"Begin!"
Raising his training sword in front of himself and dropping his hips to stabilize his stance, Cloud eyed his three opponents. All of them were taller than him, with better reach too, but he knew they were slower. They're lack of speed made it one of the few times the blonde's shorter stature worked in his favor. And their shoddy swordsmanship only compounded his advantage, turning his sparring partners from possible threat to non-issues.
It was cool of him to do, but he didn;t think he needed to give this match his undivided attention.
So…he didn't, instead, letting his mind drift a little. Cloud began thinking over the last couple of "brainstorming" sessions he had with the professor.
Leaving the Research Department yesterday had Cloud's head still full of the different ideas professor Hojo had presented him. Some of them seemed dubious and bizarre, other's borderline unethical. It was like the Director had a week-long fever dream and decided to test every nightmare he could remember. One of the least crazy suggestions had his brain still reeling in doubt.
Cloud sidestepped the first swing, blocked the second, and swung the back of his fist out to catch his third opponent in the temple.
"Shake it off, you pansy! You're gonna cry over a love-tap!?" Aarde screamed at the staggered cadet.
Seriously, what would be the benefits of putting a dragon heart in him? Ignoring the obvious issues of making a human/animal hybrid, there were quite a bit of practical complications. Like…the size. The creatures could be as big as 100ft on average , with the wilder ones hitting a record of 200ft. Wouldn't the organs be just as proportionately as big? Basically…his height? How would such a thing even fit inside of Cloud's chest?
He ducked the wild cross-slash, and rushed forward to shoulder check one of the bigger cadets, knocking him to the floor.
"Roll your fat-ass back on your goddamn feet Rider! This is not naptime! You got three seconds before I put you to sleep permanently!"
The professor was a genius, nobody doubted that, but…he might be more deranged than even the worst rumors indicated. Or at least, didn't seem to understand what the word "practicality" meant. Just last week the Director had floated the idea of maybe coating Cloud's bones in metal in order to reinforce them. To make him stronger and protect his vulnerable organs, apparently. But wouldn't that kill him, defeating the purpose? Like a super version of tetanus?
One sharp downward swing to disarm his last opponent, before resting the blunted edge of the training sword against the man's throat.
"Keep your guard up, Fritz! How many times have I told you!? Had that been a real blade, Strife would have taken you clean from the fucking elbow! Is that what you want!? Cause I'll save you the trouble and do it myself! "
Cloud was starting to regret saying yes to being a testing chocobo, now that he had a week to really think it over with a clear head. But the more Hojo showered him with money and gifts…the harder it became for the cadet to break their agreement. It wasn't public knowledge what the two were getting up to, even Tifa thought it was a whole lot of routine testing…but the guilt over the older man's generosity put a clamp on the blonde's reservations.
The cadet made a promise to the professor, after all.
And it just wasn't in his nature to break something like that knowingly. Call is childish or naive, but he likes to think that his word was as good as gold. That he would do everything in his power to not just follow the letter of the promise, but the spirit too. And breaking it after the fact, just because he was having second thoughts was…well, selfish.
And…it didn't help that the one experiment they've actually tested had started paying dividends.
"Shake hands and bow, you rejects!" Instructor Aarde ordered, face disgusted and grinding his teeth a bit. Clearly not satisfied with the results of the spar. Or having to end training. The Second-Class would have wanted to keep them for at least another dozen spars on a normal day, but was forced to cut them loose early.
Cloud went through the motions of clasping hands with his opponents, vaguely registering the glares the three men sent him as they all bowed. He didn't even roll his eyes at the pettiness, too used to the unfair treatment after months of it already. Although…he wasn't above being somewhat happy at the bruises forming on their faces. It wouldn't last an hour, the mako in their veins taking care of it, but…it certainly went a long way in curbing his own irritation at them.
"We're ending training early for you ladies to go get dolled up!" The stern Second-Class said to them, glaring at each one of his students in turn. "This part only happens twice a year, so I suppose… have fun . But not too much you meatheads! I expect you all to maintain your discipline and show decrome! And I don't give a rats-ass if your ten glasses deep or someone backhanded your mother, if one of you idiots embarrass me or the company… I'll gut you from balls to brain! Dismissed!"
