Disclaimer: Final Fantasy does not belong to me...however much I may like it to. I own no characters, places etc. etc. so please don't sue me! I'm a nice person :)
Author's Note: Chapter Six...the dinner ;)...And I know it's a day later than I said...I started reading a book and it kept me distracted!...PLEASE review as I really enjoy reading your views and they inspire me to get better! It would make me very very happy! Anyway stop reading this and get on with reading the fic! Hope you enjoy! :)
Chapter Six: Late Arrivals and Desirable Curiosity
Tifa twirled a stray dark lock around one of her slender fingers, the action almost performed subconsciously, as if her body was trying to keep itself from drifting into a desperate state of paralysed nerves.
She couldn't deny the fact that this 'dinner meeting' as it were, filled her with such painful butterflies, that it almost felt like she was a guilty criminal, about to go on trial, with no hope of being freed.
The brunette tried to loosen out her tense, still body by stretching her arms over the counter top of which she was leaning, her mouth letting out a soft moan as her skin tingled with pleasure at the feel of the cooling surface beneath her.
As she lay there, she allowed her eyes to drift up to the clock, perching firmly on the wall, the hands seemingly unmoving, though she knew they were, their motion so slow that it could only be picked up by a keen observer.
She'd been sat in the bar for over quarter of at hour, though she wasn't quite sure as to why, as she had never expected him to turn up early, after all, he seemed like such a precise man, and it seemed to her he was the type to arrive, bang on the dot at the specific time he'd chosen.
Tifa let her eye lids lower, and soon she was drifting in and out of a soft doze, her mind filled with pleasant thoughts, unrelated to her current situation, as though, again, her subconscious was trying to quell her nerves, though unluckily for the brunette this calm state was not allowed to remain for long.
A loud, steady knock sounded from the door, the sudden noise making Tifa bolt upright a little too quickly, and she soon experienced a slight head rush. When she had regained her composure, the young woman shifted herself from the stool and made her way, rather unsteadily to the door.
Every step she took left a trail of soft echoes chasing themselves around the empty room, making her feel strangely vulnerable, yet also a little excited, the situation almost like some kind of surreal dream.
Tifa lifted a hand to the door knob, slowly letting her fingers wrap around the piece of cooling metal, and soon the item was completely curled up and hidden underneath her grip.
Another knock sounded around her, and her heart almost jumped out of her chest, the brunette shook her head firmly as if to convince herself that there was no need for such a reaction.
She took a deep breath, pulled on her most confident battle smirk, and opened the door in one swift, fluid motion, creating a light chill of air, that rushed over her form ever so refreshingly.
Her nerves vanished immediately when she was met with the sight of not the blonde haired President, but a young raven haired boy, no older than nineteen, wearing a crisp navy blue suit.
See let her eyes roam over his form a few times, as if checking for any unseen danger, before allowing her voice to venture out, a curious smirk beginning to play upon her pale lips, ''Hello...''
''Miss. Lockhart?'' The boy did not smile, though he seemed to be almost surprised by her, as if she was not the young woman he had expected.
She nodded once, her eyes flashing with interest as she let her gaze shift from him, to the rather beautiful vehicle which was parked across the street.
''I'm the President's personal chauffeur, I was told you would be expecting me.''
When her only reaction was the raising of a confused eyebrow the young boy continued, ''I'm here to take you to meet him.''
In a flash the brunette's expression changed from one of innocent curiosity to a fiery scowl, and with an equally swift motion she stepped out into the street and closed the bar door, letting her heels clack noisy upon the pavement as she made her way over to the vehicle, muttering to herself.
''The cheek...can't even come to pick me up himself...sends a bloody driver no less...leaving me with someone I barely know...not that I know him any better, but still it would have been nice if-''
She was cut off as the young chauffeur reached out a steady arm and opened the car door for her with a certain trained grace, a clear look of worried confused masked beneath his blank expression, obviously a little concerted at having such an angry muttering woman in the back of his vehicle.
The journey was surprisingly smooth, and much to the brunette's relief, rather short. It wasn't that the interior wasn't particularly comfortable, in fact it was really very nice, but what she wasn't too happy with was the amount of attention the vehicle was getting, after all such flashy cars were a rarity and as such only people of high importance could afford them.
