Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for the plot. Everything especially the characters belong to Square Enix.

Authors Note: So sorry for the delay! I started college this year and currently taking up Architecture. FEAR NOT! The last chapter is in the works! Thank you to those that reviewed and favourited! AND A BIG SHOUT OUT TO THOSE THAT STUCK THROUGH WITH ME TILL THE END! You guys give me strength.

POPULARITY FEUD

Chapter 20

(Part 3)

She couldn't help but recall the conversations she had with her temporary roommates. She walked towards the greenhouse, a secret place that Sephiroth had shown to her a few days back. Somewhere that allowed her to unwind even for a little bit and concentrate on the things that kept racing through her mind.

The greenhouse was filled with all types of plants the Hojos could get their hands on. The different hues of the flowers brought life to the shed. Tifa grazed her hands along the soft petals of the roses, sunflowers, forget me nots, and orchids. A small smile formed on her lips as she watched the butterflies soar to the air, flapping their wings.

She approached a clearing, where a table surrounded by chairs stood. She was about to walk over until she saw a familiar face attending to the plants with a watering can in hand. The brunette was about to walk away, unable to face him after what her friends had talked about, but stopped dead in her tracks when he turned his head towards her and gave her a small smile.

"Hello, love." The silver haired man waved his hand, gesturing for her to come over. Tifa, still flustered about her feelings towards man, felt herself walk towards him, like a magnet being pulled by his being. What she didn't know was that there was a silly grin plastered on her face.

"Hello Seph," She replied as she watched him put the watering can away. His expression softened, as he caressed her face. She leaned to his touch, never wanting the moment to fade away.

"It's been awhile since we've had time for ourselves," He noted as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Sephiroth leaned his forehead against her, a simple gesture that made her confused. Not towards him, but to herself.

Tifa was afraid... she was afraid that she might have fooled herself. She might have fooled him. What if she still loved Cloud? Who would she pick? Tifa placed her hand on Sephiroth's chest and slowly pushed herself away from him. It's painful not to only to herself but towards Sephiroth especially when she wasn't being honest.

"Tifa? Is something the matter?" He asked, confusion and hurt etched on his face. He had broken his walls a long time ago to her.

"Please… I'm sorry but give me time to myself," She looked at him, seeing him so hurt crushed her heart. She clutched her shirt to prevent herself from breaking down. Tears were already forming in her eyes.

"Tifa…" Sephiroth pleaded. He was curious as to why she was upset...upset at him. Her internal battles made him want to hold her in his arms and shield her away from the world. He wished her pain away, but before he able to do so, she had already backed away.

"No, it's okay Seph. I'll be fine… I just need to think," She assured him whilst wiping the corner of her eyes. She gave him a small sad smile before leaving from where she entered.

Sephiroth stood befuddled as he watched his girlfriend retreating back. Nothingness swept through his heart and he couldn't believe what just happened. Did she start to find him repulsive? Does she… love someone else? The silver haired man vanished the thought, they spoke to each other earlier without any problems, so why was this happening?

He took a black box and examined it again, his heart sank. He thought that she might have not reciprocated his feelings for her with the same fervour. He placed the box on top of the table and left the greenhouse. There's no use dwelling on something that isn't going to last.

A figure emerged from the shadows, his face showed confusion as he watched the scene unfold. He never meant to stumble inside the greenhouse. He was walking around the compound trying to clear his mind, this retreat definitely took a toll on him. He never thought he would enjoy it at all, but here he was, dreading the moment it would all end. The figure walked towards the table and pocketed the small black box, intending to return it to its proper owner.

Yuffie walked towards the dining hall where they were going to eat their last dinner together. She had come to love the fact that there were no longer any fights happening, well for now anyways. She hoped that maybe this calm would continue until they graduate but she highly doubts it. Without darkness there would be no light. So if everything was fine there would probably be trouble brewing. Their school knew nothing about peace ever since their little feud started, kids were sent to the principal's office on a daily basis.

As she mused on her thoughts, the young brunette failed to notice the person in front of her. She stopped in her tracks when she bumped into said person. She looked at Kadaj's scowling face.

"Oh. sorry there," she apologised.

"You should watch where you're going next time," Kadaj replied with his voice filled with irritation.

"I was just thinking of what to say later on tonight," She spat, defending herself. The silver haired boy rolled his eyes.

"You should have done that earlier instead of coming unprepared."

"OKAY HOLD UP. What the hell is your deal? Everyone here is in good terms with each other except you! The feud is supposed to be over! Why can't you just be happy for everyone? Why do you keep targeting me all the time?! I'm so sick of this shit you know? Get a fucking life and leave me the fuck alone!" Yuffie exclaimed catching him off guard. His face was blank and said nothing in response while the young brunette tried to calm herself down.

Her face was red and her nose flared. Yuffie had never felt so free in her life! Getting that out of her system was a load off her shoulder. She never thought that being open with her feeling made her feel so good. She wanted to do it more often.

Yuffie looked at the boy in front of her, she had never seen him so flabbergasted in her whole life. He usually wore a smug smirk or a scowl on his face. Kadaj cleared his throat and said something under his breath, so low that she wasn't able to hear it.