As Aarde cheerfully bid them farewell for the day, Cloud wondered if he should shower here or go home first. Easy, shower here so he wouldn't have to walk the whole way home smelling like an overripe banana. But as Cloud quickly washed and packed up his stuff, he realized he needed to answer an even bigger question…
Should he buy Tifa some flowers before they came back to Shinra Tower for the biennial corporate part?
No…it wasn't even a question, Cloud definitely should. At very least, as a stealth apology for working and training so much. All this Hojo business was cutting into his personal time with his wife. It was kind of needy of him, but he was missing being constantly next to her. Even if she had a million things to do when he wasn't around, he knew she also appreciated him being there physically.
And if Cloud couldn't spare the personal time, then it only made sense he up his romantic gestures to make up for the absence. Maybe he should buy some chocolates too? Hopefully, it'd win the blonde some brownie points with his former neighbor. Like that one time was angry, and ran to the other side of town to get–
"-hear us? You okay Cloud?"
The sudden voices had the blonde look up and around in surprise, not aware that anybody had been speaking to him. But sure enough there were two of his fellow cadets standing just a short distance away, looking at him curiously and with a bit of concern. Roche and Marco, blonde pompadour and red bangs easily distinguishing them. Some of the youngest initiates after Cloud himself, older by only a few years. It kind of surprised him that they called out to him. The three of them were friendly, usually grouping together during class when it was needed…but never really spoke outside of the training room.
Somewhere in the back of his head, he heard Tifa telling him to go make friends.
'Alright Strife, don't fuck up.'
"Ah…sorry about that. Kind of had a lot on my mind." Cloud apologized, belatedly realizing he had been standing in the same spot for a few minutes. No wonder they called out to him, they probably thought he had gotten a concussion or something. "What are you guys still doing here? You two are usually out the door first."
"We…had clean up duty." Marco muttered a little embarrassed. Rubbing the side of his jaw, he gave Cloud an awkward shrug. "Since the two of us can't do our usual remedial sword lessons today, Aarde wanted us to polish the equipment before we left. He said that if we can't put in extra work today…then we're gonna at least make the training room shine. Great for disciplining the mind, if not the body." He chuckled a little weakly at the end.
"Which meant…we had to hang around, while everyone else got to leave." Roche groused.
"Even though we got that Shinra party tonight?" Cloud asked, surprised. "Trying to clean the whole room up is going to take hours."
"No exceptions, he said we just gotta work fast." Marco said glumly, only a moment later for his freckled face split into a grin. "At least that's what we expected…until we saw instructor Aarde checking his PHS and rushing out to get ready for the party. And… unfortunately , forgetting to leave us the key to the training room. We didn't think it'd be prudent to stop him when he looked like he was in such a hurry. And considering now, none of us have access to the room…"
"Ha, a lucky break then!" Cloud laughed, enjoying the image of their stern teacher fumbling his timetables. "But remedial sword lessons? I didn't even realize that was a thing. And why you two? Were you guys messing up in sparring or something? Because I didn't see anything wrong with your forms."
"You'd be the only one then…according to all the senior cadets if either one of us had a real sword, we'd end up cutting our own foot off."
"Exactly! "According to them"!" Roche said, throwing his arms up in exasperation. Looking at Cloud as he rubbed his beard irritatedly, he elaborated. "That's the excuse those assholes use to pick on us. We're not anywhere near the top of the rankings, I'll give you that, but we're not dead last either. There's at least a dozen worse than us, but you don't see them forced to put in extra hours. It's all because those oldies keep complaining to Aarde about how "unfit" we are, that he thinks we need more prep. And being the hard-assed sword perfectionist he is, he fucking rolls with it! How's that fair treatment!?"
"Well…we're the youngest. He expects more from us." The quieter teen defended their instructor as they walked down the hall, cutting in before the former villager could answer. Although, the look on his face said he agreed with the bombastic man's assessment. "But yeah, with the older students…there's probably a little hazing going on. It doesn't help that Aarde genuinely sees flaws in our fighting. He wants us to survive and not half-ass it, after all. Still…we can't really do anything about it now. We should just grit our teeth, and pay your dues. Once we become official Third-Classes…"
He let the unspoken solution hang.
"But till then, it's harassment!" Roche dramatically bemoaned, placing the back of his forehead for extra effect. "Look at the three of us! We're young men in the prime of our lives, but wasting every second of it getting hazed. And the result? Endless sword training for me and Marco…and whatever bullshit they made up for you Cloud! I still can't believe they made you stay everyday this week in the labs." Taking a deep breath, he looked forlornly at some keys in his hands. "Did you know I bought a motorcycle last weekend…and I've only ridden on it twice!? Two stinking times because of all these supplementary lessons."
