Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tifa Lockhart gazed across the ocean, contemplating the distant shores of another world. What lay beyond, she could not say, but it was there that her twin sister would spend eternity. The cherished sister, absent from her life for four long years, was lost to her forever. Her mother had comforted her with the notion that God had taken another beloved friend, yet the world had been merciless to her sister long before her departure. Her life had been shattered, all because of the man she had loved deeply.

Mina, her cherished sister, observed her from above.

She brushed her tears aside with the back of her hand, filled with a deep-seated resentment for that man. Once, she had cherished him as a brother-in-law, but now that affection had been shattered. He had ruined her sister's life, and she was determined to ruin his in return. The call for vengeance echoed in her mind. She owed it to her sister to make him pay. He had promised to love Mina eternally, yet he betrayed his vows and took her life. The memory of his handsome face, which she hadn’t seen in four years, ignited a desire to strike him. 

The correspondence Mina had sent provided her with all the proof she required, yet it never reached the incompetent police. Although Mina had taken her own life, Tifa continued to hold her brother-in-law responsible. He had been unfaithful to Tifa's sister for an entire year. Mina's letters contained only a few details, but Tifa understood the depth of the heartbreak it caused. Mina had to endure the heartache of sharing a home with a man who had once cherished her, but that affection had faded away.

Tifa struggled to comprehend the reasons behind her sister's tragic decision to take her own life. The situation could have been resolved through simpler means, such as divorce. Why didn’t her sister choose that path instead of resorting to such a drastic measure? Tifa herself had experienced feelings for two men, but those emotions never reached a profound level. It seems that love can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes. 

Mina had the opportunity to speak with her, yet she chose not to. This decision left Tifa perplexed. Her sister had entered into a marriage with a wealthy man, which Tifa found difficult to digest. This wealthy man was the son of the individual who had imprisoned their father. The incident had occurred five years prior, and now, four years after Mina's marriage, she was tragically deceased. The events unfolded rapidly. Their father had been incarcerated based on false accusations related to a fraudulent disk associated with his newly developed chip, which in reality contained a virus designed to disable computers. 

She was aware that her father was not responsible for any of those actions. He simply lacked the heart to do so. For six long years, he had dedicated himself to building something invaluable in his life, neglecting the needs of his growing daughters. Brian Lockhart was a significant figure in the world of computing, known for his wealth and fame as the owner and founder of Lockhart’s Comp. Enterprise. He had married a woman whom he seldom acknowledged, as his work took precedence over everything else. 

At the time of her and her sister's birth, he was absent, leaving Thea Lockhart to endure her pain alone. Everything began to unravel five years ago when Mina fell in love with the man she would eventually marry, fully aware that his father was one of Brian's most formidable adversaries. Tifa remained silent, honoring her sister's request. Mina's love for the man was genuine, and despite their parents being unaware, her sister continued to see him. 

In a single night of calamity, everything was lost. Brian Lockhart found himself incarcerated, while his formidable adversary, Shinra Strife, seized control of Lockhart’s Comp. Enterprise, rebranding it as Strife’s Comp. Enterprise. Thea, now devoid of resources, was left to care for her twin daughters in a state of utter destitution.

Tifa berated herself for her foolishness. She regretted ever signing that contract. She should have known better. 

The memory of the contract stating "The union of Mina Lockhart and Cloud Strife" remains fresh in her mind. It was astonishing that Shinra Strife had never discovered his eldest son's clandestine relationship with Mina. Tifa knew that it was he who had swapped the disk made by her father with one containing viruses. He was the one who should face imprisonment, not Brian Lockhart.

Despite the circumstances, Mina, who was twelve seconds older than Tifa, found herself married to Shinra’s eldest son, the man she had loved deeply. Initially, Tifa was reluctant to sign the contract, especially with their mother unconscious in the hospital following her father's arrest. However, after Mina's heartfelt pleas and the threat from Shinra that they would be left destitute, Tifa felt compelled to sign. The alternative was too dire to contemplate.