"Wait what?" She asked, straining her ears to hear him.

"Nothing," he replied before running off to the dining hall with a tinge of pink covering his cheeks.

The young brunette stood there confused and eager to find out what he had said. She set a determined face and ran after him, she was going to get that information one way or another. She wasn't called The Great Ninja Yuffie for nothing.

The dinner was silent as the reality slowly sets in. Everyone ate their food in a timely manner and not one argument occurred. Hojo felt bittersweet, he missed their friendly fights in front of the dinner table, like a parent would. Everyone was either afraid to talk or had nothing to say. They could be saving their energy for the bonfire. That is until one person decided to speak.

"Ya know what, as a graduating senior I'm really glad that we have decided to put everything behind us, even if it's for a lil' while."

"Cid, ain't the speech suppos'd to be for the bonfire?"

"It's alright Barette, let him speak," Professor Hojo smiled at the black teen. Barette nodded at the professor and gave way for Cid to speak.

Cid stood there dumbfounded and sheepishly grinned as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Err… that's all really. It's just that I can't stand this silence," he reasoned. He pointed at Cloud and then at Sephiroth. "These two usually argue with each other and yet they look so outta it."

Sephiroth looked at the blond and back at his plate. He glanced at Tifa and found her preoccupied with her thoughts just as she was earlier in the greenhouse. He no longer had the appetite to eat the rest of his meal.

"Cid is right, the three of us are about to graduate this year and it's nice to know that there can be peace for us all." Angeal agreed and Hojo nodded.

"Mr. Highwind is correct, you've all grown immeasurably these past few days. As an advisor and your chaperone for this event, I'm very proud of you all." Hojo replied as he rose his glass. "A toast to everyone!"

Everyone cheered and life was brought back to the dinner table. Everyone engaged in friendly conversations, some had friendly spats and it was as if the happiness was brought back and the melancholy faded away. Sephiroth excused himself, stating that he needed to go to the bathroom.

As he walked, he was drowning in a wave of emotions, He was so lost in his thoughts, lost in the world that he lives in. He felt like he was walking in the middle, a void that swallowed him whole. For the first time in his life, he felt unsure of what to do. His insecurities nagged and ate him away like a piece of meat.

He heard a name. His name. Deep within the void. He turned around and saw nothingness and so he walked towards the void.

"Sephiroth"

The voice was clearer now, it belonged to a familiar voice. One he yearned to hear, he turned again but was met with the empty dim litted halls that greeted him these past few days. Could it have been his imagination? Possibly. His heart felt tight as if someone was pulling its strings. He continued to walk, completely missing the bathroom in his path. He felt something rough underneath his feet. Looking down, he saw sand seeping into his sandals, he looked around to find Squall working on the bonfire. The older man noticed him and gestured for him to come closer. The silver haired teen walked towards the pile of debris covered in kerosine.

"Do you want to light it?" The man asked, match in his hands. "They're on their way here already so we need to get the fire ready."

"Sure," Sephiroth took the matches and lit the kindle. Soon enough the flames engulfed the wood, cackling every now and then. The fiery embers danced their way through the night. He helped lay out the desserts and barbeque sticks for the marshmallows.

After a while his fellow students started to assemble near the fire, basking in its warmth in the cold air. Sephiroth was about to join them but was pulled to the side by a certain blond. Once they were in the clear, Cloud took the small box from his pockets and gave it to its rightful owner. Sephiroth's eyes widened as he stared at the familiar box, the one he chose to leave his feelings with.

"You wanted to give this to Tifa right?" Cloud stated, "Look, I know you and I haven't been the best of friends. Heck we ain't even friends, but Tifa is my… well she's my best friend."

"There is no more need for this, she doesn't love me. She still loves you." Sephiroth replied as he clenched the box firmly in his hands.

"I know her more than anyone, and trust me if she still loves me, she would've chosen to spend more time with me instead of you." Cloud said solemnly.

"Don't you love her, Strife?"

"I do… but it's too late. I was so hung up on Aerith that I failed to realized what was there…" Cloud trailed off as the silver man silently listens. "...it was too late."

There was silence in the air and Sephiroth was at a loss of words. He didn't know what he would say. A witty comeback would've been insensitive of him. However, he was relieved when the blond continued and silently thanked the heavens.

"You see I knew she was dating someone. Especially when she made excuses for the plans we usually do. I never thought it would've been you though. Then again, my hatred clouded the reality. The hints were there since the beginning but I chose to ignore it." Cloud laughed at himself for being so blind. He knew why Tifa didn't tell him. It was for his sake and for their friendship.

"Tifa was afraid to tell me because she knew I would get mad. I am mad, mostly at myself for denying my best friend from a relationship she had always wanted. I don't want her to make compromises because of me. I want her to be happy and if it's with you then so be it," Cloud offered his hand outstretched towards his old nemesis. Sephiroth hesitantly shook his hand and then that was it, the flame that kept the feud dissipated.

"Don't let her go Sephiroth…" Cloud said in a stern voice. "If your make her cry, you'll have to go through me."

