Authors notes: A long time since last time I know. All I can say is life happened, and I'm still fighting my writers block. That being said, I can tell you guys that work on the next chapter has already started.
Thanks for reviewing and for sticking by my story, you guys are the best :)
Last night's reunion had ended on a good note, but what would the morning bring?
How would Tifa feel about her partner's old friends? And would Lowell and Syrenne still want to continue with their plans for their old leader, after meeting their newest house guest...
Chapter 7: Growing closer.
Dagran was awakened by the sun brightly streaming into the room. He stretched his tired body, feeling far from fully rested. The last day's events had really taken a toll on him. He turned his head to check on Tifa, but found the spot beside him empty. As was the rest of the room.
''Tifa?'' He called calmly, thinking she must be in the bathroom. Eager to know if she was better, he ignored his aching muscles and got out of bed. Quickly throwing on his clothes, then softly knocking on the bathroom door, ''Are you feeling better?'' receiving no answer, he poked his head inside. Only to find it empty too.
He walked downstairs – continuing his search on the ground floor, but still no sign of her. Concern filled his mind as he quietly opened the master bedroom's oak door. Eyes immediately landed on the sleeping couple before he silently checked their private bathroom. Not exactly surprised when she was not there either.
''Bloody hell, Dagran. What are you doing up?'' Syrenne whispered tiredly, rubbing her eyes. A long yawn leaving her lips as her gaze landed on her bare chested friend standing by the door. ''You, go and help with whatever he's doing.'' she unceremoniously shoved Lowell out of their bed.
He hit the floor hard, making the wooden floor cry out in protest. ''Good morning, my ray of sunshine...'' Lowell moaned painfully, glaring up at the woman in question.
''I can't find Tifa anywhere.'' Dagran merely stated as he helped his groggy friend up on his feet. ''I'm sorry for waking you guys, but I'm worried...''
''Who?'' Lowell gave him a confused look. ''Oh! You mean your friend!'' He quickly sought his scattered clothes, ''So that's her name.''
''We'll both help you, just give us a minute.'' Syrenne murmured tiredly and gestured for him to wait outside.
Dagran complied and waited for the pair in the living room. True to her word, they came out a few minutes later. Looking rather exhausted he noticed. A pang of guilt went through him. He felt bad for turning up and immediately started to burden them with his troubles. His gaze landed worryingly on Syrenne, noticing how she had one hand on her stomach.
''Don't even think about it!'' She barked irritatedly, before he even had a chance to open his mouth. ''I may be pregnant, but I'm no bloody invalid.'' Syrenne walked past him, into the kitchen. Where she came to an abrupt stop, ''What the hell!?''
At her remark, the two men quickly followed her. Both of them peering over her shoulders to see what had caught her attention. Though all Dagran could see was the same clean kitchen he had checked a while ago. Nothing seemed out of place, nor were there anybody inside. ''What's wrong?'' he asked.
''Its never been this clean...'' Lowell murmured while admiring the spotless counters. Not a single item stood where they left it last night and everything had been cleaned from floor to ceiling. From what he could see, it even looked like everything had been organized too. ''Did your...little missy clean?'' he turned to look at Dagran.
''How should I know?'' Dagran replied tiredly and crossed his arms. ''I can't know what your kitchen usually looks like.''
''Good point.'' Lowell replied and smiled to himself. His friend had not reacted to his little remark, which only made him suspect that Dagran was indeed harbouring feelings towards his new companion.
Syrenne who had walked further into the kitchen to inspect the cleaning, stopped when feeling a breeze upon her bare arms. She turned towards the back door only to find it slightly ajar. The flowery curtain flapped playfully in the wind. That's as good a sign as any, She mused. ''Well guys, I guess we check outside then?'' Syrenne gestured towards her new-found trail.
Both men simply nodded and Dagan walked past the pregnant ex mercenary, out through the door. ''Tifa are you here?'' He called out worryingly. His eyes roamed over the small terrace and slightly overgrown garden.
