Disclaimer: I don't own any character in any shape or form. They belong to square Enix :)

Author's Note: HERE IS THE LONG AWAITED CHAPTER YEAAAHHHH.

Popularity Feud

Chapter 14

The city is buzzing. Everyone is running from store to store in a hectic frenzy. For what, you ask? For Christmas of course! As they go on with their lives, constantly worrying what gifts to get for their loved one, there is one girl who is not in her usual Christmas spirit. Her long brown hair billowed whenever she scurried towards a table.

"Over here miss!" A man called, lifting his empty mug, clearly asking for a refill. There are others who only wanted the girl's attention by asking her to do simple tasks that the other waiters and waitresses could do. This of course agitated and relieved them.

"Coming!" She yelled back, finishing her duty with the table she was currently preoccupied with. She placed the food on the table and rushed towards the man. She grabbed the cup and went towards the bar. After refilling the mug with their best brewed beer, the girl walked back towards the man.

"Thank you," The man said after flashing a small smile. She smiled back and continued to entertain the customers.

Beads of sweat formed and rolled from her forehead. There were dark circles underneath her eyes and she looked tired more than ever. Her boss saw her exhausted state and tapped her in the shoulder. She quickly turned around to see the concerned face of the man she calls boss.

"Lockhart, why don't you go home?" he said, making it more of a statement than a question.

"Go home, sir? My shift's not over yet." She replied, shaking her head in disagreement.

"Come on Tifa, its Christmas Eve, have a little break and enjoy the day." The boss gave her a small smile. Tifa looked at him, debating whether to go home or stay until her shift is over.

"But sir, I could not possibly leave now. There are tables to attend to… especially this time. Please sir, don't make me go." She argued quietly, cautious enough to not make a scene. He shook his head in response.

"Seriously Tifa, I insist. Besides there's of us to handle your share of work today," he urged her to the back room, causing a few onlookers to stare in confusion and curiosity.

"Go now, have fun on this joyful day," he placed his hands in his pockets and grinned. Tifa, not knowing what to do and too afraid to lose her job nodded in compliance.

She grabbed her coat from the hanging rack and slipped it on. After zipping it up and closing her coat, she took her scarf and wrapped it around her neck. Before she left, he stopped her.

"Oh yeah, here you go," he held out a small envelope. Knowing what it was, her eyes widened. Seeing her reaction, her boss laughed. "It's an extra for your hard work, especially juggling school and work. Now don't think you're the only one getting this, the others are too. Think of it as a Christmas gift; now go buy yourself something nice." He said playfully, smirked and placed the money on her hand before walking away.

"Merry Christmas, Tifa" He yelled out followed by a small laugh. Sighing, Tifa shoved the envelope in her pocket and muttered in response.

"Merry Christmas…"

In another part of the city, a boy with long silver hair sauntered into a mall. He ignored the love struck gazes that were thrown towards him. Everywhere he walked to, there seemed to be someone he knew or someone from school he barely talked to. He was content when they did not bother to approach or talk to him, but his happiness faded when two silly idiots approached him.

"Yo Sephy!" the red head hollered.

"Genesis, how many times do I have to tell you to never call me that?" Sephiroth sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"A couple of times, but I have never obeyed that order, now have I?" Genesis smirked which irritated Sephiroth even more.

"Well if you're done bothering me, I suggest you leave," he looked at him and turned his head to the person beside the annoying red head. "…and you too Zack."

"Umm…can't, Seph. I'm getting Aerith some jewelry as a Christmas present," he said sheepishly while scratching the back of his head.

"Speaking of jewelry, why are you in a jewelry store Seph?" Genesis inquired with a grin on his face.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm buying my mother a gift," he said calmly whilst trying to hide the agitation he is feeling. That –however- did not seem to satisfy his dubiously annoying friend.

"Your mother? Or for your hot friend Tifa?" He asked with a snicker. Now, it is clear and seen to the naked eye that Sephiroth is furious. Mainly because Genesis called Tifa hot. Zack seemed to take note of this and feared for the sake of their friend who is currently laughing like a hyena.

Zack thought that their leader would send Genesis flying across the room but did the mature thing instead. Sephiroth ignored the redhead even though it is crystal clear that he is livid towards his friend, but he'd rather ignore the fool than cause a scene in public. Genesis will be dealt with later, he noted.

When Genesis noticed that Sephiroth left him looking like a fool, he grumbled a few words and walked towards Zack who is looking at a few pair of earrings.

