Authors notes: Since this story was originally written long before the continued story line in Terra Battle, I have decided to try putting in some of the stuff happening from that game into this. So there will be a few changes, but nothing too big, I hope :P
It has become a little tradition to update the first of may, to honour a dearly beloved game character, so this year is no different. So before you start reading, let's wish Tifa a happy birthday :)
The two bar keepers was more convinced than ever on their match making, but would they feel the same after hearing about Dagran's real intentions for being back?
Chapter 7: The Dinner plans.
Syrenne looked up from the stew she was currently cooking, and checked her notes. She was by no means a bad cook, but she wasn't a great one either. She was good for the short amount of time she had been doing it. Thanks to Ariela's patient and kind instructions. She heard Lowell enter the kitchen just as she had poured in some cream to make the gravy richer during the last few minutes before it was done. ''Is she back yet? Dinner is almost ready.'' she turned to face him.
Lowell who still stood by the door, trying to eavesdrop, ignored his girlfriend. When his hearing had failed him, he attempted to try reading their lips through the small crack in the door. Which did not go that well either, but judging by their body language, he did not think they were fighting.
''Oi you! I asked a bloody question!''
Lowell nearly jumped at that, but finally gave her his attention. Blue eyes met irritated green, but he merely ignored her glare. Having gotten used to how easily her temper flared, he instead settled on giving her a small smile. Knowing its effect would calm her down soon enough. Especially if said smile was accompanied with sweet talk, ''Yes, great love of mine? What was it you asked that I shamefully missed?'' he asked smoothly.
''I was-'' Syrenne was caught off guard, ''Erm, nothing...''
''Could you possibly stall dinner a few minutes?'' He gestured towards the door leading out into the bar. ''Tifa's back, but the two of them are kinda having a moment.''
''That's what I bloody asked about...'' Syrenne muttered under her breath while facing the pot once again.
''Really dear! You've got to stop muttering like that.'' He complained next to her. ''Can't hear a single word...''
Syrenne having finally figured out what he did to throw her off moments before, leaned towards him. Her hand coming to rest against his chest, lips inches away from his ear. ''Oh, I merely said,'' her lips forming into a wicked grin. ''Dinner is ready!''
''Scorching woman!'' Lowell cursed and rubbed his abused ear.
''That's for trying to manipulate me,'' she winked at him. ''and for wanting to risk ruining the dinner, that I so carefully prepared.''
Tifa who still was worried about his insecurity regarding what happened during the wars, returned the light squeeze he had given her. In hope of it giving him a bit of comfort. Their eyes were still locked with each others, and when he moved a tiny bit closer, and his thumb caressed her hand: the whole room suddenly felt warmer.
Dagran's mind was still focused on her well being. It was only yesterday he had worried about her life, and to hear that she had taken yet another risk today, stirred his protective nature. He also knew that what happened this morning still worried her, and it had been very difficult seeing her that upset. He wanted to tell her what he just thought, that he was there for her too, that he had her back, but the words would not come. He had no idea how to tell her that, which was absurd because he never had these issues with his other friends. It was no secret that he was bad at handling delicate matters with women, but this was completely different wasn't it? She was just another friend and a partner. So why the hell can't I talk normally with her?
''Dagran, are you ok?''
Dagran who still hadn't released Tifa's hand abruptly did so after hearing Syrenne's shouted announcement from the kitchen. He noticed how close together they were standing and stepped back. He turned to hide the small blush forming on his cheeks from the fist fighter. Feeling foolish for reacting in such a way, when nothing had happened that warranted him feeling embarrassed, ''I'm fine, just got a bit lost in thought...that's all.'' he scratched his head awkwardly.
''Oh, good!'' Tifa answered cheerfully as she walked past him towards the kitchen. ''Let's go eat, I'm starving!''
Syrenne stood ready to greet her new house guest. Grabbing Tifa's hand, giving it a firm shake, and took the opportunity to inspect the other woman. She liked what she saw, it was clear there were no-nonsense about her and she looked like a fighter. ''I'm Syrenne. It's good to see ya up and about,'' she introduced herself with a happy grin, ''and I'm bloody sorry for making the antidote too strong...''