Before he knew what happened, he found himself facing the ground. His forehead hit the soft grass and he felt someone straddling his back, ''What the hell...''
''Good morning Dagran!'' Tifa's voice greeted him in a sing-song voice. Her knees dug sharply into his sides, coaxing a groan from him. Then he felt her slide her hands through his tangled hair, tugging on it, something she had never done before. ''What's up my stud?'' She asked, her voice laced with a slight slur.
''What are you-'' Dagran started to question, but stopped in mid sentence. His eyes widening in surprise as he felt a sharp pain to his rear. She slapped me! Not only that, but she's treating me like a damned horse. He angrily thought, while trying to get up, ''Do that again and you'll regret it...''
Both Syrenne and Lowell burst out laughing at the scene. Here their leader was, laying on the ground getting smacked on the ass by a half naked woman dressed only in her panties and and a shirt. ''What perverse games have you two been playing?'' Lowell said smirking from ear to ear.
''Get off me!'' Dagran shouted angrily as he forcefully toppled her off him as he pushed of against the ground. With reflexes like a cat, she ended up in a low crouch rather than a heap on the ground. He quickly got up on his feet and stomped after her. Grabbing her arms and getting her up and holding her still, he then glared down into her burgundy eyes. He noticed something odd about her eyes, her pupils were dilated, ''Syrenne, how strong was that potion you gave her?''
''I don't know! I only know how to make em, but I don't know the right amounts to put in them...'' She hesitantly replied, giving him a sheepish look.
''Before Mirania took over the healing department, Zael was the one who prepared that stuff. Lowell tried to explain to cover for his girlfriend's blunder.
Syrenne took hold both sides to Tifa's head and looked into her eyes. ''Yepp, She's high alright...'' she said quite astonished as she glanced up at Dagran. ''Never knew one could get high on a remedy, that's bloody useful though, ain't it?
''Not the best time to be impressed love...'' Lowell groaned when Dagran's face darkened from her statement. He tried thinking about anything that could help, but his mind was blank. ''Perhaps we should put her to sleep, so it passes on its own?''
''No way!'' Tifa exclaimed looking affronted, like most drunk people did when being asked to calm down. She managed to squirm her way free from Dagran's grip, and fled back into the garden, keeping her distance. ''You guys are sooo boring, I want to have fun!''
''Come back here!'' Syrenne called while walking down the wooden steps and onto the soft grass. ''You're not bloody dressed for any fun...'' She muttered irritatedly as the other woman back flipped out of her reach. The poorly half buttoned shirt riding upwards, exposing even more of her pale skin.
''She is like a child!'' Dagran sighed tiredly and ran after the laughing woman. Tifa dodged him just as easily and ran over to the other side of the garden. The whole thing was ridiculous and it was hard seeing her act this way because it was so different from her normal behaviour.
''I haven't had this much fun since before you croaked mate.'' Lowell chuckled as he watched the spectacle play out in front of his eyes. He couldn't deny that she made quite the nice view running around the place barely dressed, but the increasing growling from Dagran woke him from his unappropriated thoughts. ''I'm going to try a healing circle, try to hold the lass still long enough for me to know where to release it.''
Dagran only grunted in response and chased after her, determined to finally catch her. After a few failed attempts, he finally got his chance, so he tackled her to the ground. Holding her in an iron grip. ''Be still you infuriating woman!'' he growled when a sharp elbow nearly knocked the wind out of him.
That last remark and the warmth from the healing circle broke through the intoxication. ''Where am I?'' Tifa's body went lax against the mercenary leader and her breathing was slightly ragged. She felt someone pull her face upwards and she found herself looking into a pare of hazel eyes.
''Looks like that fixed her, eh?'' Syrenne asked curiously, mirth still laced into her voice. Her voice drew the other woman's attention and soon green eyes met burgundy. ''You're at the Colosseum bar.''
