroth's engagingly handsome face and glance out the window – it seemed they were about to take off.
--
Later that day near the Midgar marketplace, Cloud sat astride Fenrir and pulled out his phone. Punching a speed dial code he placed it at his ear and listened. No answer. He tried the call once more but stiffened, when he heard someone speak behind him.
"Who is Lara?"
Cloud turned around to see Zack Fair standing there. "Zack, haven't seen you in a while." He flipped his phone close depriving his friend from looking at the screen.
"Yes – been a little busy at ShinRa," Zack said coming to stand next to his friend. "I couldn't help but noticing your phone call to a certain Lara."
"You're too nosey by far," Cloud stated, through the twinkle in his Mako blue eyes were reminiscent with mirth.
"No big secret there," Zack replied with a grin.
"She's just a girl I met," Cloud idly replied.
"Gorgeous auburn hair, hazel eyes that could stop a man dead in his tracks, an ass that won't quit – oh, and breasts the size of melons?" Zack gave Cloud a knowing look.
"Okay, so I take it you know her," Cloud said, replacing his phone in his pocket.
"Yes I do, she just left with Sephiroth for Costa Del Sol this morning," Zack replied.
Cloud swore under his breath and glanced away. Lara had said she wasn't Sephiroth's girl, well at least she had denied the claim – so why was she going to that romantic locale with him? "What is she to him?"
"If anyone else asked me that question, then I would say that really isn't any of their business, but for you ..."
"Spit it out," Cloud said his crankiness now evident.
"Lara is a guest here and she was promised a tour of Gaia – the good spots anyways, so they are kicking off the start of a world tour. I'm not sure why Sephy decided to start with Costa Del Sol though." Zack shrugged, though he was secretly watching Clouds reaction. He was not surprised to see that the spiky haired blond seemed pissed. "Cloud,"
"What?" Cloud replied returning his attention to Zack.
"How do you know her?" Zack was curious now.
"I met her one day in the park, we exchanged numbers." Cloud replied. He paused before continuing, "Does Sephiroth have any claim to her?"
"If he did, would that stop you?" Zack smirked.
"Stop what?" Cloud asked with a confused expression on his face.
"Oh, you tell me." Zack sobered then. "You know – this would devastate Tifa."
"What exactly?" Cloud was becoming impatient with his friend.
"The fact that you're attracted to another woman you just met and barely know when Tifa has been trying to get that response from you for years now."
"Zack I don't need a lecture, Tifa knows exactly where we stand I have always made that clear to her," Cloud replied.
"Right, anyways they are going to be gone for at least two weeks, if I were you I probably wouldn't call her. Not really sure how Sephiroth will react if he finds out it's you," Zack said running a hand through is spiky black hair.
"So you're saying he does have some claim to her?"
"Listen, I honestly don't know, but you and Sephiroth aren't exactly bosom buddies. Do you want to come to blows again over something this personal? Think about it." Zack ruffled Clouds blond hair as was his wont and then gave him a half grin. "This is me just trying to keep you out of trouble." He waved at Cloud then walked off.
Cloud sat still for a moment, thinking about Zack's words. A part of him would love to infuriate Sephiroth, but he wouldn't do it at Lara's expense. His interest in her was genuine, but if he sat back and allowed her to get closer to Sephiroth, then any relationship he may hope to form with her would be over before it began. Cloud didn't think Sephiroth had a caring bone in his body, he couldn't imagine any intelligent woman falling for him especially not one like Lara Croft. However, it was possible that he could show a side of himself to a woman that he would never reveal to a man much less Cloud.
--
Lara sat on a lounge chair on one of the beautiful beach resorts Costa Del Sol had to offer. Sephiroth was seated on the lounge next to her. She observed him in his long black swim trunks with his silver hair fanned out beneath him, he looked like an angel. "Lotion?" Lara asked holding the sun tan lotion bottle over to him. "Your skin is so fair I imagine you'd burn easily."
"No, I don't burn," Sephiroth replied, refusing her offer.
"Of course you don't Mr. I-heal-almost-instantly," Lara chuckled. "You know that would come in handy in my line of work. No need to carry around a medical kit if I'll heal after a few minutes."
Sephiroth smiled at her, he had been doing that a lot lately while he was around her. And who wouldn't, the woman was a breath of fresh air, not to mention the fact that she was real easy on the eyes. His emerald gaze roved over her now, she was wearing a white strappy bikini and white rimmed sunglasses. He liked the way the bikini showed off her voluptuous figure. He'd never forget the sight of her naked as he had witnessed in the moonlight the previous night, and seeing her once again in a similar state of undress was playing havoc on his libido. He kept thinking about getting her back to their hotel room.