She understood the reason behind Shinra's strong desire for her twin sister to marry his eldest son: it was rooted in revenge. Back in high school, Brian Lockhart had captivated Shinra's beautiful girlfriend with his intelligence and charm. While Shinra possessed the looks, he fell short in the intellect department compared to Brian. Thea Lockhart was the catalyst for their rivalry. After graduation, everyone moved on with their lives, except for Brian and Thea, who remained together, completed their university education, and eventually tied the knot.

Years later, Shinra Strife made his way to Kalm with the goal of taking over Lockhart’s Comp. Enterprise, causing harm to Brian’s family, and taking Mina away, thereby deepening the Lockhart family's suffering. He executed his plan with remarkable precision, yet Tifa found no sense of closure in his demise a year earlier. Her resolve for vengeance was unwavering, driven not only by the loss of her sister but also by a desire to protect her family, especially her father. Frustration enveloped her. Tifa was determined to show the notorious Shinra that she could reclaim everything through her carefully devised plan. Strife’s Comp. Enterprise would once again bear the name Lockhart’s Comp. Enterprise. She yearned for him to witness her power, relishing the moment of his downfall. She wished to strike him as he had struck her father, but the truth was undeniable: Mina Strife could never revert to being Mina Lockhart; she was now with God.

Her animosity towards him remained unwavering. In fact, her disdain extended to the entire Strife family, of which he was a part. They had shattered her life and disrupted her family. She had attended a prestigious university, following in her father's footsteps. Now, she had become a computer designer herself. With pride, she had been working at Strife’s Comp. Enterprise for two months, all the while gathering information for her own purposes. Remarkably, they remained oblivious to her true intentions. 

Tifa glared with frustration. The files she had reviewed did not substantiate Shinra Strife's allegations against Brian Lockhart. It was infuriating. After vanishing from high school to pursue his education, Shinra had clearly become quite clever. There was no evidence to be found. None at all. He must have anticipated her desire for retribution. That was typical of Shinra. Although he had become remarkably clever, she was far from defeated. She stood on the beach in Midgar, contemplating his company. All the documentation of his misdeeds was housed within Strife’s Tech, Inc. Her plan was straightforward: secure a position there, avenge her sister, initiate a lawsuit against Strife, and then it would all be settled. Nothing was insurmountable for her; she was destined to thrive in a challenging world.

Everything will be accomplished with a quick gesture of her elegant, elongated finger. 

Tifa was eagerly anticipating the moment her sister’s husband returned from work, excited to witness the surprise on his face. He was completely unaware of her presence. A mischievous smile spread across her pinkish-red, heart-shaped lips. It would be quite a sight to see him. She had just arrived an hour earlier with her mother, catching his servants off guard. Although fatigue was beginning to set in, she fought the temptation to head straight to bed in an unfamiliar home.

"Tifa," Mrs. Lockhart's voice interrupted her contemplation.

She forced a smile and turned to face her mother on the light-colored sand. Mrs. Lockhart approached her daughter, her expression tinged with sadness. The lines on her forehead were more pronounced, a testament to the grief that had enveloped her since learning of her daughter's passing.

"Why are you out here on your own?"

Tifa responded briefly, "I just needed some time to think, Mom. Please go back inside; the wind isn't beneficial for you. I'll join you shortly."

“Zack has returned home.”

Tifa arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. This was going to be entertaining. She had to ensure that all of her plans remained secret from her mother. She couldn’t afford to reveal the true reason for her presence, aside from attending Mina’s funeral. Her mother was to return home immediately after the service, as per her instructions, but Tifa had other matters to attend to.

"Okay, Mom. I'll be in shortly," she murmured, turning her gaze back to the ocean. Mrs. Lockhart, unsure of how to respond, simply nodded and walked away. Tifa exhaled sharply, feeling the weight of her sister's absence. The question swirled in her mind—why? She had the chance to see Mina during the holidays when she was still alive, but financial constraints held her back. Although they had once been wealthy, their fortunes dwindled due to a man named Shinra Strife.

She let out a dismissive grunt. Her sister had the opportunity to visit her, yet it was strange that she hadn’t done so in the past four years. Mina hadn’t even bothered to call during that time. The only communication she initiated was a monthly letter, limited to twelve sentences. "Must be issues with her husband," Tifa speculated, moistening her lips. 

