*Thirty-one: Last Song

The familiar screams of her ever loyal followers filled the air the moment she emerged from the limousine that night. Tifa smiled and waved at them, to let them know that she loves them. She was whisked towards the red carpet the next second. Photographers yelled and begged for her to look their way, to smile, to pose in certain ways they wanted—the usual chaos. Tifa had worn one of Ysabelle's exclusive designs for the swanky event—a black gown with a plunging bodice with a diamond cut at the back, with a slit that exposes her mid-thigh, crystal embellishments were attached at the sleeves and bodice. It was, in every sense, a very dangerously sexy gown. Her PR ushered her to a reporter, whose name she didn't catch.

"You look very sexy, miss Lockhart! Who are you wearing?" the reporter wearing a pink cocktail dress and metallic pumps asked. The reporter's eyes were on her exposed skin. "You have very, very nice gams."

Tifa smiled. "Thanks. I'm wearing XY tonight."

"How are things between you and Cloud, now that he's away filming his first movie?"

"I haven't heard from him because the director prohibited the cast from using their phones during the filming. Everything's wonderful," she said, her smile plastered.

"I heard you had a run in with Genesis last week?"

Tifa's PR cleared his throat and intervened. "I thought I made it clear that that's off limits, Clara?" he hissed. "This interview's over."

"Sorry." Clara mumbled, blushing. She was definitely new. Tifa was heading to another reporter before she could say that it was alright. Did Rufus tell Mike that Genesis was an off limits topic? Nice move, Rufus.

After smiling and talking with five other reporters, Tifa was finally inside the venue. In the lobby, she was ushered inside the hall and into her seat. Aerith and Zack were so far away from her seat. Beside her was Tseng and Yuffie. Yuffie was dressed in an elaborate lime dress and Tseng looked dapper in his pin striped suit. He nodded and said hello to her the moment she arrived. His girlfriend, Elena was away filming together with Cloud.

Half an hour later, the lights dimmed and the stage lit up. A lone grand piano and a man with auburn hair and red cloak occupied the stage. "Hello everybody…" he said in a deep voice. "This is… my new song, The Last Song." In that instant, the hushed hall was filled with the song's melody.

Tifa pursed her lips. Those lyrics… they were too sad. She stared at him. What… why? Yuffie leaned towards her and whispered, "Looks like somebody's not over you, boobs." Then she chuckled.

Why was Genesis performing here? This was so beyond awkward. She could feel her cheeks heating up as he sang, her heart beating faster because of the situation. Is that really how he's feeling? Lonely? Highly unbelievable. But this guy would do anything for his career. She had to admit, even though Genesis was a horrible lover, he was an exceptional artist. Performing was his one and only true love.

The notes reverberating from the piano were solemn, perfectly conveying his mood. Loneliness echoed after him.

"Mou ichido tsuyoku dakishimete…"

With the final note, he stood up and bowed to the audience. His eyes were searching momentarily. She was sure that it was just another of his theatrical tricks. The lights faded, enveloped the whole auditorium in darkness. It was comforting to finally lose sight of him.

"Say Tifa, won't you say he's still smitten with you? There's no doubt the song was dedicated to you." Fussy little Yuffie whispered again.

"Hm," Tifa murmured. Genesis…still smitten…with her…? What alternate universe had she just entered?

An hour and half later, Tifa accompanied by her trusty friends, Zack and Aerith, headed to the award show's after party. The venue resembled a wedding reception, with white being the dominant color and all. However, the sponsor's stalls at the entrance were the main attractions, so few guests commented about the after party's decorum.

"Let's go look at those bags, Teef!" Aerith exclaimed, eyeing a pink tote.

Tifa shrugged and followed her hyper friend. The bags on display were all being sold at half its price, and they were still beyond an average person's yearly earnings. The raven let herself examine a black Chocobo skin bag with gold details. She asked the attendant if they had one with silver details.

"Fancy running into you here, my lovely." a smooth voice said behind her.

Without turning around, Tifa rolled her eyes and spoke through gritted teeth. "Indeed."

"Did you like the song?" he asked. Genesis was so close to her that she could smell his leathery, perfumed scent. He took a deep breath. "I wrote it especially for you."

Tifa moved away from him and examined the bag the attendant handed her. It was best not to snap at Genesis here. It would cause a scene and yield controversy later. Be professional. It's okay, Tifa. "It was a good song. I never knew you could sing about anything beyond sex." She told the attendant that she'd be taking the bag.

Genesis chuckled and whispered in her ear. "Your toy's not here, why don't you come up to my suite and play for a few hours?" His breath was hot and it sent her scalp prickling.

"How dare you!" Tifa turned around lithely and let her hand land on his cheek with a loud, crisp sound. Everybody near them froze and stared. She didn't care. "You're so horrible, Gen. Why don't you just stay away from me?"

He massaged his now-sore cheek and clenched his jaw. "I would, but I can't." Zack rushed to Tifa's side, his eyes glittering with surprise and anger. "Why the hell is this guy here?"

"I was invited by the Academy. I have every right to be here… who are you?" Genesis snarled. His eyes were narrowed. Tifa had never seen Genesis angry when they were together. He looked downright scary.

A security personnel stepped forward and said, in a very calm but threatening manner, "Sir, it seems that your behavior here is highly inappropriate. I have to ask you to leave." Genesis looked up at the buff fellow and sneered. "You don't need to tell me that. I was going to leave already anyway." He turned to Tifa and smiled. "It was nice talking to you, love."

The attendant came reluctantly towards Tifa and handed her the shopping bag and her credit card.

"Thanks," she muttered and walked out of the boutique.

Zack walked beside her, his face full of concern. "You okay?" her friend asked. Aerith was right beside them in a second, holding a shopping bag. Aerith patted Tifa's back and said, "Of course she's alright. Slapping rude people feels great!"

The spiky haired young man grinned wolfishly at Aerith. "Oh really? Have you ever slapped somebody?"

Aerith blushed. "Well… no, but that's how I imagine it would feel."

Zack laughed and wrapped his arms around his girlfriend's waist. Tifa eyed them, suddenly wishing that Cloud was by her side. Genesis should have just kept his distance.

Genesis slammed his Zagato's door hard, grinding his teeth. Fucking.. god damn it.

He rested his head on the wheel, trying to gather his calm.

Author's Note:

Hm. Thanks for reading! Please don't forget to review.

Oh and I highly recommend that you look up Last Song ~Unplugged by Gackt.

Vikki