''She should be just fine now, mate.'' Lowell told Dagran as soon as the healing circle disappeared.
''Why-'' Tifa started saying, but abruptly stopped when noticing her clothing. Why am I half naked? Her mind practically screamed at her. She wore a poorly buttoned shirt, which barely covered her chest, and a pair of red silk panties that were not her own. Her eyes widened in horror when feeling Dagran's arm wrapped around her just inches below her breasts. ''Ahh!'' She shrieked and broke free of his grip, bolting up on unsteady legs. Trying to cover herself up best she could.
''The potion I gave you made you kinda high, so we had to chase ya around the place.'' Syrenne explained while holding a hand to her stomach. Her face scrunched up painfully from the sharp kick the baby gave her.
''Erm...I see...um...I...'' Tifa stuttered helplessly her eyes downcast, with a bright red blush adoring her cheeks. Judging from the look on their faces, she guessed she had made a complete fool of herself. Embarrassment quickly threatened to eat her alive, and tears of shame was not far away. Her lips began to tremble despite her trying to remain calm and composed. Not really knowing what to say or to act, she turned on her heels and fled inside the house. Ignoring their concerned cries.
Well inside the house, small fragments of memories came back, which enabled her to guide herself through the house and up the stairs. Tifa bolted through the spare room's door and saw her shredded clothes on the floor. She heard footsteps behind her so she quickly went into the bathroom, barely having time to take off Dagran's shirt and tossing it out through the gap in the door before he came into the bedroom. She slammed the door shut and locked it.
''Tifa, are you all right?'' Dagran called through the other side of the door. Worry evident in his voice.
''Go away...'' Tifa tiredly replied as she slid down onto the floor, holding her head. ''I want to be alone.''
''You just take a nice bath, I will go and buy some clothes for you. I will lay them on the bed.'' He told her before stepping away from the door. Knowing she heard him, but respected her need for privacy.
Tifa did not have a lot of confidence in herself, and she hated making a fool of herself. She knew men found her attractive, but her body looking like it did always attracted the worst kind of men, which only lowered her self esteem. She was not a girlie kind of girl, which was evident with her lack of make-up and feminine fashion. She liked practical and neutral clothing, but she took pride in her fighting skills and good composure. She wanted to be liked for other qualities, not her curves.
''I ran around half naked in front of them...'' Tifa whispered and brushed away the tears that rolled down her cheeks. How can I face them after that? She thought to herself and let out a tired sigh when standing up. Facing the mirror her gaze landed on the new scars adorning her back and this time there was no stopping t her tears from falling. What man would ever find my body attractive now? With both my back and front covered in scars...
Tifa scowled at her own image, determined to ignore it. Those scars may be ugly, but it was a small price to pay for saving a life. What happened cannot be changed and there was no point in being vain. It was just another thing to grin and bear. She stepped behind the curtain and was surprised that they had indoor plumbing. Seeing as they did not have electricity. Ignoring why it was like that, she stepped into the shower and let the warm water ease her aching muscles.
After hearing a muffled sob coming from the bathroom, Dagran wasted no time in getting dressed. He practically threw on the shirt Tifa had thrown on the floor. He would probably never forget her expression when she discovered how she was dressed. She had looked ready to sink through the ground. It had been very unsettling seeing her lose her composure like that and he hoped he would never see that again.
Just as he was heading out the door, he heard her start the shower. Which meant that he had no time to dawdle, she would be needing those new clothes soon. He jogged down the stairs to the serving area and spotted his friends sitting on the wooden sofa. Syrenne looked to be sleeping, her head resting on her lover's shoulder.
''Going out for a stroll?'' Lowell looked up from the book he was reading.
''Yeah, I need to buy some new clothes for us.'' Dagran answered and gestured to his borrowed clothing. ''I'll be back as soon as I can.'' he continued towards the front door, but hesitated before opening it. He looked over his shoulder directly at his friends, ''I have to ask you to never tease her about this or mention it ever happening to the others.''