"…It does suck." Cloud said slowly, not sure what else to say but knew better than to reveal that his "remedial classes" was just him visiting professor Hojo. "But a motorcycle? You bought one of those things? Aren't they like…death traps?"
"They are." Marco said with a smile, jumping in before Roche could defend his hobby. "But when you're an adrenaline junkie like this gearhead, risking your life becomes a part of the attraction. Roche is probably going to request to be assigned to the highway patrol once we graduate."
"Absolutely, I will!" The man in question said with enthusiasm. "Can you imagine actually doing a job that you like? Wa~ay better than working at my parent's store. And I can already see it in my mind…cruising the concrete roads for hours on end, wind in my hair, and sun in my face. And once in a while, racing down some speed demons that think they can challenge me on my home turf!"
"Doesn't the highway patrol mainly just give people speeding tickets?" The redhead jokes.
"Or check people's ID who want to come up to the plate?" Cloud piled on, trying to hold back his grin as he saw the racer's excitement deflate a little. Feeling a little guilty at messing with the racer, he decided to sooth him a bit. "But hey…you like what you like, so at least you're not gonna just be counting down the hours till your shift is over."
" Thank you, Cloud ." Roche said, with an exaggerated and fancy hand wave toward his fellow blonde. "You see that Marco? That's how a real friend responds…with encouragement. And not whatever bitter thought goes through your tomato head. Just because your parents emotionally abuse you, like the red-headed step-child you are, doesn't mean you have to spread the negativity."
"Pu~leaze~." Marco said with an eyeroll, casually waving away his friend's complaint. "Cloud basically gave you a light slap with one hand but had to backtrack when he saw the tears in your eyes. And he probably only did that because he didn't want you blubbering all over the place. Nobody here got the time, or patience , to baby your overgrown ass."
Roche had a mocked offended look on his face before turning to Cloud with a grin.
"Goodness! These redheads are a truly soulless lot." The bigger cadet said, walking over to stand next to the shorter teen as if to face-off against Marco. "And such vulgar and spiteful words! It's like they want the world to burn for them! No..us blondes gotta stick together…if only so we don't get picked off one at a time by these fireheads."
"What about the brunette's?" Cloud asked with a smile, playing along with his antics as he clicked onto the elevator button. "Surely we can make an alliance with them to stop the redheads in their tracks. Make it a two-on-one fight?"
"I don't know…would you really trust one of them charcoal-heads with your life?"
"Kinda have to." Cloud chuckled, all of them stepping into the lift as it dropped to the lobby. "I'm married to one. Pretty sure she'd toss me off the roof…and have me land on a cushion, just to prove how much I could trust her."
The other two cadets glanced at each other in surprise, before rounding on him with questions.
"Whoa, you're married?! When did this happen?"
"I thought you were like, 15?"
"Uh…yes and yes?" Cloud said with an embarrassed shrug, as he answered some of the questions, but used to people's incredulity over his nuptials. Although…he probably should explain himself a bit, just so there wouldn't be any misunderstandings. The usual assumption, as a teen husband, was that he got some girl pregnant. "It's with my girlfriend from my hometown of Nibelheim. We… sorta got hitched just before making the journey to Midgar. Basically ran away to go get eloped before I joined the program."
Kind of a lie, but it at least sounded more romantic than saying Tifa forged his signature, and told him they were married after the fact.
"Yeah…but at 15?" Marco asked, looking a little dazed.
"14 for her and…It's kind of just how it was in my village." Cloud said with a shrug, not sure how else to explain the young marriage rates of his backwater town. "Most of the people in Nibelheim marry as teens and have kids within the year. Me and Tifa, my wife, are a little younger than most…but not so much that people back home would have batted an eye over it." Seeing their still astonished expressions, he realized how that sounded. "N-not that we're gonna have a kid or something anytime soon! That's nowhere near on the agenda for at least another few years."
Stunned silence before, surprisingly, Roche started laughing as they stepped out of the lift.
"Hahahah! Am I a magnet for people in weird relationships or what!?" The bigger cadet snorted, as he swung his other arm out to snag Marco around the shoulders. Cloud must have had a sour look on his face, because the other blonde elaborated in between his chuckles. "Hear me out, friend! Cause you gotta understand where I'm coming from. You see…doofus here..." He started, shaking the redheaded a little for emphasis. "Is in an arranged marriage to this top-sider girl in sector 8. The daughter of some business associate of his dad."