"I’m coming for you, Strife’s," she murmured, slowly turning away. One of the Strife residences was a football field's length away. Tifa couldn't suppress a smirk. Their home had once exuded elegance, but a monster took it from them.

Tifa walked forward, her gaze fixed on the mansion. It was the only residence in close proximity to the beach, aside from the hotels, and the Strife family was undeniably wealthy—extremely wealthy, in fact. The white roof gleamed brilliantly under the scorching sun, and the house rose impressively to four stories. 

There were no flowerbeds in sight, yet the house gleamed with cleanliness. The windowpanes sparkled all around, causing her large mahogany-red almond-shaped eyes to ache. Stairs meandered in various directions. Perhaps, with a bit of luck, she'll lose her way and meet her knight.

Tifa chuckled to herself, her laughter tinged with a hint of madness. She eagerly anticipated what Zack had in store for her. The thought of him made her feel nauseous. She was certain he was somewhere within that stunning house. To her, he was nothing more than a womanizer. "That scoundrel," Tifa mused, her irritation evident. She had no fondness for him whatsoever. 

With her final step of fatigue, Tifa ascended the stairs leading to the glass-paneled entrance. Strangely, the house featured two front facades but lacked a rear side. It was an odd yet captivating sight. 

She swung the door open and then shut it with little regard. Recognizing the inconsideracy of her actions, she rationalized them as a manifestation of her revenge, a motivation also rooted in her family's wealth. As she made her way down the hallway, she entered the living room, the only space in the house she was familiar with. Upon their arrival, Tifa had immediately headed to the beach, allowing her mother to explore the house with Evan, the now eighteen-year-old son of Shinra. She was indifferent to the house, her mind preoccupied with other thoughts. 

Lucrecia, the head servant, remarked with a sly smile, "Mr. Fair, there she is."

Tifa exhaled in frustration. Having only met the middle-aged woman an hour prior, it was evident how much disdain she held for her. The woman was insufferably talkative. How could anyone tolerate her, especially Mina? With her hair styled in a high ponytail and a blunt fringe, Lucrecia stood there in her servant's attire, hands on her hips, wearing a smirk. Tifa felt a shiver run down her spine, not due to the woman's unattractive grin but because of her imposing stance. 

The man pivoted to face her, offering a charming smile that was both captivating and endearing. His teeth were impeccably straight and gleaming white. His gaze held a bold, flirtatious intensity. His features were strikingly handsome, complemented by a well-defined physique. However, his intense stare created a sense of unease. 

Tifa raised her chin and approached him. He extended his hand first, and she accepted it, her expression remaining neutral. 

"Great to see you again, Tifa."

“Same here,” she responded, retracting her hand.

He shook his head and remarked, “You’re still the same Tifa I encountered at my brother’s wedding. No changes, I see?” 

Her expression shifted to one of intense disdain. Out of the corner of her eye, Tifa noticed her mother’s desperate gaze. She chose to disregard it, slowly licking her lips as Zack raised an intriguingly well-defined, thick eyebrow. 

Tifa inquired nonchalantly, though she was eager to meet him, "Where is your brother?" 

"Evan? He is over there," Zack said, extending his arm and indicating with his elongated index finger.

This only served to heighten her irritation. Her breath quickened as she realized the man thrived on her anger, fully aware of the person she was referencing. Whether through her fierce tone or not, she was determined to get her answer: “I was talking about Cloud, damn it!” 

Chapter Text

Zack let out a whistle accompanied by a click of his tongue, remarking, "Feisty." Tifa recoiled slightly in disgust, while he responded with an even broader smile and a light chuckle.    

“Just tell me where he is.”  

Rather than responding, he moved around her, examining her hourglass figure clad in a white V-neck sleeveless crinkle tank top and high-rise wide-leg denim jeans. Tifa remained motionless, aware of her mother approaching them. She understood that her mother held the same disdain for the man as she did. Although Mrs. Lockhart had never openly expressed her animosity, Tifa Lockhart had made her feelings abundantly clear. At her sister’s wedding, she had intentionally splashed red wine on the man’s black tuxedo, infuriating him immensely.   