''You don't need to apologise, I'm happy to be alive.'' Tifa replied and smiled warmly at the pregnant woman, ''I hope that we can become friends, I have really missed having a woman around.''
''A friend of Dagran's is a friend to me.'' Syrenne warmly wrapped her arm around Tifa's shoulders, steering her towards the kitchen table, ''Besides, after surviving that, I knew you're a girl after my own tastes. Strong and made of sturdy stuff.''
Tifa let out a small chuckle at that, ''I will try to continue being strong and sturdy then.''
Lowell smiled at the two women. It was nice seeing Syrenne so excited, and it was clear to him that Tifa had already won her respect. Having their old leader back and meeting a woman more close to herself would be good for her. It had been a while since Syrenne looked so happy and it made him at ease. His gaze shifted to his friend and found him smiling at the women too, ''So Tifa, what did you do, while out on the streets?''
''I...'' Tifa trailed off uncertainly, her eyes seeking Dagran's. Not knowing what she could tell them or not. After getting a small nod from him, she turned to look at Lowell again. ''I walked around town, getting more acquainted with it, and I acquired something important for Dagran.''
''Yeah? Has it something to do with why you're back here, mate?'' Lowell bluntly asked, not beating around the bush. He let his question sink in a little, as he helped his lover carry the food she had prepared. Carefully setting the steaming hot of stew down in the middle of the table.
Dagran calmly nodded and gestured for them to sit down, and then gazed over at Tifa. ''She stole some important documents for me. It will help with the unfinished business I mentioned last night. You see...the man who carried out the destruction of my village lives here on the island. He is a highly regarded member of society and we are working together to bring him down.'' He explained to them.
''Mind still on bloody revenge then...'' Syrenne muttered worryingly while laying some food on her plate.
''Yes as a matter of fact.'' Dagran replied coldly, ignoring the food Lowell scooped onto his plate. His eyes locked onto Syrenne. ''I refuse to drop it. My family was brutally murdered, and my village destroyed. People I loved and cared for was slaughtered in front of my eyes. Good people died while those rotten bastards who did it got to live on. That is unacceptable!''
''Dagran...'' Tifa murmured softly, her warm gaze lingering on his face as he glared down on his clenched hands. Compassion for him immediately flaring up inside her. She understood his pain all to well, having lived through the same awful experience. Her wounds had healed over time, but she could see that his was still open. He needed closure to be able to go on with his life, and that's why she had decided to help him. ''I understand if you have a different opinion and don't want to, or can't help, but please don't tell anyone about this. '' she spoke with a calm that surprised even herself. She felt far from calm. Her heart was beating wildly, and she felt worked up. ''It's the least you can do, after all he had done for you all those years...''
Yurick stood at the top of the stairs leading down to the harbour. He closed his eye and inhaled the salty, and chilling breeze. Savouring it until his senses could once again taste its sweetness. Even after all these years, he still yearned for the sea. It was in his blood, like the old saying spoke about sea faring men. He had loved his childhood, living by the sea with his family. As a child he loved spending time with his father on his ship, be it to learn chores or to fish. Everyday had been a new adventure.
His life after the war was peaceful. At first he travelled with Mirania around the nearby islands, to check on natures progress. After so many years of being a mercenary on the go, it had taken some time to relax. The trip had been a way to find inner peace. It was the first time since his childhood when he could come to a stop and really think about his life, and what he wanted to do with it. He had been content at first, being a teacher to the young mages at the castle, but now he wanted more.
A safe and dull lifestyle did not suit him. He longed for the sea and the unforeseen way of life it brought. What he wanted was no longer on Lazulis island, and he had finally come to terms with that. But, something held him back. It was not money, he had earned enough coin during the war to last him quite a while. It was his friends. He had been with them so many years, and endured so many hardships together with them. If he left, then he would close that chapter of his life for good. He did not know if he was ready to do that, just yet.