''Sure thing...'' Syrenne replied through a yawn before snuggling closer to Lowell. ''The poor thing looked bloody mortified.''
''Mums the word,'' Lowell agreed solemnly and opened his book once again. ''Take your time though, I don't think the lady is coming out sometime soon.''
Dagran thanked them both with a grateful smile and walked out and made his way to Artisan's way. Even though several buildings had been damaged or even destroyed during the war, it had not changed much. Everything had been restored to its former glory, with a similar design so it matched the old buildings.
The only real difference to the city was among its people, which now consisted of both human and Gurak.
He walked down the stairs leading into Artisan's way and was met with the same busy and narrow street as before the war. It was littered with people and goods and bustling with activity. An unfamiliar sign hanging above a shop window caught his eye and he remembered Zoran's offer. Seeing as he was in a hurry, he quickly decided to give his former friend some slack, so into the store he went.
''Hello sir, can I help you with something?'' The Gurak seller politely greeted him from behind the counter. ''We have a nice variety of armours and clothing for sale.'' he gestured towards the few manikins that displayed different outfits and the neatly stocked shelves of goods to the right. He had not exaggerated, the store was filled with quality goods in all kinds of hues and sizes.
''I would like a pair of black hunters pants, with brown and white detailing, and a dark red waist cape and a matching black hunters top with red detailing for myself. '' Dagran said and pulled out a piece of paper with his measurements. Then he haltered slightly. Wondering what would best suit Tifa now, seeing as she was going to be fighting hand-to-hand combat instead of ranged combat. She needs something that would not restrict her, but still offer some kind of protection. ''and I would like the lightest kind of the hunters top, with the mithril chain mail and a pair of black mithril leather bracers, and a pair of black hunters pants that's more snug at the feet. '' he pointed towards the various items and handing over a second paper with Tifa's measurements.
''Very good sir,'' The clerk answered while looking at the two different sets of measurements. ''any particular colour for the second order?''
''I'll take the dark red top with grey detailing, and a pair of black pants with matching details.'' Dagran answered deep in thought, trying to picture Tifa wearing the things he had selected. His gaze wandered across the many wares in the shop, and stopped on a pair of thigh boots which were perfectly suited for close range combat. With their spurs and strategically placed protection. ''And I'll take those boots too.''
The Gurak clerk smiled and nodded politely before gathering the requested items. ''Your order will be ready shorty, I just need to do some adjustments on some of your wares.''
Dagran merely nodded and walked over to the window, as the clerk set to work. Outside the merchant street were as busy as ever. Showing a completely different picture than the one he remembered during the war. The island was as popular as it ever was and the islands economy was blooming. The Gurak had proved to be really good farmers so the increased production of food helped increase trading business with the mainland.
Dagran felt something tug at his shirt, so he looked down into the face of a small Gurak child. He knelt down and smiled warmly at the seemingly awestruck child. ''Hey there, is there something you want?'' The child suddenly wrapped his small arms around him, giving him a hug. Dagran was surprised, but hugged the boy back. ''What was that for?''
''You saved me and my mother,'' The boy explained as he took a step back from the confused looking mercenary. ''When you and the knights attacked our home...''
Dagran only nodded at the boy, remembering that he hid a small group of women and children in a room during the attack. He had been ashamed to participate in that cowardly attack on innocents, and he had done all he could to do as little damage as possible, ''You don't need to thank me...That attack should never have taken place in the first place...''
''Brother, this is the man who saved me and mama!'' the boy turned towards the clerk who just came back from the back room, carrying two neatly wrapped packages.
''Oh, this is the man?'' the salesman's attention turned from his brother towards Dagran, a smile dancing on his lips. ''You have my undying gratitude sir, they were all the family I had left. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have them survive the war...''
''Now, now, Zarek, you heard the man. You needn't thank him.'' Zoran pursed his lips and tsked teasingly. ''Pretty boy here may look vain, but under his appearance lies a rather modest fellow.''