"Tifa," Mrs. Lockhart remarked, holding onto her arm. "We should find a hotel. You're simply exhausted."    

She declined the offer. There was no chance they would spend a single penny on a hotel. This lovely house boasts numerous rooms. However, their finances were intricately linked with this property. Ah, how she relishes the thought of revenge, a delightfully twisted form of satisfaction.   

"I am curious how Mina would respond if she were to see you again. It's unfortunate that she was far gentler and more charming than you," he interrupted in his mocking, unamusing tone. "I have always preferred her."  

Tifa countered, "It's unfortunate that Cloud exhibited far more gentlemanly qualities." She added, "I have always preferred him over someone as self-centered as you."  

She smiled as she sensed his warm breath against her neck. He was close, but it didn’t bother her. What more could he possibly do? He was known for his charm with women, yet Tifa had captivated numerous men during her time as a spy. Indeed, she was not the innocent girl many believed her to be. Through all the turmoil, she had transformed. Thankfully, she had managed to keep her more mischievous secrets hidden from her mother.  

She stood apart from her sister in significant ways. Although they shared similar appearances and physical traits, their personalities were distinctly different. Tifa, the younger sister, possessed a fiery temperament that made her less amenable to persuasion compared to her twin. Mina, on the other hand, radiated a gentle sweetness in her demeanor and voice, captivating anyone with just one conversation.  

“Mina?”  

They turned toward the living room entrance and noticed Fran, the only daughter of Shinra Strife. At thirteen, she blended in with her peers in terms of fashion. Her black minidress, featuring a layered ruffle hem and halter neck, revealed an excessive amount of cleavage and was quite short. The lovely blonde curls cascading down one side of her face gave her a doll-like appearance, and her black satin stiletto heels further enhanced her stature. Tifa transformed her smirk into a warm smile reminiscent of Mina’s, acknowledging her own tendency to adapt. Approaching Fran, she stood in front of her, noting that the girl was nearly at her height, thanks to the heels.    

"No, I'm actually her twin sister," she replied with a smile.    

The teenager beamed, "Mina mentioned you to me. You're Tifa, right? It's quite surprising." She chuckled softly, "I'm Fran." She extended her hand in greeting.   

Tifa accepted it with a slight shake and then withdrew, saying, "You've been out, I see."  

Fran smiled broadly and said, “Absolutely, but I need to head out again. There’s a party I need to attend. Goodbye.” She waved and quickly left. Tifa, not taken aback, turned her attention back to Zack, who had lost his smile, making Tifa’s grin grow even larger.  

“Now then,” she began again after being interrupted, "could you tell me where Cloud is?"  

“Actually, I do. What makes you so interested in meeting him?” He narrowed his striking sky-blue almond-shaped eyes and said, "I see. You believe he was involved in Mina's death as well." She remained silent. “Cloud would never commit such an act. His love for her is as deep as hers for him.”   

"How do you know that?" she inquired, her voice laced with a sharp edge. "He had a mistress. What was her name again? I can't seem to recall."   

"He didn't cheat on her, beautiful." That name bothered her. By the flinch, he can tell, "Cloud will never do that."   

“That simply indicates the level of understanding you all have about one another. A cold-hardened family.”  

He let out a low growl, grasped her arm, and drew her near to his oval-shaped face. She simply smiled, “At least my father hasn’t been incarcerated.”  

Her smile faded instantly. She yanked her arm from his grasp, filled with a desire to retaliate. Stepping back, she forced a disingenuous smile onto her face and crossed her arms, stating, “You’d better arrange an extravagant funeral for my sister.”   

"There's no need to be concerned, beautiful. She has been looked after, and remember, the burial is scheduled for tomorrow. Evan, please escort them to their rooms; this lovely lady won't be staying at a hotel." He then turned and walked away, humming to himself. Frustrated, Tifa swept her dark ash brown hair, which fell to her mid-back, away from her face. She cursed under her breath. It was imperative that she locate her brother-in-law. No matter where he was, she was determined to find him.  

Evan spoke gently, "I’m truly sorry about that, Tifa."  