Perhaps I should stop by at the coliseum bar? He thought to himself and his course was set. For the time being at least. The streets had thinned out, as they always did when the sun set. Making the walk a little shorter than during the day. Since the other night, he had started to leave his sensing spell on from time to time. In hopes of catching Dagran's presence again, and his heart soared when suddenly feeling his old captain's aura once again. His quickened his pace, eagerly followed the faint trail through the maze like streets. Minutes later, he was not surprised that the trail lead back to the bar. If Dagran choose to return, it was natural that he sought out Lowell and Syrenne first, seeing as he had been closest to them, but he was curious about why his friends had not alerted the rest of them.
Stealth might be the best way to get answers, rather than barging in. He used his spare key, and carefully slipped inside the closed bar. Voices coming from the kitchen told him where they were, so he simply tip toed towards the kitchen door. His heart skipped a beat in excitement when hearing a very familiar voice coming from within. He really is alive!
Lowell and Syrenne took a moment to think, and ate a few bites before looking at each other. They knew the risks if they messed up and got caught. Not only severe punishment, but also having to face Zael and Calista's disappointment. If they did this then it had to be a solid plan, and it had to be very carefully executed. Both nodding in a silent agreement, before they turned their gaze onto their old captain, ''Who's the person we're going to take down?''
''The high inquisitor Edward Thornton, who held Zael's trial. He is the one who killed my family.'' Dagran spat out the name, as if it were poison. ''We aim to prove his guilt and show people how corrupt the old knight order was, in hopes of it being a reminder of what they should strive not to be. Him being sentenced to death for his crimes is just a really nice bonus...''
''Not simply killing him?'' Lowell said quite shocked. ''Is that your doing too, Missy?''
''You've really changed...'' Syrenne felt both relieved and kind of proud of her old friend. She couldn't deny feeling concerned about his reappearance. Even before the wars, Dagran had always used a quick death as means to solve a conflict, while out on a job.
Dagran nodded, but gave his friend a dark look. He knew it was in Lowell's nature to tease, but sometimes his teasing was not appropriate. This was such an occasion. He ignored him and turned his attention to the steaming food on the plate in front of him. When tasting it, he couldn't help but think that he was not the only one who has changed. Syrenne had grown up in the last two years, and she had become a decent cook too.
''We'll do that as a last resort, if we fail to prove his guilt.'' Tifa interjected in a uncharacteristically cold tone of voice. ''He's too dangerous to be left alone...''
''Oi! When did we decide that?'' Dagran asked, quite surprised at the woman across from him. ''You were the one making me promise not to simply kill him.''
''I changed my mind after my brief encounter with him today.'' Tifa answered between bites of food.
''What's your plan?'' Syrenne asked, having finished eating in record time. Like always, these days. Her appetite could almost rival that of Mirania's on some days. ''Was the documents any good?''
''They are not enough to nail him, but they will be useful.'' Dagran handed the papers over to Lowell. ''We're waiting for a spell that Tifa is trying to master. With it, she can put him under a spell and make him speak the truth, and confess to his crimes. ''he explained further, and gestured towards the colorful materia on Tifa's gloves.
''I don't think that's enough.'' Lowell spoke up as he quickly skimmed the few pages. ''Since he is a Inquisitor now, and a highly regarded one at that, it will take more to get him punished...''
''What do you mean?'' Tifa felt a small chill of dread after hearing him say that. Having finished her dinner, she was over by the counter, planning to start cleaning the dishes. She gently let the plate sink down in the water, before giving Lowell her full attention. ''Surely your legal system can't give him slack because of what he is now?''
''I'm afraid it might do just that, since it happened so many years ago.'' Lowell rubbed his chin in deep thought. ''Perhaps...we might make him lose face in front of the important clowns at the castle? Before we present our evidence.'' He proposed wittingly.
''That sounds like a good idea!'' Tifa smiled encouragingly. ''What did you have in mind?'' she asked curiously as she continued doing the dishes.
''Zael and Calista are having a ball next week, to celebrate their engagement.'' Syrenne chipped in as she handed the dirty dishes to the other woman. ''Wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity to make a fool out of him?'' She proposed and cast a glance over her shoulder, at the two men. ''We can't do anything suspicious, but you two could.''
''That does sound like an ideal opportunity, but what are we supposed to do?'' Dagran questioned after taking the last bite of his food. Various ideas already taking form inside his mind, but non seemed good enough. He got up and looked out the window, hoping for some inspiration. ''I can't simply waltz into the castle anymore...I would be arrested on sight.''