She couldn't help but feel a heightened appreciation for celebrities having their car windows shaded, the constant peering eyes were without doubt, highly irritating, and a little embarrassing.
Once the vehicle had stopped, and was parked to the chauffeur's satisfaction, the same door opening routine was repeated and soon she found herself gazing with a curious wonderment at the restaurant, which, till now, she hadn't even known existed.
The outside was a pale cream, with shockingly dark brown, wooden beams crossed against the smooth light paint, adding an age and mystery to it, as though the place had a hidden history.
It wasn't exceptionally modern looking or flashy, but rather traditionally grand, with a sort of classic edge, and Tifa was pleasantly surprised at his choice, and even more surprised at the fact she seemed to agree with it.
As she walked swiftly up the pathway, and towards the entrance, Tifa had to use all her concentration not to slip on the purposely uneven cobbles, making a mental note that heels were the devil in shoe form.
The inside was just as grand and imposing as the exterior had appeared, and everything seemed to have taken on a red, golden sheen, with a coat of darkened shadows, that set just the right atmosphere for what the outside had seemingly attempted to create.
Before the brunette could continue to admire her surroundings, a rather pert, huffy waiter appeared in front of her, his hands clasped firmly by his sides and a greying moustache twitching impatiently upon his top lip.
''Can I help you madam?'' His voice matched his demeanour perfectly, the words spoken in a clear, almost refined tone, yet with a hint of agitation.
Tifa paused in thought for a few moments, her mind a little unsure of what the waiter wanted to hear, ''Erm yes...I'm...I'm here to meet Ru-'' She stopped suddenly, her burrow contorting and smoothing as though she'd realised maybe, what she felt she had a right to say, wasn't actually appropriate, ''President Shinra.''
The brunette sighed and began playing with a bread-stick, twirling in around within two slender fingers, occasionally tapping it against the table in a bored sort of rhyme.
She had to admit she wasn't sure whether she was surprised, annoyed, or disappointed when the table to which the waiter had lead her to, was empty, but after about fifteen minutes of waiting alone she made her up her mind that it wasn't any of those three, instead she was infuriated.
I can't believe this, first he doesn't even pick me up, and now he's no even gunna show...I should have seen this coming...stupid jerk...
It wasn't helping matters that every few seconds, a different waiter would come by and ask if she needed anything, in a tone that told her they both pitied her and found some amusement in her situation.
Tifa had been so lost in her own rambling thoughts that she'd ended up snapping the piece of hard food, one half still in her hand, but the other laying rather pathetically on the table, ''This is ridiculous.'' She shook her head and quickly rose from her seat, her face lowered to the ground, knowing a disgruntled blush would be forming upon her usually pale cheeks.
''Leaving so soon?
The brunette couldn't stop the small gasp escaping, for there, less than a metre from her, stood the President, his suit pristine white as always, his silver blonde hair seamlessly held in place by nothing other that its own desire of style and, of course, there was an infuriatingly arrogant smirk playing across his, oh so perfect lips.
Tifa's face contorted and she had to use a great amount of energy to withhold from yelling obscenities at the young man, if not for her own dignity, for the fellow diners, who, no doubt, wouldn't like their own meals to be interrupted by a fight that, in her eyes, probably wasn't worth it.
When she spoken, she did so through gritted teeth, ''What...do you think...you're playing at?''
A tense silence settled between them, as the blonde observed her, as if testing her aura to see if it was safe to say his piece without getting a retorting blow he wasn't keen on receiving, though it wasn't long before he let his arrogance drive him on.
''Not nice being humiliated is it...''
Tifa glared at him through narrowed eyes, clearly confused at whatever point he was trying to make, and seeing this he continued in a hushed whisper, that seemed so delightfully threatening.
''You didn't like being here alone, didn't like the admission that you might have been stood up, your honour completely dismissed and ruined...much like the situation in your bar, you offended and trampled upon my dignity, my honour...''
The young woman bite back the angry tears that were trying so desperately to force their way out and whispered back, almost too softly, ''Wasn't withholding my customers enough...?''
''Not nearly enough.''
His face was so close to hers now, that she could feel the gentle heat of his breath against her own soft skin, genuinely surprised that he could possess any warmth at all, as she could feel the threat which flared beneath his icy orbs, even with her own gaze concentrated on his shoulder, a seemingly unseen force stopping her from looking directly at him, for her own good.