'Oh! Yeah, okay…that is weird.'
"I didn't realize people still did those things." Cloud asked, a little off balanced by the information. "Is that…a common practice? Like a Midgardian tradition or something? Cause I don't think I've ever heard of it happening on the western continent. At least, not anymore."
"It isn't and it's not an "arrange marriage" as this jerk says." Marco muttered, looking very disgruntled. "My parents just...strongly imply I should give this girl a ring. But I've only, like… hung out with her like a couple of times! Plus, I'm like 18 and Melody's 17! Aren't we a little too young for that serious relationship? Uh…no offense." That last bit was different towards Cloud. "But seriously, who gets married to someone at this age? And I've told my parents that a hundred times. But does that discourage them? No, in one ear and out the other. And they keep freaking trying to sneak a wedding planner booklet into my apartment when I'm not there."
"Well…why don't you just tell Melody that? Maybe she feels the same way. I mean, nobody can force you to marry each other if you and this girl put your foot down."
"W-well..I.."
"Because he's just playing hard to get." Roche cut in, shit-eating smile on his face. "Not with her but his parents. Don't let his words mix you up, because he's in something of a late blooming rebellious phase. Marco has been on eight dates with Melody and is practically head over heels. I have it on good authority that he calls her every night! He just doesn't want to admit that his parents have done more for his love life…than his antisocial ass could've ever done on his own. It hurts his pride, forever being mommy and daddy's favorite baby."
"What! N-no..I.." Marco spluttered, face starting to turn into an interesting hue. "You're over exaggerating asshole! I don't call her every night, I-I just text…and even then that's just to ask how her day was or say goodnight. You know, just friend stuff…l-like the three of us."
"Marco…you seem to forget we're roommates." Roche said, giving the redhead a pitying look. "I hear and see everything. And I like to think we're chummy, best chums in fact…but I've certainly never spent the night in your room with the door locked. Or left the next morning wearing your shirt. And I definitely don't ever remember you cooking me breakfast."
"I don't know…maybe you two aren't as good of friends as you thought." Cloud sarcastically said with a smile, ribbing the racer, before looking over at Marco. "And wow…spending the night huh? I'm guessing they're just "friendly" sleepovers? And all these times you hung out with Melody, were just "friendship" dates?"
"With a whole lot of "friendship" hand holding." Roche quipped. "Some gold old "friend" hugging here and there, just to spice things up. And of course, the very "friendly" make-outs at the end of the night. Oh! And how can I forget…your and Melody's "friend" snuggling on the couch last friday that ended in your bedroom! Man, you two have such a platonic relationship…I certainly don't hear any vows in your future, that's for sure."
"Yeah…well…see if I invite your ass to the wedding!" Marco said, tugging at his collar irritatedly as they stepped out of the building. "Just because the love of your life is your right hand, doesn't me–"
The sight of Roche tackling Marco to the ground nearly had Cloud doubled over laughing.
000
The party was beautiful…and huge!
Set in Shinra Tower, the festivities took place in one of the amphitheater rooms on the 59th floor. The area was wide and spacious, damn near matching the size of Nibelheim through square footage alone! Over a hundred tables dotted the floor and balconies, but a spot opened up for dancing and the podium in the center. Tall banners bearing the Electric company's symbol hung from the ceiling, red velvet tables and cushions at every seating, fancy lighting that looked more art pieces than something for everyday use.
And the people mingling about, were as interesting a sight to behold!
All the military personnel dress to the nines in their finely pressed uniforms. The buttons were shining, the cotton stiff, and the rankings and medals proudly on display. The rest of the company staff had expertly cut suits and dresses of various styles and shades. Some beautiful, others scandalous! Tifa didn't realize that cocktail dresses could be made to show off your stomach. But at least those looked nice, if risque. Some of the other… "fashions" were just bizarre in her opinion.
The white trench coat that Rufus Shinra was sporting, was just…not her cup of tea.
Mindful of how she looked, Tifa had to consciously stop herself from smoothing down the skirt of her dress for the hundredth time this evening.
But she couldn't help it! So much nervous energy was running in her body that it felt like she was going to explode. And wouldn't that be a terrible thing to happen in front of these snobs!