Dagran merely grunted at his former nemesis' words, refusing to take the bait and start a new bickering match between them. He instead settled on ruffling the boy's wild hair before walking towards the oak counter. His gaze landing on the young Gurak man, ''Zoran is partly right, you don't need to thank me. I'm just glad the ones I managed to help survived.''
Zarek answered with a nod, understanding that it was a subject the young human was not fond of. The wars had been hard on both sides, so he could easily respect the other man's reluctance to speak of it. He was just glad to have met the men who saved his family. ''Your order is ready, that will be 5000g, sir.''
''Nah, it's on the house...you know, for old times sake.'' Zoran dismissed his employee with a wave of his hand. The two Gurak brothers flashed Dagran another grateful smile before disappearing into the back room. Leaving the two men alone for the first time in many years. ''How's your lass doing?''
''Thanks...'' Dagran answered sincerely. Fully knowing that accepting that meant letting bygones be bygones. Both of them had done things they regret and both of them were trying to start afresh, so he was in no position to judge the other man anymore. ''Aside from gaining a few scars, she's doing just fine.''
''I figured that would be the case. I can't imagine a powerhouse like her would croak from mere poison.'' Zoran replied with a wry grin. ''So, what brings you back here again?''
Dagran returned the grin with a smirk of his own. Amusement lighting up his hazel eyes. Zoran was never known to be impressed by a woman unless it involved how good she was in the sack. That did not bode well for Tifa, and he was determined to protect her from men unworthy of her. Though he may have forgiven past transgressions , he would never trust him again, especially with Tifa or his own secrets. ''Just some private business, then me and Tifa will be on our way.'' he coldly answered, giving the other man a pointed look.
Zoran knew the man before him quite well and he needed no further explanation. Both the woman and his affairs were off limits to him. He knew from experience what happened to anyone crossing his former comrade and he had just won back a tiny bit of trust, which he would not throw away. ''I'll be all hush hush then...'' He said with a chuckle.
Tifa peered through the bathroom door after hearing Dagran going down the stairs again. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the package on the bed. Walking out in a towel, she located her pouch and cast the counter spell on her things which had been residing in the pouch. She found her extra set of underwear and put them on, before placing Dagran's chest on the left side of the bed. Then she opened the package left for her and was amazed at the things she found inside.
With a happy smile on he face she eagerly dressed herself in her new outfit. A few moments later she looked herself in the mirror. The pants and long boots were perfect for her, and they provided protection without restricting her. The top was like her old one, only lighter and the black bracers fit perfectly. She was touched that he had taken such consideration to her when selecting these. No one had ever gone out of their way for her like this. She had received nice gifts from her friends in the past, but never ones that suited both her needs and tastes.
''Apparently he thinks black and red must really suit me...'' Tifa murmured to herself as she braided her long brown hair. Not feeling like meeting the others just yet, she quickly write a note and placed it on the bed. What she needed was a nice long walk and some time for herself. She gave the room a quick once over, making sure she had not left the room in a mess before swiftly climbing out through the open window.
The scent of the nearby food stalls around the coliseum greeted her and she took a deep breath, savouring the feel of her mind relaxing before jumping down onto the street. Landing steady on her feet, without attracting any attention from the people roaming the streets.
This was her first time out in Lazulis city on her own. She enjoyed watching the hustle and bustle of the people going on in their daily routines as she walked along the main street. The people were friendly and warm and on more than one occasion she had found herself exchanging a few words with the locals.
Tifa soon found herself overlooking the river running through the large city. A few children playing with a ball caught her interest. She stood watching them play for a few moments before the ball came bouncing towards her. With a smile she bent down and picked it up and threw it back to them. The Gurak boy who caught it gave her a toothy grin and a quick thanks, and his red eyes reminded her of something. Dagran's eyes had for a moment changed colors down in the sewers. They had shone bright red, when she fought those bandits. I wonder what he hides from me? She thought to herself.