It is true that Sephiroth bought a present for his mother which is a silver necklace with and emerald cut into a tear drop pendant. He did not leave the store after he bought said item but instead lingered longer, hoping to be able to buy a perfect Christmas gift for the person he has affections for.

"Do you need any help sir?" A saleswoman asked him. He turned around to find a woman around the age of forty and raised a brow.

"Excuse me?"

"It seems as if you're having trouble with what to get for your girlfriend," she smiled at him. His eyes widened when he heard her. "So I was right," she said again, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Sephiroth could see that the woman was married, judging by the ring that sat on her finger. It wasn't classy but it was not cheap either. It was in the middle of expensive and cheap.

"How did you know?" He said, confused. The woman tittered causing Sephiroth to stare at her.

"I'm sorry for laughing young man. As for your question earlier, I have met countless boys and men alike who have the same contemplated look on their face as if they can't choose what to buy. Is that right?"

"…yes."

"And since I am working for this department it is my duty to help those who are in need. Now tell me, what is she like?" She asked; eager to hear what he has to say. Sephiroth was hesitant at first but finally replied.

"Well for starters, I really didn't love her… it was more of a plot to ruin her petty club and the person who ran it… and her too," he heard her gasp but said nothing. "It started when she was cornered by drunken men in a dark alley and I did not want to save her… but I did. She stayed in my room for days until she finally woke up and after she left, I black mailed her into going to a party with me since I was her savior. And then… things started to get out of hand and one day she went to class sad and thought it was the perfect moment to engage my plan. I really didn't love her when it started but then suddenly I felt weird as if I actually cared for her. The way she smiled made my heart ache and then I knew that I actually developed feelings for her…" He lingered as he was lost in the moment and the woman smiled. "Who wouldn't? The way she taught judo to our fellow school mates, her stubbornness, the feel of her soft lips on mine—" He paused and coughed. "I think you get the drift."

"I do," the woman smiled and went to fetch an item leaving Sephiroth to himself and his thoughts. Not long after she came back holding a small black square box. She opened it to reveal a golden necklace with a golden heart locket with a heart shaped diamond embedded in the middle. It was quite simple, not too showy or too plain. The saleswoman took it out of the box and opened it; the left side did not have anything to put in unlike the right piece.

"Here," she pointed to the left part of the locket. "You can write something for her and on the other side you can put a picture of both of you together. Speaking of which, do you have a picture that includes the both of you together on you right now?" She asked. He nodded and opened his wallet to take out the picture they took during their date and handed it to the woman who smiled in response.

"Perfect, I will make a smaller copy of this and put it inside the locket. In the mean time I want you to write down a five letter sentence for your loved one and we will have it ready for you in an hour," and with that she left. Sephiroth took his time thinking of a five word sentence that will show his love for her. After a few minutes or so he called the woman and gave her the card that he wrote on.

I opened the door with a sigh. Today was a busy day at work and I hate it when my boss thinks I could not handle the stress. I'm not weak, I'm strong. I dropped the bag of groceries that I bought at the supermarket nearby. I walked towards my room and changed into my Christmas outfit which is a red turtle neck sweater and a green tea colored skirt. I also wore my Christmas socks that my parents gave me from America. They're coming home today and I'm looking forward to seeing them since I only saw them for a couple of hours when they were here. Happily skipping towards the kitchen, I took out the ingredients for curry and spaghetti and started chopping away. Tonight is going to be a good night, I'm sure of it. I smiled and started to mince the onions.

After a few copious hours I managed to cook the curry and spaghetti without burning the apartment down. I placed it on the table neatly with a basket of bread. I'll have to bring the cake when they arrive so it doesn't spoil. I wonder if I should call Sephiroth… hmmm… maybe not, I'm sure he's having a wonderful time at the party his mother is holding. I'll just send him a greeting. I clicked away at my phone and sent the message, I sent one to Cloud too since he's my best friend.

"I can't wait for mom and dad to arrive," I smiled and sat on the couch. Yawning, I closed my eyes for a quick nap hoping that I'll hear a knock on the door.

"This is boring," Kadaj said beside me, crossing his arms with a huff. He looked at the supercilious people in front of him and snarled.

"What do you mean Kadaj?" I asked him, placing my hand inside my pockets.

"Well why the fuck do we have to have a fucking party for motherfucking Christmas? Why can't mother just let us have a normal family Christmas for once?!" He exclaimed, loud enough for me to hear but not loud enough to make the guest hear. I let out a sigh. He was right; this is getting out of hand.