Still, it was exciting!
Because here Tifa was, making her debut at a Midgar high society party! Well…it was technically a Shinra event, but in this city, that was basically the same thing. She had to make a good impression! While her husband and his class were off getting paraded before some of the bigwigs of the city, she had to make sure she pulled her weight too. And while the budding business owner didn't actually care about anyone in this room's opinion of her, outside of Cloud's… public perception was 9/10th of power. It would go a long way in planting the seeds of her future rise.
After all, you can't backstab someone if they won't let you get close.
"Tifa, is that you? I'm so glad you're here!"
The feminine voice startled her out of her musings. Looking behind her, Tifa saw one of her least favorite people in the world.
It was Millie the receptionist, holding a glass of wine in one dainty hand, with a jovial smile on her lips.
It was Zack's receptionist to be specific…the one that he nearly killed Cloud for on their first day in the city. A very pretty but older brunette, with chestnut nut hair and a dazzling smile. She was wearing a beautiful red dress that hugged her willowy frame in all the right places, with a long slit down the leg to catch the eye. Quite a stunner all things considered…and definitely the type that most hot blooded males would trip over themselves trying to impress.
The very sight of the woman made Tifa want to knock her teeth out.
Not long after her and Cloud got settled into the city, did Zack and Millie have their redo date…and it went as well as can be expected for the Gongogan.
Which is to say, there weren't going to be any wedding bells in their future. Which made sense, since one glance at the would-be couple was all Tifa needed to see that it was going to end in disaster. Physical attraction only took you so far, after all. And she had been correct…but only in the strictest sense. Apparently, that outing had ended even worse than she had thought possible, with quite a bit of yelling and food being thrown around. A…slap or three may have been thrown out too.
Thus, ended the budding romance between the Soldier and receptionist.
If only that disastrous date had been the end of the story…
"Millie! It's so good to see a friendly face!" Tifa greets happily, putting on her best pretend smile and going in for a hug. The Nibelian could barely hold in her disgust as the older girl returned the embrace with just as much warmth and love as she could fake.
Which wasn't very much.
As they pulled apart, all of Tifa's instincts screamed at her to punch the ditzy brunette in the gut. But it wasn't the right time…not yet. The brunette wasn't quite ready for this battle to happen, and most certainly not in this type of setting. Plus, she didn't quite have the tools needed to take this conflict to its logical conclusion. Much more preparation was needed before that day finally arrived.
Because you see…Millie wasn't just your run of the mill harlot, trying to put her sticky fingers on things that weren't her's. If she was, Tifa could have simply just dragged her off to some secluded back alley and let her fists solve the issue. Could have been over and done with the whole headache over the course of an afternoon and still have time left over to go cook dinner for Cloud.
No, it couldn't be that simple… because this one had connections , family ties that made her damn near untouchable for your average citizen. Unfortunately for Tifa, "Millie" full name was Milicent Shinra, the goddam President's niece. Just one of the many people in the city with his blood, truthfully. But in Midgar…that was practically the difference between the heavens and Gaia. And you don't fuck with someone in that family and not pay the consequences. At least…not overtly.
Thankfully, the name was all she really had to lean on.
While Millie had the shiny "Shinra" last name, she didn't exactly enjoy the same privileges as say…Rufus Shinra or Director Palmer. Her familial connection to the ruler of Midgar was by at least a few degrees of separation. And while Rigel Shinra wasn't above some nepotism…trying to take care of the daughter of your third cousin once removed was a little much even for him.
Which also meant…she wouldn't see a cent of that energy money. Thus, her job as a receptionist.
"How are you liking the party so far?" Millie asked, giggling a little with her own question, like the vapid homewrecker she was trying to be. "I'm sure it must be so…overwhelming, compared to what you're used to in the country. The sheer amount of gil that went into this celebration could buy a village ten times over, don't you think?"
Right off the bat with insults…and with a country joke too, how original . But this girl was raised by Thea Lockhart!
"Well…it's certainly a good thing I'm not footing the bill." Tifa managed to say, forcing her teeth not to grind as she spoke. "And it's practically a blessing that you don't have to either…just imagine having to buy one of these tables on your salary. The silverware alone might put you in the doghouse." Making sure to give her a commiserating nod of empathy, Tifa added. "It's criminal how little they pay secretaries."
Poor jokes weren't classy, but the results were worth it.