At first she had feared that creating a new life here would be difficult. It was completely different from what she was used to and she knew nothing or no one here. She had immediately latched onto the first person who'd showed her kindness. It had been a crazy risk, but never had she regretted that decision, but she knew that she was starting to get more and more attached to him. Dagran was not like anyone she had known before. He was special, inside and out, and they had so many things in common. He was kind and considerate and at the same time very strict and mysterious. She couldn't even begin describe his looks, he was the most handsome man she had ever laid her eyes on. These feelings for him which had grown slowly really scared her. Her heart had not healed fully from the rejection in her past, and here it was warming up to an even more complexed man than Cloud.
No! Don't go there! She berated herself harshly for letting her mind wander. She turned away from the playing children and walked back in the direction from which she came. If she hadn't been good enough to win Cloud's heart, she sure as hell did not stand a chance with Dagran. Best medicine for avoiding more heartbreak was to ignore it. Push the thoughts out of mind and out of sight. Having his friendship was enough wasn't it?
''Get out of my way!'' a snarling man woke her from her thoughts. Realising she was blocking him from leaving his house, she had no time to react before being shoved out of the way. She hit the wall hard and glared at the man now locking his door. He gave her a dirty look before marching away from her at a brisk pace.
Recognition instantly hit her and anger flared up. It was the high inquisitor! She had only seen him from a distance before, but it was definitely him. The man that they were working so hard to take down. Dagran was right, he was a very unpleasant human being. Inspiration struck and she thought about doing something her partner would definitely not approve of. Careful not to attract attention, she walked into the side alley. Pondering whether to break in or not. Dagran had on more than one occasion made it clear that they were to stay away from the Inquisitor until they were ready to take him down. Though she quickly decided that this opportunity was too good to pass up. Luck was on her side, while facing the backside of the house she noticed an open window on the second floor.
''Yuffie would have been proud of me.'' she hummed playfully as she swiftly scaled the wall, just like she had been taught by her friend. She climbed through the window and found herself standing in a small study. The room was very nicely decorated, a large desk and chair stood in the middle of the room facing the window, and large bookcases filled with books stood against the left wall. Beautiful paintings of what looked to be different locations of Lazulis island decorated the walls.
A small archive next to the desk caught her eye, and she immediately walked to it. She looked inside it, and found folders sorted by colors and dates. Her curiosity got the better of her and she opened one of them. It seemed to be reports from the inquisitor's time as a knight, ''Maybe there is something about Dagran's village in here?''
Based on how old Dagran said he was when his village was destroyed, she quickly skimmed trough the folders until she found the right year and quickly looked inside. Her eyes frantically searched the documents for anything she recognized and then she finally found something. She took the content she deemed interesting and shrank them, quickly folding them into her pouch. Then she took some blank papers from atop the desk and put them between the papers left in the folder, to match the missing pages, so nothing would seem to be missing. Then she put the folder back and made sure to check so nothing looked out of place before returning to the bar.
''She has been gone a long time now...'' Dagran muttered while checking the wall clock for the umpteenth time in the last hour.
''Relax mate, I'm sure she fine.'' Lowell took another sip of his beer, ''She probably wanted to be alone for a while to...I don't know..calm down?''
''Did I say I was worried? I was just stating a fact.'' Dagran shot back and sipped on his ale. ''She's more than capable of taking care of herself.''
''Ha! You ain't fooling me!'' Lowell slammed his tankard down, ''You like this one...just admit it. ''He slurred a little, but managed to give his friend a pointed look. ''The lass is gorgeous and I'm sure she's much sweeter in the sack, than that Sara you used to fool around with at the castle...''
''Whatever.'' Dagran answered irritatedly, glaring at his tipsy friend. ''as for how much ''sweeter in the sack'' Tifa is I wouldn't know, seeing as were not involved...''