''Oh, I'd forgotten about that...'' Lowell eyes were downcast. Feeling like an idiot for getting so caught up in the excitement of having his friend back, that he forgot about the past. If the return of Dagran would get known to the authorities, he would be a hunted man. His actions during the war was enough to warrant the death penalty. ''We can't simply dress you differently. Your looks are pretty famous in the castle. If anything, your hair and eyes would give you away in an instant...''
Tifa did not like where this discussion was going. She did not want them to risk Dagran begin caught, nor did she want them to change his appearance. His safety was a priority and she personally though he looked handsome as he was. ''A make-over is out of the question, he looks fine as he is...'' she found herself muttering out loud.
''And why is that?'' Syrenne flashed her an amused grin. Her eyes wandering back and forth between Dagran and Tifa.
Appalled that she had said that out loud, Tifa blushed bright red. Her mind frantically trying to come up with something to cover up her blunder. ''Because...of his unique eyes!'' Tifa nearly shouted out in triumph, and pointed at Dagran to empathise her point. ''Why waste precious time – time we have little of, might I add...on a make-over, if his eyes will end up giving him a way anyhow? And we shouldn't risk his safety on such a risky thing as a make-over...''
Dagran who had found her behaviour a little amusing chuckled when she managed to save face. If her blush was anything to go on, he would say that, she found him very fine looking. A thought that made him strangely happy. ''She has a point there, guys...'' he murmured softly, unable to tear his eyes from her blushing cheeks.
''That she does,'' Lowell flashed his lover a wicked grin, which she happily returned. Their assumptions about there being feelings between their two companions were definitely grounded. The more one pushed, the more it became obvious. This would prove a easy task, and something he would relish in. ''Another option would be, to let Tifa dress up pretty and seduce the man...'' he shamelessly proposed and enjoyed the protective glint awakening in his friend's eyes.
''No!'' Dagran firmly protested and shot him a stern look. ''He is far too dangerous, I would never put anyone at such risks!''
''I'm fine with taking a risk or two, but...'' Tifa trailed off in a low voice. ''I'm not any good at that other stuff...''
''You've got to be freaking kidding, right!?'' Syrenne burst out saying, while eyeing the other woman. ''You're the embodiment of sexy! With those looks, how hard can it be?'' she gestured quite enthusiastically at Tifa's curves. Her eyes widening when noticing the other woman going stiff and her blush deepening. ''Unless you're a cherry, but how's that even possible!?''
''Give it a rest, Syrenne.'' Dagran reprimanded his friend sharply. His own gaze resting on the blushing brunette. He could not help being a little curious if her silence was a sign of it being true or not. He agreed with his friend that someone with Tifa's beauty was unlikely to be bad at anything relating flirting.
Tifa remained silent and crossed her arms in front of her, refusing to look up from the floor. She couldn't believe the turn the conversation had taken. Her lack of experience was something that bothered her, but it was an extremely private matter. One that she did not want to share with others, and now, thanks to her obvious reaction, it was now out in the open. Bared for the whole group to see and have opinions about.
Maybe they'll move onto something else if I remain quiet? She desperately hoped at this point.
Yurick decided that he had heard enough, simply walked into the kitchen. Ignoring the surprised gasps coming from Lowell and Syrenne. His lone, ice blue eye fixated on the surprised looking Dagran. A swirl of different emotions raged inside him, as he took in the sight of his former leader. The first emption was happiness about his return, but it was closely followed by anger. What happened the last time they saw each other was not a pleasant memory. At first glance everything about him was unchanged, the hair, the usual hunters clothes, and the air of strength radiating from him. It was not until their eyes met that he noticed the change. The sometimes hard and guarded look in his eyes had softened. It was the first time Yurick could easily see, what his former comrade was feeling, and he found both shame and uncertainty when looking at him. That gave him proof that Dagan really had changed since their last meeting. ''It's good to see you again, Dagran.'' He greeted, his voice a little hoarse from emotion.