Tifa nodded abruptly and shifted her gaze to her mother. Grasping her mother's arm, they proceeded to follow Evan. Fortunately, he did not share the same womanizing tendencies as his brothers, although he was still part of their fiery lineage.   

He rubbed his oval-shaped face and tightened his jaw in frustration. The work that awaited him felt insurmountable. A painful throb pulsed in his temple, and his ear felt hot. He was certain someone was cursing him, he thought bitterly. He had no patience for games. Just a week had passed since his wife took her own life, and tomorrow was the day of her burial. Everything felt overwhelming. He missed her profoundly, and he mourned the loss of their unborn child.  

He struggled to understand the reasons behind her suicide. While he had informed the sheriff about the argument he and his wife had before that fateful night, he wondered if that was truly a contributing factor, especially considering their unborn child was five months along.   

He let out an unhappy groan. The unborn baby was innocent, yet she felt compelled to take both their lives. The sight was utterly horrifying. He blinked as the memory of that fateful night resurfaced. As always, blood stained their bed. He had returned home late that evening, just as he had on countless other nights, only to discover his lifeless wife clutching a pistol. She had ensured that the bullet struck both her and the baby in a single, tragic moment.  

"Such a heartless woman," he whispered, "and still, I find myself loving you."  

She was undeniably a heartless woman. That argument was merely one of the numerous conflicts they had experienced. Over the past four years, she has transformed significantly. She began to wear outfits he never imagined she would choose. Occasionally, she would come home later than he did in the evenings. To complicate matters further, he found the unmistakable signs of another man's kiss on her neck.  

She had been unfaithful to him. He could never have imagined that she would betray him in such a way. Despite all the promises they had made to each other, her infidelity now overshadowed the woman he cherished and the marriage they had built together.  

"That infuriating woman," he exclaimed, accompanied by a wild laugh.  

She claimed that he was the first to betray her trust, yet he had never engaged in such behavior. The woman he was seen with was merely a long-time friend, and they had never shared any romantic moments. In reality, it was she who had been unfaithful to him. His Mina.  

"You've got a call on line five, Mr. Strife. It could be your brother," the secretary conveyed over the phone.   

Cloud Strife rose from his lifeless stance and grasped the phone. He held it to his ear, moistened his thin, firm lips, and scowled at the individual on the other end of the line.  

"What is it that you want, Zack?!"  

"It-It's me, Evan," came the trembling voice on the other end of the line.   

He struck his forehead with considerable force, cursing his secretary for not informing him that it was his youngest brother.   

"I’m sorry, Evan. Right now, my mindset isn’t at its best."  

"It-It's okay. I was curious about when you would return home."   

His voice trembled as he spoke, and Cloud felt a surge of frustration towards himself. Cloud's younger brother was still adjusting to receiving yells. Even at eighteen, Evan remained gentle and kindhearted towards everyone. Their family dynamics had shifted significantly, particularly after the old man's death a year prior. As the eldest sibling, Cloud bore the responsibility of managing the family business and looking after his brothers and sister, yet he felt he was falling short in his duties.  

Zack was the least admirable among his siblings. While both he and Zack shared a penchant for womanizing, it was Zack who showed little regard for the family business. This indifference likely stemmed from the way their father treated his mother, viewing her merely as a fleeting romance during his numerous business trips. As a result, Zack was born and retained his mother's family name, 'Fair', when he moved in with them after his mother's death. Like many playboys, he often returned home with a woman by his side. Cloud's greatest desire was to eliminate his brother, especially after Zack had flirted with his sister-in-law, a move intended to provoke Cloud's jealousy.  

Evan felt a constant sense of fear due to the ever-increasing temper of the individual in question. Despite Mina's attempts to soothe him, her efforts proved ineffective. Typically, he would retreat into his personal study. To address the situation, Cloud planned to send him overseas to further his education. Given the current turmoil and Evan's first semester, this seemed like the best way to calm him and his younger sister. Cloud sighed, recognizing the need to distance herself from the boys who had shown interest in her. He was aware of their attention, but he would not hesitate to interfere. Fran was undeniably attractive, having inherited her beauty from her mother, Claudia Strife. The loss of her mother at childbirth, due to complications, weighed heavily on her. Although Mina had been a supportive sister-in-law for four years, helping Fran learn about the mother she never met, now that Mina was in heaven, Fran was striving to make progress on her own.  