''Ah, but you're interested to know, eh?'' Lowell continued to tease him. He grinned from ear to ear as Dagran shot him a dirty look, ''You can't even begin to compare the two women.''
''You're right about that at least, they have nothing in common. Sara is very resourceful woman and an excellent spy. ''Dagran answered and ignored Lowell's first remark. He lifted his gaze and looked him straight in the eyes. ''It's thanks to her I could keep track on all of you, and Tifa is-''
''She knew you were alive and annoying before us!?'' Lowell interrupted, raising his voice slightly and leaning across the table, grabbing onto his friend's top, ''That's just hurtful...''
''Don't be like that, Sara was the only one I could trust at the time...'' Dagran defended himself, his eyes softening when seeing the actual hurt in his friend's eyes. ''She enabled me to still be able to be part of your lives, even if it was from afar.''
Tifa who had arrived back a few moments before had overheard some of their conversation. Despite having steeled herself she still felt a stinging pain in her heart. It was never fun being proved right. Dagran's already had someone he cared for, so it was best to lock whatever feelings she might have away. She was done pining over unavailable men. She put on her most convincing smile, and fully opened the creaking old front door.
Dagran immediately spun around in his seat when hearing the old door sing in protest. He took in the site she made in her new outfit and felt a sting of pride for his good taste. His eyes lingered a few seconds on the long braid, which swayed playfully as she walked, before reaching her face. There he found a pretty smile that did not reach her eyes which told him that all was not well with his beautiful companion. He watched her silently as she made her way towards them, finally to stop at the edge of the table.
''Hello, my name is Tifa. I don't think we have been formally introduced.'' She warmly greeted and stuck out her hand to the slightly tipsy Lowell. ''I'm sorry for the inconvenience I've caused.''
''There will be non of that! You got hurt saving Dagran's life, you were of no inconvenience to us.'' Lowell answered charmingly and flashed her a flirtatious grin, as he shook her hand. ''I'm Lowell and my woman in the kitchen is Syrenne.''
''Thank you, I'm pleased to met you.'' she took a glance at Dagran and found him watching her. His right eyebrow shot up in an playful arch as she met his gaze, ''Hi, thank you for the clothes...and sorry for the wait. I needed some fresh air and I found myself busy with something...''
''You're quite welcome.'' He answered calmly, his eyes still locked with hers. Not wanting to miss seeing the reaction his next words would rouse, ''Not busy with another secret, I hope? like the one you unleashed down in the sewers...''
''And what about you?'' she hesitated, her gaze flickered between the two men before settling back with determination on Dagran, ''Your eyes changed colors for a few moments down in the sewers. I don't recall you ever telling me about that.''
''I should leave you guys alone.'' Lowell mumbled and tried to stand up, but found himself pushed down on the chair again by Tifa. ''...Never mind that then...''
''No I think you should stay,'' she simply explained while still staring down on the silent mercenary leader. ''I believe this has something to do with what happened during the war. I think you still suffer from the demon you turned into, am I right?''
Dagran released a sigh and broke eye contact with her. She was a sharp woman, her assumption was spot on. He stared down on his hands for a few seconds, not quite knowing how to reply. ''I haven't told you because I don't know what it is...'' he finally admitted not only to her, but to himself too. He had tried to ignore it, hoping it would go away, but that has not helped. ''Sometimes I have a hard time controlling my emotions, especially when anger is involved. I worry that what happened back then...might happen again.''
''Could you give us a few minutes alone after all?'' Tifa directed her attention to Lowell for a brief moment before taking the chair next to Dagran. This was something very personal for him and she knew that his reconciliation with his friends was still too fresh for him to feel comfortable sharing this with them.
Having sobered up a tiny bit, Lowell understood the hidden meaning in Tifa's warm gaze, so he simply obliged. Having known Dagran for years, he knew his need for privacy and what happened during the wars was still sensitive. It's not normal for people to turn into monsters, no wonder he's a bit confused and uncertain. ''Sure thing! I'll go help Syrenne with dinner, but you children play nice now.'' he winked at them before making his exit.