"You know how mother loves parties," I replied with pity in my voice. Wait what? Pity? Being with Tifa made me softer than I thought.

"Whoa, big brother having emotions for once?" He looked at me with a questioning glare. So he noticed. I plastered my mask on and looked at him at the corner of my eye. Not moving my face at all, not even an inch.

"Don't kid yourself Kadaj."

"Ah, there you are my lovely children, come and dance," The person we were speaking of spotted us.

"Hell no,"

"Kadaj watch your language," she said in a stern tone. "I thought you were inviting Tifa to the party, Sephiroth," she stated, causing Kadaj to look at me even more. What an annoying brat.

"She told me that she was going to spend it with her parents, and knowing that she hasn't seen them in months I told her that it was alright," I replied coolly.

"Ah, my son is such a gentleman," she smiled and dragged Kadaj from his spot. "Come Kadaj, it's time for you to enjoy yourself," I heard Kadaj scream curse words the whole time mother was dragging him. Ah, such a beautiful sound to my ears.

I peered around and saw Loz dancing with another girl and not end up crying. Seems like he has leveled up from his shyness. Yazoo is reading a book and is comfortably seated on the windowsill. He didn't seem to mind the party at all, even if he did dress up for it. I felt a vibration in my pocket, took out my phone and checked from who the message was.

Tifa

10:30 P.M 12/24/XX

"Merry Christmas! Hope you have fun at the party! ^O^

XOXO"

I chuckled and replied;

10:31 P.M 12/24/XX

"Merry Christmas, wish you were here. Have a good one with your parents

Love, Sephiroth"

I clicked the send button and heard Genesis snickering behind me. I flipped the phone closed and gritted in annoyance.

"Oh wow Seph, 'wish you were here'. That's a good one" He laughed and patted my back which agitated me even more. My mother approached us, probably because she felt a disturbance in the air and smiled at Genesis.

"Ah welcome Genesis,"

"Good Evening and a Merry Christmas Eve to you milady," He bowed. I noticed that he held a paper bag from the antique store that Tifa and I went to during our date. "A present for you,"

"Oh my, well thank you," she peered through the bag. "Do you mind if I look at it?"

"Oh no, not at all," He grinned. My mom took the object out of the bag and unwrapped it. Pleasing enough, her reaction was something Genesis did not expect. She had her smile still plastered on her face but her eyes told the exact opposite. She placed it back in the bag and handed it to me.

"An antique, how…delightful," She bowed in thanks. "I'm sure Sephiroth will place it in the pile of gifts underneath our tree, won't you dear?"

"Yes, mother," I excused myself and walked towards my parent's room and placed the gift in the pile of gifts she hated the most. Alright, I lied. She hates antiques, especially Owls. As soon as I left their room, I no longer felt the need to return to the party. I'm quite sure that they won't mind if I left. So I walked towards the garage, took out my car and drove off heading towards Tifa's apartment. Hopefully she wouldn't mind my presence in front of her parents.

I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing and I immediately rushed to it, tripping in the process. I took the wireless receiver and held it close to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Tifa dear, we have sad news to tell you,"

"What is it?"

"I don't think we'll be able to be there tonight or tomorrow. There's a three day delay in the airport due to the weather right now in Russia,"

….what…?

"I-I see…" I felt water dwelling up on my eyes. No, I have to be strong. I can't cry now, I can't let them know… I have to wait…

"Are you okay dear?" My father asked with concern in his voice.

"Y-Yeah I'm fine. I fell asleep anyways so I forgot to make the food." I lied.

"Oh Tifa, we want to be there with you, really…"

"It's fine mom…dad… just fly home safely, that's all I want." I replied holding back my tears.

"Merry Christmas Eve Tifa," They said in unison in hopes to make me happy and it made me laugh, but my laugh was a mixture of a cry and laugh.

"Merry Christmas Eve," I said in reply and after a few seconds, the phone was dead. I held the phone close to my chest and let the tears flow out freely. I know it's selfish of me to wish they never left but I don't want them to leave the job they really love because of me.

I heard the door open and I quickly turned around to see who it was. A tall dark figure stood tall in my doorway. His silver hair flowing in the wind, I dropped the phone on the floor and rushed towards him. Enveloping my arms on his lean body and cried. He did nothing but pat my head in comfort with his free hand. That's all he did until I finally stopped and I was grateful.

"Are you alright?" The man asked still petting the woman in his arms. She nodded in response and rubbed the tears away.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sorry for messing up your shirt," She said sheepishly. A blush was painted on her face.