Especially since the older teen had such a chip on her shoulder about it. In this, Tifa suppose she could empathize a little. It must mess with her head to be "part" of the riches family in Midgar, to even be invited to a celebration of such opulence just because of your name, but still have to work a 9-to-5 the next morning just to afford her apartment on the very edge of the plate.
Millie's eyes narrow imperceptibly, lips forming into a tight smile. "I wouldn't know…I'm a receptionist."
"Oh, of course!" Tifa said in fake shock over her mistepp. "Silly me. We don't really have those types of positions in the country, considering how… pointless they'd be.…so I'm always mixing them up. But don't worry I'll figure it out eventually. I just gotta keep reminding myself, my friend…Millie the receptionist!"
"Hey, no harm done!" Millie said with a bright smile as she spread her hands, the good humor not quite reaching her eyes. "Life in a village is so much simpler , after all. I can't blame you for not understanding how certain things are done in the city. Or all the positions needed to make sure it runs smooth. Honestly, I'm a little envious how… uncomplicated your life there probably was. Not having to worry about the newest fashions or keep up with the latest trends…not having to care about how you look." Bringing a critical eye to study her smaller companion, she said. "I love your makeup, it really brings that hometown feeling to Midgar, Tifa. It just really… brings out your rustic charm."
A beat of silence as both girls stared each other down.
"...What can I say? Cloud loves it and I aim to please, as a wife should ." Tifa replied nonchalantly, having to fight to keep the smirk off her face as she watched the receptionist stiffen, before explaining. "Sometimes this city life…these city people are just a little too much for him. They way they are…the way they dress …ooph." She affected a small shiver for dramatics. "And he seeks comfort in what's familiar. Which makes sense if you think about it…"You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the county out of the boy". Or so they say. I'm basically his home away from home. He couldn't imagine life without me ."
Tifa was tickled pink by the grimace on the other girl's face.
It didn't take the village girl long to figure out that her trying to date Zack…wasn't just two hormonal teenagers making an attempt at the mating dance. For what Tifa could guess, and piece together from a little snooping into the teen's background, it was the receptionist's bid to make the Second-Class her meal ticket into a better and more luxurious life. Not a bad plan overall…and it was certainly easier than pulling yourself up by your boot-straps and trying to get rich the normal way. And a hundred times better than hitting rock bottom and marrying some rich old pervert.
Despite her ambitions though, the two teens' compatibility was bad. One could argue, practically in the negative. Thus, Millie gave up on Zack after just one date and kicked him to the curb.
Not that Tifa could blame her. To this day, the brunette still struggled with the impulse to choke the Soldier.
No amount of money was worth that level of stress.
Unfortunately the bad date and subsequent fight with Zack, Millie seemed to have taken an inordinate shine to Cloud. Apparently, she liked how "kind" and "funny" the former villager could be, and wanted to be friends.
And if that was it…Tifa wouldn't have minded, even encouraged him being more social. But… every action Millie took showed she wanted a lot more than to be just "work pals". That she wanted to get as much one-on-one time with Cloud as she could possibly manage was suspicious. And that the receptionist always made these "attempts" when Tifa wasn't around was downright alarming!
Then it became a damn near emergency, once Toifa realized what she was trying to do…
…it seems that Millie never actually gave up on her goals. She just just switched targets.
"Speaking of Cloud…where is he?" Millie said, recovering herself and trying to act casual. "I'm shocked that he would leave such a pretty thing like you all alone! Standing here by yourself, in a place like this…you might as well be a catnip for all these rich old men. From an outsider's perspective…it might even look like he's trying to avoid you." Turing a sharp smile her way, the interest in her eyes not very well hidden. "I hope things at home are okay between you two. I'm always happy to lend an ear and give advice."
Millie tried to be circumspect about it at first…
Everytime Tifa came to the Shinra building the older girl was all bright smiles and cheery waves, with the occasional quick chat towards the young couple. Very polite and friendly. Nothing suspicious about that on the surface. But when Tifa wasn't around, the receptionist apparently made it a point to stop and talk to the cadet. Ask him very pointed questions about his personal life. For as long as possible, and as often she can manage.
Which, once again, wasn't too bad in and of itself.
But it was the nature of these questions for her husband, and the suggestions that followed, that started to paint a very ugly picture.
Such as how did he like the city? As a native Midgardian she could give him the grand tour if he wanted. They could meet up sometime and plan something soon if he wanted.