Tifa waited until she heard the door close before turning her reached out and laid a hand on his arm. Carefully getting his attention, and at the same time soothed him, ''I'm sorry for not telling you I could fight. I have been meaning to tell you, but I worried you'd get angry for pretending to be a mage for so long. I did suspect you withheld something from me, but since I too hid something...I was too cowardly to take the first step.''
''I'm sorry too.'' He gently placed his hand on top of hers, ''Since you're already helping me, I did not want to burden you with my troubles. That's one of my biggest weaknesses, I have no problem being there for others, but I never shared my own troubles with anyone...until now that is.'' he explained with a sad look in his eyes.
Tifa couldn't help the small blush forming on her cheeks when his warm hand wrapped around hers. She however, did not let her eyes wander, despite her mind wanting it to. She held his gaze steady and answered with as much compassion as she could muster, ''You could never be a burden to me, Dagran. Nor do I believe your friends would think that either, but if for some very strange reason they would, know that I have you're back, all right?''
''Thank you, that means a lot-''
''No, don't say anything yet.'' she withdrew her hand and stood up. To put some distance between them, ''There's something you need to know. I did something today...something that will probably make you angry.'' Tifa explained hurriedly as she fished out the papers she stole. Without another word she merely handed them to him and walked over to the window.
Despite being confused by her cautious behaviour, he inspected the offered papers. In a mere moments his eyes had widened in surprise. Here was details concerning his village, and information on the people who lived there. There was also a list of all the villagers names and dates regarding their deaths. He found his own name at the bottom of the page, with a question mark beside it. A small journal entry caught his eye next. The inquisitor knew that someone had started to take revenge for the attack and had in response started to investigate. He had even arranged the deaths of some of the knights who had accompanied him, in a way that made him blameless of course. By sending them out to particularly dangerous missions. Anyone without the insight that Dagran had would never detect anything wrong, but Dagran knew otherwise and it was clear he had sent them on suicide missions during the wars. He had always thought these men had died naturally, but they had been eliminated to minimize the risk of exposing the truth of the attack of his village.
''How did you obtain these?'' her silence filled him with both dread and worry. ''Talk to me...''
Tifa swallowed nervously as she heard him approach. She could practically feel the anger radiate from him. When his hands closed around her shoulders – forcing her to turn, she panicked. ''I sneaked into his house and stole them!'' she blurted out, all her more detailed answers scattered inside her panicked mind.
''You did what!?'' he reacted instantly, the dread he felt only multiplied. Anger followed next and he couldn't control the urge to shake her. So he did, ''Have you completely lost your mind? That man is dangerous, what if you go caught -''
''Shhh...'' she silenced him with placing the tips of her fingers against his lips. ''I knew the risks, but It was a good opportunity and I was really careful. Besides, it paid off, didn't it?'' She carefully chose her words, and watched as he calmed down. ''I know we usually work as a team, but we're friends aren't we? And friends help one another...'' she finished softly and flashed him a warm smile.
Dagran merely nodded his head, and took hold of her hand. He was at a loss for words. He was still angry about her recklessness, but at the same time he was grateful. Tifa was a constant source of comfort and support to him, but she was not without surprises. Just when he though he had her figured out, she would do something and he would find a new layer, which he was unable to resist wanting to explore. He had not known her long, but she was very dear to him. His revenge was important to him, but he did not want to lose the relationship he had with her for it. He did not think he could bear going through that again and definitely if it was her he was losing. ''I appreciate what you did, but don't you ever do something like that without me ever again...'' he fiercely told her as he squeezed her hand gently.
The two of them had both shared their secrets and now stood on equal grounds, and thanks to Tifa they where now one step closer to taking down their enemy.
The time had come for Dagran keep his end of the bargain, to share their plans with Lowell and Syrenne. Would they still want to help him, or would they turn their backs on him?