Cloud massaged his temple once more, feeling overwhelmed by frustration.   

"Are you still there?" His younger brother's voice interrupted his train of thought.   

He nodded while pinching the bridge of his nose, disregarding the throbbing headache. "Yes, I'm here. What do you need?"  

"I wanted to know what time you would be returning home."  

"I'm not sure," he said, glancing at his black stainless-steel watch. "Perhaps in about four hours. Is there a problem at home?”   

"No, no," Evan replied hastily. "I-I was merely curious, that's all."   

Cloud failed to hear his stammering voice as he continued to massage his aching temple. "Alright then. I'll see you later. Bye."  

“Goodbye.”  

He ended the call, hit the enter key on his keyboard, and shifted his focus to signing another contract. He was determined to complete this task, even if it meant working on a Saturday. The following day, he would be attending his wife's funeral, which would also include the service for their five-month-old unborn child. Despite the grief, he felt a surge of anger towards her for the loss of their son. He had longed to embrace fatherhood, if only the baby had been his.  

Chapter Text

With his bare foot, Cloud kicked at the pale sand and let out a sigh. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the boulders filled the air. The night sky was clear and dark, with only the moon illuminating his every movement. As the cool water lapped at his feet, he paused, feeling its chill awaken his senses. After parking his black Chevrolet Corvette in the lot, he went to the beach, leaving the rest of the house in slumber, save for the servants. He had a lot on his mind. Late at night was the only time the beach was devoid of crowds, and that solitude was what brought him peace.  

Cloud raised his cigarette to his lips, inhaling deeply. He had only taken up smoking four years prior. She had nearly ruined his life. Suddenly, he felt a familiar heat in his ear. He instinctively reached up and touched it. Someone was still hurling insults in his direction. He vowed once more that if he could identify the culprit, he would...  

He heard footsteps and spun around abruptly, expecting to find someone watching him. Instead, what he encountered nearly left him in shock. Was he truly seeing apparitions? There stood Mina, approaching him with that alluring smile he adored, yet he couldn’t recall her having such long hair. This time, the cold water that usually jolted him awake failed to do so. It had to be a dream.  

“Mina?”  

She shook her head, causing the alluring smile to fade away. She positioned herself just a foot away when approaching him. He looked down at her, his expression a mix of loneliness and confusion.  

"Tifa," she articulated deliberately, enunciating each syllable with a fluid grace. "Mina's gone. Don't you recall? You ended her life."  

The frown on his face vanished. In an instant, as if he had just come to life, Cloud softly said, “You're here.”  

Tifa arched an eyebrow playfully, saying, “Is that really how you greet your deceased wife's sister? You need to step up your game, Cloud, or people might start believing the rumors that you were the one who killed her.”  

He felt a wave of discomfort wash over him. So, it was she who had been speaking ill of him. He should have remembered that Mina had a twin sister. He should have kept that in mind, but who had informed her about Mina’s passing? Why was she accusing him of being responsible for her sister's death? It was merely a rumor.  

"Good to see you," he finally said. "I wasn't aware that you would be here."  

"How could I possibly not be here?" she retorted sharply. "Mina is my sister, and someone as vile as you have taken her life!"  

"I had no part in her demise," Cloud stated softly. He felt no shock at the accusation; after all, rumors were merely rumors.  

Tifa let out a grunt as she circled around him, turning her gaze toward the sea. The sight of his handsome features sent a chill down her spine. With eyes like his, she was convinced that Mina had encountered a darker side to him. It was no surprise that her sister had taken her own life. Tifa had waited up for him and finally understood what Mina had meant. His black business suit, torn as if he'd been in a frenzy, bore the marks of his outing with his mistress. Half of the buttons on his white dress shirt were missing, and his black tie hung loosely around his neck.  

"Clarify that for my mother tomorrow morning."  

He let out a sigh and said, "I would be happy to."  

"There was no need for you to be unfaithful to Mina."  