''Likewise...'' Dagran replied as calmly as he could, while steadily holding Yurick's gaze. Gone was the awkward and boyish teen, and in his stead was a confident young man. The soft lines in his face had been replaced by sharp ones, and his gangly body had filled out with more muscles. He had really changed in the past two years. It became painstakingly obvious when looking at him up close. ''I know it is not worth much, but I'm sorry abou-''
''Save it-'' Yurick tried to interrupt, but was himself interrupted a moment later. A green light emitted from the unknown woman, and a colourful barrier sprang into place around him.
''Wait just a minute there...'' Tifa leaped over the kitchen counter, landing protectively in front of Dagran. Her eyes locked onto the surprised looking newcomer. Gone was the shy and embarrassed woman from before, and in her place was a determined fighter. Her whole body was tense and ready to pounce, ready to protect her friend if need be. ''Can't have you running of telling someone about this. At least not until we've gotten a head start, but I would advice against sending someone after us. Though, why not just listen to what he has to say?'' She told him her voice soft, despite her serious composure.
Lowell and Syrenne stood rooted to the floor, not quite knowing what to do. Yurick was closest to Zael out of all of them, and it was most unlikely that he would keep Dagran's secret. Syrenne cursed herself for handing out spare keys to the bar to her friends. If she had not done that, then this situation could have been avoided. Lowell had always been closest to his former captain, but he did not want the young mage getting hurt. Even though Tifa looked ready to do some serious damage, he appreciated her respect for the situation. She wanted to protect Dagran, but not at the cost of a former friend. Being trapped in a barrier would not hurt anyone, not unless it could not be turned off, then it would be bad.
''Release him, Tifa'' Dagran commanded tiredly, laying his hand on her shoulder. Feeling how she relaxed slightly and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly when she gave him a confused look. He appreciated her protectiveness of him more than he would ever admit, but he needed to face his past. Yurick had the right to say his piece without being restrained, and he owed him enough to listen. ''This is not the answer. Go ahead Yurick, have your say.''
''About time.'' Yurick answered irritatedly as the barrier disappeared. He glared coldly at Tifa, trying to figure out what kind of magic she had used. His eye softened slightly when she held up her hand in a gesture of peace and then pointed to the green orb on her glove. He did not like how easily she had read him just now. Leaving that train of thought behind, he once again focused on Dagran. ''We can discuss the past at a later time. I overheard your entire conversation and I want to help. Since time is scarce, this takes priority.''
Dagran was not alone in the room, when he let out a sigh of relief at those words. He was a little surprised, but he was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. He knew the mage enough to trust him when he offered his help. He was not the kind to have a hidden agenda, ''Fair enough, you decide when.'' he paused then offered his hand to the mage, which he silently shook, ''It means a lot that you want to help...so thank you.''
''Oi, eye patch! Do you have any suggestions?'' Syrenne said teasingly, grinning wide when he glared at her.
''As a matter of fact I do.'' Yurick replied cockily, and went to stand next to Lowell. Hands resting on his hips when he faced his former leader. ''I happen to think Lowell's second idea is the best choice, but with some alterations.'' he waited just long enough to see Dagran frown, a sign which meant he would soon dismiss the notion, so he continued, ''Hear me out before you start protesting, all right?''
''All right, let's hear it.'' Dagran responded and raised an eyebrow at the mage. Surprised at the new found boldness in his friend.
Yurick smiled and turned towards Syrenne. ''Syrenne, do you remember that dress we made fun of the other day? The one with the ridiculously big, cage crinoline?'' He asked her.
''Of course! Who would ever forget such an abomination.'' Syrenne replied with a small chuckle.
The mage turned towards the silent fist fighter, ''Tifa, was it?'' He asked her calmly, giving her a hesitant smile as she nodded her head. ''We can dress you in that and Dagran would probably fit under that thing. He could crawl under it until we reach a safe area, there he can hide and when the ball starts, he could sneak into Edward's room and plant some evidence in there.'' He finished explaining.
''And then what?'' Lowell mirthfully asked, barely able to stop himself from laughing. The different emotions playing on Tifa and Dagran's faces were hilarious. ''That won't be nearly enough...''