Is training going alright? She couldn't imagine doing such crazy exercises herself but maybe she just needs a good teacher? Judging by his muscles, maybe…if he wasn't too tired…they could be after work gym buddies?
Oh, was he about to go to lunch? If he was interested, she knew all the great food spots on the topside. And what coincidence…it was her lunch break too. They might as well go eat together if he didn't mind.
Was he busy this weekend?...Because she had some tickets to the sector 8 Airshow and her friend bailed on her. Would he want to go? Just so she would be lonely?
All that shit wasn't even subtle!
"Strong as Mithril!" Tifa answered cheerily, jaw starting to hurt from how hard she was holding her smile. "Thank you for the concern, but it's misplaced. In fact, you should see the house he just got us…said it was a present to show how much he loves me." Putting a single finger to her cheek, as if considering something, she said. "You know…you should visit sometime! It's located in sector 0…so just a short walk for you if you want to come by after work. But only if you have the time, of course. I wouldn't want to cut into your work and school schedule."
A stunned silence, before the curly haired girl blinked herself back into lucidity
"Of course…and wow! A house…right in the heart of the city!" Millie managed to grit out behind her clenched smile. "Quite the splurger, our Cloud! I…didn't realize they paid cadets that much. Didn't think they even paid Third-Classes anywhere in that ballpark. Hopefully he's not putting himself in debt… for you. "
Thankfully…all that flirting either went over Cloud's head or just confused him.
With him having been a bit of a social outcast in Nibelheim, it had somewhat…deteriorated his interpersonal skills with the fairer sex. Leaving him with very little practice talking to other girls outside of Tifa and their moms.
None, really.
Truthfully, he was suspicious of most positive interactions with women in general. Defaulting to just being polite, like Claudia had taught him, but without much room for variation. Had even asked Tifa for advice on how he was supposed to talk to Millie when all this nonsense first started.
Needless to say, Cloud didn't see the devil in front of him and the web she was trying to weave. But Tifa could read between the supposed friendly lines and the not so gentle flirtations. She was acting just like the girls back home before the brunette put her foot down! The vultures . Only worse because the older teen was going after a married man.
"Oh~ you don't need to worry about that!" Tifa tittered, her smile growing a little sharper. "Our books are well maintained. But you're right…a cadet wouldn't be able to afford it." Leaning forward a little and lowering her voice, with the older teenager reciprocating, she said. "Just between you and me, that house…was actually a gift."
"A gift?" Millie asked curiously, keeping her voice just as low, even as her eyes practically bore a hole into Tifa's skull. "Oh my!…who could be so generous? And…what did Cloud do to make such good friends?"
"Well…I can't name names!" Tifa giggled playfully, even giving the older girl a "light" slap on the shoulder. A little brutish…but weeks of the older girl trying to play mind games with her husband had been trying her patience! And the slight grimace of pain on the homewreck's face made it worth it. "But let's just say…it's a Strife family secret." Leaning back, she took a deliberate sip of her drink, before asking, "But enough about me! How've you been? How's school?"
Like Tifa would actually reveal anything important to this interloper. Talk about giving free information to the enemy.
"W-wha? But y-you…?" Millie stuttered for a moment, before she took a shallow breath and regained control of herself. "Hahaha…that's not very nice Tifa! You can't just dangle something like that in front of me and not follow through. Come on now…we're friends! I won't tell anyone your secrets."
Well, that was a bold faced lie.
"Pinkie promise?" Tifa said sarcastically, finally at her wits end with Millie. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?'
For a moment the two girls just looked at each other, both trying their best to not glare.
"Me~eow, that's the look of two people about to kill or fuck each other."
Breaking eye contact, Tifa's head snapped to the left to see who the speaker was. And standing there…was a very pretty redhead with a high ponytail and in a beautiful silver dress that looked backless. One arm was folded just under her breasts, her other hand was holding an appetizer that she nibbled on as she watched them with keen interest.
'Who the hell is this?'
000000
This one came out a little late, I just wasn't feeling well those week. My sleep schedule has been all over the place unfortunatley
Fun fact: Millie is based of the FF7 Abriged receptionist character, who was president Shinra's niece. She was the one who thought Barret was a part of the "Urban Development" Department
A/n: Thank you Ron2313, VeachA27, Lem and Clem(who I think might be the same person lol) for the kind reviews!