When she had regained some of her composure, she could no longer withhold the anger that had been bubbling up along with the cold fear, ''You are such a...you are a complete-''
''Now, now...language, this is an upmarket place, I know you're not used to being surrounded by such a breed of class, but they don't appreciate bad manners.''
Tifa flushed a deep red, both angered at his supposed reference to her lower class, and station in the world, but also slightly embarrassed that she was, even if she would never admit it, completely out of her depth.
She gave a low grunt and made to push past the young man, determined that to leave was the best option now, even if she wasn't quite sure as to how she would get home.
Tifa was stopped the minute her body brushed against his, when a steady, firm grip was curled around her right arm, holding her fast next to him.
''Stay.''
The words were so unexpected that Tifa's heart almost skipped a beat out of pure shock, What...
There was something in his tone, as if he was finding it incredibly hard to say, his usual demand and authoritative edge was still there, yet there was also a glimmer of gentle pleading, that Tifa was sure he used very rarely, and the fact he was using it with her was far too intriguing.
As these thoughts ran through her mind, she became suddenly very aware that she was still in his grasp, and much to her surprise, she wasn't as disgusted by the close proximity as she would have hoped to be.
''Fine.'' Slowly, almost teasingly, the brunette slipped out from the interlock their bodies were in and strolled back round to the table, using every pinch of acting talent she possessed to appear confident and sure, determined not to admit the fact that their little confrontation had been both frightening and more than a little enjoyable, in a strange sort of way.
What the hell am I thinking...what the hell am I doing...There must be something wrong with me...
She was intensely pleased that these thoughts were private, and he, as yet, was not able to pick up on the false mask she had plastered upon herself.
Instead he joined her at the table, wearing another exceedingly arrogant smirk, as though believing he had defeated her in some way, and Tifa was indeed held under that powerful, fear inducing gaze, which seemed able to create butterflies within her, but again, of course, she would never ever admit it.
The pair sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity, the only break in quiet came when Rufus ordered a bottle of house wine from the same huffy waiter whom had shown Tifa to her seat when she had first arrived.
When the drink was served, the brunette all but downed the first glass, welcoming the distraction from the uncomfortable atmosphere, secretly hoping that things might be more bearable if she was under the effects of alcohol.
Rufus on the other hand twirled the glass within his cupped hand, and took a slow, lingering sip, an almost opposite to the young woman's motion, whom he had just raised an eyebrow to, assuming that was the way lessors drank fine wine.
Tifa fingered the hollow glass rim for a while, trying desperately to think of a topic of conversation, to which she kept coming up dry, and was pleasantly relived when the waiter returned once again with the menus this time.
Much to her dismay it all seemed to be in some language, quite foreign to her, and Tifa racked her brain for some way of getting round this embarrassment, and soon an idea fell upon her and she shifted her gaze to Rufus, ''Could you order for me?''
His reply was a solitary quirk in his right eyebrow, as if trying to withhold a full blown look of confusion.
Noticing the proceeding silence, she shone him a nervous smile, ''Just...you probably know what's good here.''
''Hm.'' The blonde swiftly reverted his gaze back to his own menu and soon proceeding to wave the waiter back over, barking various food orders at him, which none of course Tifa could understand.
When they were alone once again, Tifa continued with the gentle probing and stroking of her wine glass, which was once again full with the red warming beverage, and in spite of himself, Rufus began, in basic terms, checking her out.
She'd definitely made an effort, though her look seemed so perfect in its simplicity, instead of wearing the obvious choice; a dress, she'd gone for a pair of clean cut, jet black trousers, that skimmed over the gentle curve of her toned legs, yet didn't cling.
Above that she wore a beautifully deep purple gypsy style top, that hung to her figure just as flatteringly, showing just enough skin to balance out the complete coverage of her bottom half, though also leaving, just enough, to the imagination.
Her make-up was almost non-existent, her natural, pure skin and delicate features, not needing to be enhanced by anything, in fact the only trace of artificial tampering, was upon her lips, where a slight trace of reddening lip colour was present.
Though it was when his gaze fell over her brunette locks, that the blonde felt a jolt of pleasure, as there nestled against the left side of her head, holding a group of strands away from her face, lay the emerald clip, which he had specified his desire for her to wear, even though he'd been almost certain she wouldn't comply.