''Meanwhile, Tifa can work her charms on the Inquisitor. We arrange so they are left alone, away from prying eyes.'' Yurick paused before continuing, ''Then she can accuse him of assaulting her. I will of course stay near her, so I can make sure she is safe and become a witness to the alleged crime.'' he finished, looking very pleased with himself.
''That plan could actually work.'' Dagran commented from where he stood propped up against the wall. He could not claim to be thrilled with it, but it seemed to be the their best option. ''Though, I can't say I look forward to the prospect of crawling beneath a dress...''
''Huh!? You're seriously considering this?'' Tifa spluttered outraged, her eyes darted back and forth between the people present. Her nerves were in a knotted mess, and she fought hard against the impulse of just leaving the room. ''I don't like wearing dresses, and I can barely stand in heeled shoes, and I don't even know how to dance!''
''Ugh, another Syrenne...'' Yurick complained tiredly, as he eyed Tifa, ''You're fine with the danger, but freaks out about the prospect of acting like a normal woman...''
''Watch it patchy!'' Syrenne snarled in defence of both herself and Tifa. ''We can play dress up with you instead! You would so pass for a girl, if we put some work into it.''
''Oh grow up, Syrenne!'' Yurick shot back angrily.
Tifa only stood there watching them bickering. She could not believe what she was hearing. She wanted to hide under a rock and never to come out again. Her failure with Don Corneo was still fresh in her mind. The man had chosen Cloud over me, for gods sake! She thought bitterly. Not that she wanted him to pick her, he was a nasty man, but it had been humiliating that she had failed her mission. ''Stop talking as if I'm not here!'' She shouted angrily, finally managing to gain their attention. ''I may not be a normal woman, as Yurick kindly put it, but I still have feelings...''
''We will all help you, Tifa.'' Dagran kindly reassured the miserable looking woman beside him, ''And I assure you, there is nothing wrong with either you or Syrenne. Everyone has their own preference...'' he said softly and smiled at her when she glanced at him. ''But it's your decision, I would never force you to do this.''
Lowell did not like the turn the conversation had taken. It would be so much easier to go get them together if Tifa was the one going undercover. He could easily manipulate the situation to his advantage so they had to get more closer to each other, but if Tifa took Dagran up on his offer, then his hastily formed plans would go up in flame. ''He's right, it's your decision, deary.'' Lowell said casually, waiting until she relaxed before he delivered his final nudge. ''We could easily shave our pretty boy here, and make him go undercover as someone else and pick a fight with the man.''
''FINE! I'll do it.'' Tifa answered very quickly, blushing when the bar owners looked at her. She had a feeling that she had just played right into their hands, but their reasons for it eluded her. ''No need to shave or risk his safety...'' She angrily muttered before marching out through the back door. Not feeling up to any further discussions.
Dagran had excused himself from the others to check on Tifa. She had been gone a little while now, and he was getting worried. It had been a couple of turbulent days for them all, but especially for her. The plan however solid it was, made her uncomfortable, and he wanted to talk to her by himself. He did not want to force her into it, and he himself had second thoughts. Thornton was dangerous, and he did not like the idea of putting her in danger.
He walked through the small garden, trying to figure out where she had gone. The sound of running water, steered him down the small hill, and through a small iron gate. A creek slithered between a large copse of trees. The water shimmered in the moonlight, making the small spot seem almost enchanted. He finally spotted Tifa by a old oak tree. ''Nice spot you've found...'' He greeted calmly.
Tifa looked up from the water, glancing over her shoulder. She saw him holding onto a pair of court shoes, and her eyes narrowed irritatedly. She choose not to answer him and continued to look at the water, hoping that he would leave her alone.
''Don't be like that, it will be fine.'' He tried to reassure her. ''Shall we practise?''
''Don't be like what?'' Tifa gave him an annoyed look. ''Insecure, angry or down right panicked?''
''I meant what I said before, I'm never going to force you.'' Dagran said, his voice dead serious. He met her eyes as she approached him. She moved gracefully, like a cat getting ready to tackle its prey. ''We'll just go with the other plan or think up a new.''
''I said that I would do it!'' Tifa snapped, ''I just want you to consider my feelings.''