"It's fine, I have plenty," He replied observing her weakened state. He looked inside and saw that no one was inside the woman in front of him and the phone that was dropped on the floor. He knew what happened and he decided to leave it be as it is and not pry. He raised the bag he was holding and held out a small strawberry cake. "I brought cake,"

Tifa giggled in his attempts at cheering her up and ushered him inside. "I made curry and spaghetti," she replied with a smug look on her face. He feigned to act defeated in front of her and she laughed. "Come on, let's eat."

They walked towards the table and Sephiroth seated himself and waited for Tifa to get the plates. Now, you might think that he's not being a gentleman but Tifa insisted that she was the one to take the plates. She came back with the plates, cups and utensils.

"Dig in," she said and gave him a serving of rice and one for her self. They ate together whilst talking about how their break has been and how hectic it has been in Sephiroth's household. After they finished eating their curry, they ate a serving of Tifa's attempt at making spaghetti. It was pretty decent as Sephiroth had described it and he earned a whack on the arm from Tifa.

"Hey,"

"What?" Tifa replied while eating the spaghetti. Her mouth covered in tomato sauce.

"You have a little something over…" He leaned in closer holding a table napkin. Tifa didn't move and waited for him to wipe the stain away but what he did surprised her. He crashed his lips onto hers passionately and gently. He licked the tomato sauce off her lips and bit her bottom lip softly, urging her to kiss in response. She responded by wrapping her arms on his neck and kissing back with equal fervor. They broke the kiss in order to catch some air and Sephiroth smirked while continuing eating his dinner. Tifa looked at him flabbergasted and after a while of regaining her composure she also continued to eat the spaghetti only this time slower.

They finished eating and decided to eat the cake later on and instead watch a movie to pass the time.

"Hey wouldn't your parents be worried why you aren't there?" She asked shifting herself comfortably next to Sephiroth.

"No, in fact my mother didn't mind," He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she snuggled closer. Sephiroth smelled the perfume she wore, it was faint but it was still noticeable. He cleared his thoughts before anything lewd could form inside. "In fact, mother asked where you were."

"Oh, what did you say?" She looked up at him, her once glossy eyes gone but replaced with her regular happy ones.

"I told her what you told me," He replied nonchalantly hoping that nothing would spark her depression again. She sighed and snuggled closer.

"Okay, that's good." She yawned and kept her eyes at the movie. The Sephiroth also looked at the movie they were currently watching. It was one of those Christmas movies they usually show. They had Home Alone on the other channel but Sephiroth figured that that movie would not be the best to watch right now. So they are now watching a Christmas Romantic movie.

When the movie came to an end, Sephiroth looked at the sleeping figure beside him and slowly unlatched her away from him. He picked her up and slowly walked towards her room. He gently placed her on the bed and when he was about to go towards the door in hopes to sleep at the couch, she latched her hand on his. He turned his head and saw her open her groggy eyes.

"Please stay here… with me," She pleaded her voice filled with sleep and loneliness.

Sephiroth mentally struggled with his conscience and his morals as a human being. He was told not to sleep with a woman in the same bed unless consummated by marriage. But looking at her pleading face he gave up and even if they weren't doing anything that would be considered sinful, he slipped underneath the blanket. As soon as he was on the bed, Tifa wrapped her arm around his body and snuggled. He placed his hand on her waist bringing her closer and laid his head on his arm that rested on top of the pillow.

Sephiroth looked at his watch and smiled.

"Merry Christmas, Tifa…"

And so they slept peacefully without anyone bothering them. And even though they had a shitty start of the day it ended up something they weren't looking forward to, and that is being with each other. And if you're wondering where Sephiroth's present went? Well let's just say that he placed it underneath the Christmas tree in the leaving room when Tifa went to the bathroom. As for Tifa's present… well you'll find out in the next chapter.

A/N: I know it's pretty bitchy of me to write a cliffhanger but I didn't want the chapter to be extremely long or else it will get boring. I still have my writer's block, have you noticed? The scenes were pretty corny XD and I hope you forgive me for that! I also hope you forgive me for taking way too much time uploading this chapter! ;O; I hope you will all take my loves yes? *throws love everywhere*

Thank you to those who have favorited, followed and reviewed this story! You guys are awesome. You don't deserve me DX.

OH YEAH. I make some SephTi arts and I am making a SephTi and CloYaz manga but it is very OOC.. XD you'll know why. I think I'm making some fanarts for this too. You can find them in Deviantart, my name is Jazumin13.

It has folders called SephTi and the manga is called Just So You Know : Enjoy!