"You know I've never seen you wear anything other than black. And don't get me wrong, you do make for a dashing package in your black armor, but I think for this trip you should try something different," Lara said, observing him thoughtfully.
"Well, sorry to disappoint but I didn't pack anything other than black." Sephiroth thought about it and realized he didn't have anything other than black in his entire wardrobe – his shoulder guards were silver but other than that…
"Well then, I suggest we go shopping tomorrow," Lara replied grinning.
"You're serious about this?"
"Oh absolutely," Lara winked at him.
"Don't do that," Sephiroth groaned inwardly.
"Don't do what?" Lara asked innocently.
"If you keep looking at me like that, I won't be held responsible for my actions," He said as he stood up and towered over her threateningly.
Lara removed her sunglasses and perched them high on her forehead. Her hazel eyes were twinkling with mirth. "I think you're going to have to be a bit more specific General." She squealed when he rushed her, knocking her and himself over the lounge but making sure that he took the brunt of the fall, cushioning her from the hot sand with his body. The sound of lustrous laughter could be heard as Sephiroth began to tickle her. It seemed her laughing was infectious for soon enough Sephiroth was chuckling right along with her. Their light moment was interrupted when she heard someone behind them calling Sephiroth's name.
Lara quickly rolled off him and looked up to find one of the handsomest men she'd ever seen. Well 'til she came to Gaia that is, it seemed almost all the men here were downright gorgeous. Lara couldn't help noticing how much he looked like Sephiroth, he was tall, pale and had long silver hair, but that is where the similarities ended. His hair was much spikier than Sephiroth's and he had deep blue eyes unlike Sephiroth's emerald greens. However, they could easily pass for brothers.
"Weiss," Sephiroth said, as he quickly jumped to his feet, he was about to turn to help Lara to her feet but noticed that she was already ahead of him.
"You have a brother?" Lara couldn't help asking as she dusted the sand off her body.
Weiss chuckled, "Are you saying I resemble this ugly mug?" he motioned to Sephiroth. His voice was deep and gruff, yet many women found it pleasing to the ear.
"Weiss here is a member of SOLDIER, he's been on assignment in Wutai, but I suppose you are on vacation now," Sephiroth stated dryly.
"Yes indeed," Weiss replied before turning to Lara saying. "And no we're not brothers, though we get that a lot. My actual brother Nero doesn't look a thing like me. Strange the way the genes work sometimes isn't it? So Sephiroth, what brings you here?"
"Vacation as well. This is Lara Croft, she is a ShinRa esteemed guest and I am her guide on a short tour of the planet," Sephiroth explained.
"I see," Weiss glanced between Lara and Sephiroth then back again but remained silent.
Lara sensed the two men needed a minute alone. "You know I think I'm going to take a dip before nightfall, you two catch up." Lara smiled at them both before heading off in the direction of the ocean.
Weiss watched Lara until he saw her enter the water then he glanced at Sephiroth for a long moment which finally prompted the green-eyed man to say. "What is it?"
"Am just wondering why we are screwing an esteemed ShinRa guest?" Weiss said matter-of-factly.
"Where do you get off…"
"Oh I know this would be something that would be expected of me. Hell I'm here with a 'girl of the hour myself,' but you, our great General. I never would have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself."
"What do you want me to say?"
"Oh you got it all wrong, I'm not here to berate you as you know I would have done the same thing. One question though, how is she in bed?" Weiss smirked.
"Definitely not a conversation I'm going to have with you," Sephiroth scowled.
"She's one hot number," Weiss said, as he glanced towards the waterline where he could see Lara's beautiful body glistening with moisture.
"Ok that's enough Weiss, what do I have to do to make you disappear?" Sephiroth asked biting back a sigh.
Weiss turned towards him his blue eyes widening. "By Shiva, you really like her."
"You're reading too much into it," Sephiroth said, as he took a few steps towards the shoreline. "So how long are you and your girl of the hour going to be here?"
"We're leaving tomorrow," Weiss replied.
"Good, so we won't run into you again."
"And I was just going to ask if we could have dinner with you guys tonight," Weiss said biting back a smile. At the look of annoyance on Sephiroth's face he said, "Just kidding."
"Get out of here," Sephiroth snapped. He watched as his fellow SOLDIER waved then walked off still chuckling. Sephiroth wondered about what he had said, did he really feel something for Lara more than what he normally would with just a passing fling. He wasn't sure, though he couldn't remember the last time he laughed with a woman that wasn't Aeris. All of his relationships in the past had been for sexual fulfillment purposes and nothing more. He had never once thought of settling down with one woman and having children – none he had met so far had ever inspired that desire in him, but Lara, she was different and there was no denying that.