"Teef, I-"  

“Don’t call me that!” Tifa retorted sharply; her tone laced with resentment. It was a name he had affectionately used during their better days, a time when Mina was still in a relationship with him. "I have a name, and it’s Tifa." Cloud exhaled slowly, taking a deep drag from his cigarette as he shut his striking blue almond-shaped eyes. "If it’s not too much trouble," she replied. He reopened his eyes at her next words, "Could you please not smoke? I have an allergy."  

“Oh,” Cloud softly exclaimed, discarding the cigarette onto the pristine sand and extinguishing it with his foot. "I wasn't aware."  

She pivoted to face him again. In the dim light, her eyes appeared to glow a deep red, although he couldn't quite make it out. "I had no idea you smoked," she remarked.  

“Yeah, began four years ago.”  

Tifa raised an eyebrow in mild surprise and said, "I see." She fought the temptation to scratch her irritated eyes. “I hope it’s alright if my mother and I take a break here until we depart.” He nodded. “Not at all. Feel free to stay as long as you need.”  

A subtle smile played on her lips. He had granted her the freedom to stay for as long as she wished, and that was sufficient for the moment. After taking a deep breath, she released it and replied, “I can’t say for certain when we’ll depart. It could be one or six days after Mina's funeral. I assure you; we won’t interfere. However, Cloud, I sincerely hope that my sister’s funeral goes smoothly tomorrow. No media will be permitted inside, of course."  

"I've already taken care of that, Teef. There's no need for concern." He offered a gentle smile as she shot him a disapproving look at the nickname. "Your sister truly missed you over those four years. We were preoccupied with various issues. The company faced some challenges." His smile gradually faded. "I visited Kalm last summer and intended to see you and your mother, but time slipped away from me. I hope you can understand."  

Tifa nonchalantly shrugged, stating, “I do.” However, beneath her calm exterior, a surge of anger began to rise within her. He had visited Kalm, and she had witnessed him with that woman.  

He observed her closely before breaking into a smile. "It's truly wonderful to see you again. You look quite different."  

She shrugged again. “You see my sister every day. I don’t look much different from her. Surely, she hasn’t changed much.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Or does it hurt you too much to even take a look at her after each night away from home? What was her name? Let me take a guess. Cissnei Savage.”  

“How do you know about her?”  

Tifa folded her arms and advanced a step. With a slight tilt of her head, she remarked, “It seems my guess was quite accurate, wouldn’t you say?”  

Cloud shook his head and remarked, "We are merely friends who have lost touch over time."  

“Sure, and Mina and I are totally long-lost twin sisters.”  

"Teef, no matter what you-"  

"It feels like I'm conversing with a killer," she stated, lifting her chin defiantly. "The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow. I expect to see you there." As she attempted to walk past him, he swiftly seized her arm. She turned her head abruptly to lock eyes with him, pulling her arm away forcefully. "I refuse to become the next person lying next to my sister. Confronting her murderer in person is already too much to bear."  

"I assure you, Teef, that I am not responsible for her death."  

"And your father didn’t send my dad to prison, did he?" Her eyes sparkled, not from the smoke that had previously affected them, but from the memories. "I would really like to see your father again, Cloud." Her tone was sharp, though she struggled to maintain her composure. "And I regret signing that cursed contract. I was a complete fool."  

"You were not foolish, Teef. You were acting in the best interest of your family."  

"Family?" she scoffed; her laughter devoid of joy. "After your father's actions, Cloud, there was no family left. He imprisoned my father." She jabbed her finger into his solid chest, attempting to release her frustration. "He shattered my family." With more force, she poked him again. "And you, not him." With a final, forceful poke, she added, "You destroyed Mina's happiness."  

He grasped her finger, and to his surprise, his grip was firmer than he expected. At last, the woman had managed to break through his anger. He took a final step to align his body with hers, and as he gazed down at her, his eyes narrowed with intensity.  

"Listen, Teef, I am not one to lose my temper easily, but you have pushed me beyond my limits. Let me reiterate: I did not kill your sister, nor would I ever hurt my wife. You are free to think and speak as you wish, but please do so away from me. Mina has just passed away, and I am overwhelmed with frustration." Cloud inhaled deeply, releasing her finger. He briefly shut his eyes, and when he opened them again, her expression remained unchanged.  