''Why are you so damn insecure?'' He asked her, leaning a bit closer. ''Just look at yourself! I promise, you have nothing to be insecure about...''
Tifa only sighed and took the shoes from him. Not wanting to discuss her insecurities with him. She removed her boots, and slipped into the high heeled shoes. Just by taking a few experimental steps, made her feel insecure and wobbly. It had been years since she last worse shoes like these. She walked slowly back and forth by the side of the creek, where the ground was most flat. She did not look up, but focused solely on getting used to the shoes once again. Being over confident, she turned too quickly and lost her balance. Falling backwards into the cold water. ''I hate this!'' she snarled through gritted teeth, and banged her fists on the water's surface. Then she put her head in her hands, trying to calm herself as she heard Dagran step down into the water.
''Come here.'' Dagran said kindly, holding out his hands for her to grab onto to. He gave her a warm smile when she looked up at him. ''Let me help you.''
Tifa grabbed hold of his hands, letting him haul her up on her feet. He dragged her up too fast, so she lost her balance again. She tried grabbing onto his arms, but as she did that, he slipped too and they both fell down into the water.
''You're hopeless.'' Dagran burst out laughing as he sat beside her in water. His eyes locked with hers and he splashed some water at her. ''Now we're both wet.''
Tifa laughed herself, feeling grateful that he had not laughed before on her expense. The cold water had lifted her spirits so she retaliated and splashed a handful of water in his face. He flashed her a predatory grin, and grabbed for her. She tried getting away, but he pushed her down and straddled her abdomen.
''I'll get you for that!'' Dagran said, smirking from ear to ear. Water drops dripping from his hair, down onto her cheeks. He dug his fingers into her sides, making her squeal and squirm under him.
''Stop, please!'' Tifa laughed as she tried in vain to pry his hands away from her. ''This is unfair!''
Dagran stilled his hands at her desperate plea, but kept them clasped around her sides. He watched her silently as she caught her breath. Mesmerized by her beauty, he suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to kiss her. He wanted to taste those slightly parted lips that were gasping for air, and make her breathless once again. He dismissed it as soon as it crossed his mind. She deserved more than simple lust from a man, and he was not in a position to give her more than that. He abruptly got up from her and then helped her up from the water, stumbling onto the grass.
''Back to being serious?'' Tifa asked him bluntly, taking him by surprise. ''You can let loose once in a while, without feeling guilty, you know that right?''
''I don't know what your talking about.'' He replied looking away from her awkwardly, grateful she knew nothing of his real thoughts. ''Let's focus on you learning how to walk in those shoes.''
''Dagran, just remember one thing.'' Tifa softly said while standing up. ''Don't expect me to open up more, if you wont do the same.''
Dagran sat there watching her continue trying to walk in her heels, while pondering what she told him. He soon came to the conclusion that she was right. Trust went both ways, and if he wanted her to open up to him, then he had to do the same. In just a few shot minutes, she had started to get the hang of it, and began walking a little more relaxed. He smiled to himself and rose onto his feet, walking after her.
''What are-'' Tifa gasped as he lifted her with ease, her hands automatically wound up around his neck. She shrieked as he threw her back into the cold water. She emerged spluttering seconds later, looking at him in bewilderment.
''How was that for letting loose?'' He said in a teasing tone of voice, his eyes filled with mirth.
''I'll get you for that!'' Tifa laughed and threw both of her shoes at him, which he of course ducked. She quickly grabbed onto his leg, making him fall down with a big splash as she crawled up on the grass again.
Dagran laughed at how silly they were, enjoying the moment. He gladly accepted her helping hand, and let himself be hauled from the water. They stood there dripping from head to toe, laughing together.
''I'm insecure because I have never met a man that, have liked me, for who I am.'' Tifa finally admitted, and looked up at him. Enjoying the smile playing on his lips and the happy glint in his eyes.
''and I've never be able to let loose and let down my guard, without suffering some kind of consequence...'' Dagran answered truthfully, and ran a hand through his tangled hair.
A plan had been formulated and would soon be set in motion. But before that, Tifa would have to endure lots of practise in her least favourite field of expertise.