It didn't take long for Tifa to notice that the young man was basically staring at her, as if completely enthralled by something, and in an attempt to distract this rather uneasy, if not totally unwanted attention, she decided to air a question that had been plaguing her thoughts ever since the moment he had first asked her there.
''So...Rufus...you said this was a peace offering, but I'm pretty sure you don't take all the 'commoners' you've wronged, out to dinner...so tell me why am I here?''
His gaze snapped up to meet hers, and within moments responded, his tone steady as always, ''Because, I want to know you.''
''Huh?'' The look of complete confusion she was expressing was almost comic, though Rufus made a special effort not to laugh.
''I want to know you...you interest me.''
''Pfft...What if I don't want you to know me? If you hadn't noticed I don't like to keep arrogant, power hungry killers, as close, personal company.'' A defiance filled her voice, as if challenging the blonde to persuade her otherwise.
There was a pause before he spoke, as if he was considering his point of attack carefully, ''What about Reno?''
''What about him?''
''He's a killer...''
''Well yes but, he...I mean-'' Though Rufus did not speak over her, he cut her off with a self-assured glare, his tone remaining softly confident.
''I've never killed anyone.''
Tifa raised her eyebrows in unamused defiance, ''No...you just give the orders.''
''It's the clever way.''
''It's the coward's way.''
A slight grimace formed, though it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, and much to Tifa's surprise, a low chuckle sounded from the blonde, ''You know...I don't think anyone has ever dared to call me a coward before...''
''Well...there's a first time for everything.''
''Hm.''
Rufus smiled subconsciously, quick to turn his face down to hide it, finding it hard to deny that he was rather enjoying playing this strange little game with her.
A few moments later their food arrived and Tifa was surprised at how pleased she was with the order, seeing as the blonde himself had chosen the dish.
She leaned forward and took a soft sniff, enjoying the warming, spiced aroma that was steaming off from the freshly cook food, and before long she was taking her first tentative bite, her hand shaking slightly, as the thought of eating in front of a male, a male whom she hardly knew was surprisingly nerve racking, plus she still wasn't completely sure he hadn't had it poisoned.
Rufus watched her, finding the small moan of delight at her tasting, strangely hypnotic, ''I take it the food is to your satisfaction?''
The young woman yet out a small chuckle of amusement, ''Do you always talk like that?''
''Like what?''
''So...proper...''
''It's the correct way for someone of my stature to speak.''
''That's not what I asked.'' Tifa raised a cocky eyebrow, a small smirk playing across her darkened lips as she raised the wine glass ever so slowly to her mouth, taking a lingering sip, all the time keeping her deep gaze locked upon his own.
Oh my...am I flirting...must be the wine...
She shifted her eyes downwards as the thought came across her mind, though if she'd carried the daring stare a little longer, she would have found a surprised, and rather pleased looking Rufus.
Tifa was stuffed, that was a certainty, and with that delightful euphoria that a good meal brought, she seemed to allow her once alert senses, to dull slightly, slowly lowering her guard, and before she knew it she was having a shockingly detailed conversation with the young blonde about her life, oh course missing out specific details which she felt were to private to tell, no matter how deadened her senses were.
When their conversation finally ceased, Rufus seemed unnaturally still, thoughtful almost, and when he spoke, there was something off in his voice, something that seemed so out of place in such a cold man, ''It seems I have a lot to make up for.''
The brunette observed the young man for a few moments, as if suddenly surprised by his presence, though she finally managed to pull her senses together and leaned forward, an intrigued curiosity playing across her slightly flushed face, ''Ok you've gotta level with me...what are you going on about? A few weeks ago you basically shut down my business, fully knowing about the fact your past...actions had deeply affected my life, and yet now... now you suddenly want to make up for it. Why?''
Rufus took a large swig from his glass, downing the remains of his wine and lowered the item back down to the table slowly, his eyes glazed over slightly, as though trying to figure the best way of wording his response.
''Well Miss. Lockhart...As I am constantly reminded by my...advisers...Shinra is trying to go in a more 'friendly' direction if you will...and part of this will be...reconciling a certain...relationship with the public...so...why not start with you...I want your respect...And I am willing to work for it.''