"I would never intentionally make her cry, her tears are too precious." Sephiroth replied, with a wave goodbye a newfound friendship has formed. Would it be possible to Cloud and Sephiroth to start their last year of high school as friends? Who knows.

Sephiroth walked back to the bonfire and sat next to his fellow populars. With the box in hand, he was determined to let the one he loved know how he felt.

After a round of speeches and stories passed, Tifa knew the answer to her questions. She still loves Cloud in a way a sister would love her brother. It was a platonic admiration for her best friend, she no longer harbored anything more than that. Tifa was afraid because if she told everyone about their relationship, then that might severe her friendship with Cloud. He was her best friend, they spent many Christmases together and grew up together. Sephiroth is someone she has learned to love despite what everyone said and despite what she told herself. She saw past his flaws and learned to love his insecurities. He opened his heart and being to her. The brunette felt like a fool for doubting her love for him, but now she's certain.

The one she truly loves is Sephiroth.

It was Sephiroth's turn to give a speech. He had his ready the moment after the game. He stood up, the bonfire cackling beside him. In his hand was a small box and everyone waited patiently. He cleared his throat not because he was nervous, it was in order to steady himself and keep himself in check.

"Dear friends and family. These past few years, the feud has controlled our lives. There was no rest, it was as if we lived for the war that we've wrought. I am partly to blame because I became hostile towards the Avalanche. I thought that they were a nuisance and a waste of taxpayers' money. I was wrong. The have every right to be in the school the same as we do. They have worked hard to be eligible for the scholarship and worked hard to maintain it despite what's going on. This feud has not only ruined their reputation, but ours and the school's as well. By being here for the past few days, I have learnt that they aren't inferior. That we're all the same, we love what we do and we work hard for it. So as the leader of the Populars, I have decided to disband it. Creating these groups only cause chaos and I want to rebuild the morals of our school and our own."

Everyone was shocked. No one uttered a single word until Cloud clapped his hands. It was a courageous thing to do knowing that he hasn't confronted his fellow members about it. Yazoo applauded his brother as well. He was glad that it was over, this way he no longer has to choose sides. Kadaj followed suit and so did the other. The Turks hollered and the others cheered. There was one person who didn't like the idea. Genesis watched the scene unfold and his plans crumbled.

Two can play at that game.

"There is more," Sephiroth added. "I would like to be honest with you all. There is someone that crawled her way to my heart."

The girls swooned while the guys -mostly the Populars- cheered. Tifa stared at Sephiroth flabbergastedly as he strode her way towards her.

"Tifa, despite what has happened in the past you have bewitched me, body, and soul… and I love you." He sat in front of her, took her hand and gently caressed it. He opened the box and a small silver band was sitting neatly inside it. Everyone gasped and her eyes were as big as saucers. Tears were falling down her face and Sephiroth gently wiped them away with his thumb. A small smile on his face as a way of comfort.

"I would like for you to officially become my girlfriend,"

Tifa smiled bittersweetly and closed the box. She shook her head and everyone was shocked. Sephiroth dropped his hand as he could feel rejection coursing through him.

"Sephiroth…" Tifa touched his face and she could feel him flinch underneath her touch. "I love you with all my heart but I want to start on a clean slate. No hidden agendas, no secrets, and no more feud."

"One day, when the time is right… I will accept. However, I want us to be… just us. Not a Popular or an Avalanche. Just two people that love each other wholeheartedly." She smiled and gave him a big hug and he wrapped his arms around her in return. They fell on the sand with Tifa on top of him. She kissed the tip of his nose playfully and saw how tenderly he looked at her. Tifa felt herself being drawn towards him and was about to lean for a kiss when someone coughed behind them.

Cloud stood there with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. Tifa stood up and helped Sephiroth to his feet.

"Cloud…"

"No Tifa… don't worry. I already had the talk with him." Cloud smiled and Tifa hugged him in appreciation. "I just wished you told me sooner."

"I'm sorry about that," she looked up and hugged him for the last time, her best friend returned the favour. He was glad that things were the way they used to be before.

Everyone settled down around the bonfire but this time Sephiroth was wrapping his arms around Tifa. The rest of them said their speeches. Kadaj vowed to lessen his temper and become a better person. Cid, Barette, and Angeal wished the juniors good luck with their studied and promised to visit once in awhile. It was Cloud's turn to give a speech and after a much needed applause and persuasion, he got up and started.

"First of all, congratulations to Cid, Barette, and Angeal for making it this far with your studies and still participated in the feud. I apologize for all the trouble I have caused especially with my hatred for Sephiroth that caused all of this. I guess I knew it was getting out of hand and yet I did nothing to prevent it. I have also decided to disband the Avalanche. There's no more use of it if it was only built to destroy the Populars. We have to be better than this. Like Ghandi said; be the change you want to see in the world."

Everyone boarded the bus that would take them back to Midgar. They would no longer cause any fights at school which would give their supervisors a peace of mind. As the bus drove away, the estate seemed to get smaller and smaller. The sun had started to rise and students slept peacefully throughout the ride.

Professor Hojo looked at his check board and smiled to himself.

Stop Popularity Feud?

Check.