''How exactly?'' Tifa had tried her best to absorb the trails of highly unexpected reasoning, and her brow was now thick with suspicion.
The blonde flicked a stray strand of silver light hair back into place and smirked, ''Well that is up to you.''
A short pause proceeded and Rufus began to feel a slight impatience, as if her lack of response was unnerving, ''So...what is your answer?''
Her gaze had been focused on the table, but when he spoke again, she shot it back up to meet his, and spoke with complete focus, her tone so genuine, ''I don't trust you.''
''Well...we can work on that...''
''What if I refuse?''
Rufus sighed softly, ''Then you refuse.'' He let a small silence linger before adding, oh so knowingly, ''But you won't.''
The brunette allowed a slight warming flush to pass across her skin as she smiled in spite of herself, because she knew, and she knew he knew as well, that he was absolutely correct.
Before she knew it Tifa was walking towards the sleek vehicle, in which she had arrived, though this time there was a new presence in the form of the blonde President.
The young chauffeur was waiting patiently by the car and as they approaching he bowed his head in respect to Rufus and opened the door, creating a wide space for the President to enter.
It was only then that the brunette realised she would be riding in the back of the vehicle with him, and that thought made her heart beat that little bit faster, out of either fear or anticipation, she couldn't be completely sure.
Before the young raven haired boy closed the door behind them, she managed to get out an almost whispered, ''Thank you.'' Which seemed to amuse the blonde, though Tifa didn't seem to notice.
The pair sat in silence, less that half a metre from one another, and Tifa couldn't help but feel once again vulnerable at this sudden isolation, and she felt so unprepared for the prolonged close proximity.
It wasn't like in the restaurant, where they had been surrounded by fellows and noise and space, here there was nothing to hold her concentration, she couldn't detach her mind from the situation with playful day-dreaming, all she could do was stare and try not to think about how good his cologne smelt, especially mixed with the leather aroma lining the interior of the car.
Stop it Tifa...stop thinking about him...it's stupid...it's wrong...and it's impossible...
Rufus shifted ever so slightly against the back seat, an unknown batch of nervous energy creeping around in his body. He could hear her breathing, it was light, but desperate, and as he shifted his gaze to his right, he caught sight of her mouth, enjoying the way her lips softly parted, and proceeded to let his eyes run down her body, taking in every up close detail, which before now had been denied, he was so close that he could almost see every hair which lay upon her skin, and soon found himself feeling a strange sort of excitement at this woman's seamless perfection.
Stop it Rufus...you shouldn't even be allowing such thoughts to enter your mind...she is just a girl...she is just a woman...she is nothing special...
The pair both let out silent sighs of comforting relief when the car's engine stopped rumbling as it parked outside the empty and rather dark looking 'Seventh Heaven'.
It wasn't long before the car door was once again opened and they were both met with a pleasant icy chill as the night air invading the space.
Tifa took care in sliding smoothly from the vehicle, not wanting to make a fool of herself by hobbling out like some sort of monkey.
Before she continued on her way back to her home, to whose comfort she desperately wanted to return to, the brunette swung round and gave Rufus the first genuinely warm smile he'd seen from her, ''Thank you...oh and...I will...I mean, I do accept your offer.''
Rufus bit back the smirk that was daring its way out and instead kept his face and tone as straight and as steady as possible, ''Goodnight Miss. Lockhart.''
As she turned back and strolled away from the vehicle, both the chauffeur and the President continued to observe Tifa, seemingly transfixed, and when the young raven haired boy spoke, it was in an almost hushed admiration, ''She's very beautiful Sir.''
Rufus lifted an eyebrow, though the rest of his face remained still, ''Is she?''
The question seemed more to himself, than to the chauffeur, and when the young boy turned to face him, he didn't give him the chance to reply, and instead flashed a waving order for the door to be closed, and soon the rumble of the engine sounded once again.
A/N=I meant to get this out earlier...sorry for the wait people...hopefully it's a good chapter...It turned out a hell of a lot longer than I'd planned, but there seemed so much to say!...Plus...lots of TifaxRufus goodness...I tell you Rufus is one hard sod to write for...but anyway...not to worry, the next chapter will be out before next week...well unless I die or something, in which case you'll just have to wait until I rise from the dead, though I think my plotting abilities might be affected if I do become a zombie...let us just hope I stay alive hm? xD