"Reflecting on my thoughts about you from five years ago, I realize how foolish I was," she remarked with a hint of sarcasm in her smile. "I accept your unspoken apology for your unsolicited touch. I pity my sister for having married a man who embodies betrayal and injustice." She blinked dramatically, turned away, and took a few steps back before facing him once more. "Keep in mind, tomorrow morning is my sister's funeral. Please don’t consider taking your own life."  

She spoke without sarcasm; she genuinely meant what she said. He observed her once more as she ascended the incline on the light-colored sand. The transformation of her hourglass figure mirrored the fluctuations in her self-confidence. Just as her silhouette faded, so did the memory of his Mina.  

Cloud shut his eyes, lowered his gaze, and nudged a small stone with his foot. He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of the ocean breeze, then reopened his eyes. They flickered with a fierce intensity. She remains unaware of the baby.  

Despite her diminishing vision, Tifa narrowed her eyes in an attempt to find Cloud. She muttered curses quietly to herself, frustrated with each passing moment. He must be nearby. One moment she glanced at the closed coffin, and the next, when she looked up, he had vanished.  

"May Mina Strife find eternal peace."  

She tilted her head slightly, her eyelids fluttering in an unusual manner. Standing just seven yards away from the others was Zack, a striking figure clad in a black coat. Tifa exhaled sharply in frustration, pausing her intentions as she noticed a shift not from Cloud but from the space ahead of him. Her gaze sharpened; he was not by himself—there was another presence alongside him.  

Tifa positioned herself strategically, ensuring she remained unnoticed by her mother. Dressed in a black coat similar to Cloud's, he blended in with the crowd. As he shifted, she focused intently, trying to discern more details, but the distance was too great. Cloud clenched his hand into a fist at his side, and she could see the irritation etched on his face.  

Tifa averted her gaze, inhaling deeply before exhaling slowly. Having held her position for an extended period, she was well aware of how individuals respond when something is amiss, and Cloud was not just irritated; he was clearly distressed. She turned back just as he walked away. Her attention shifted to the white Porsche parked at the curb, and she noticed him before he even reached it. She concentrated on his actions as he entered the vehicle, removed his sunglasses, and drove away.  

Drawing in a deep breath, she redirected her gaze to Cloud, who was already making his way toward the group. She raised her chin slightly, as if to regard him from a distance. Despite the dark sunglasses he wore, she could sense his gaze upon her as he approached and positioned himself directly across from her.  

As the priest concluded his final remarks, Tifa cast her gaze down at the closed coffin and gently placed the first white lily atop it. Taking a deep, steady breath, she closed her eyes. In that moment, she felt the weight of everyone's attention upon her. It was astonishing how many were unaware that Mina had a twin sister. Some of the older attendees had nearly swooned when they saw her earlier. She had offered a warm smile, but beneath the surface, her emotions were ablaze. Thankfully, the media was absent.  

The crowd started to shift, yet she remained motionless. She could hear murmurs surrounding her, but she felt no surprise. Her eyes, reflecting the elder's inquiries, were dry. She had let go of her emotions the previous night and had no intention of shedding tears.  

“Honey?”  

"Please head to the car first. I’ll join you shortly," she urged, sensing her mother's reluctance. "Just go; I’ll be okay," she reassured her. After another sigh, her mother turned and walked away. Tifa gathered her courage and opened her eyes, realizing Cloud was no longer around. Removing her sunglasses, she exhaled nervously, observing the crowd around her.  

Gently pushing her bangs aside, Tifa turned away and took a few cautious steps forward. She felt the weight of gazes on her, yet she remained unfazed. As she advanced another step, she paused, her heart racing at the sound of her sister's name. But it wasn't just that that caused her to halt; there were other factors at play.  

The elder's voice, rough and low, added quietly, "Naturally, with the baby as well."  

"Is that for real?"  

"I have no reason to lie, Gillian. The fact is, the woman was five months pregnant. She took her own life, as well as the baby's. Surely you saw the news? A photograph emerged, depicting her lying on the bed, engulfed in blood. Frankly, I doubted the baby was his."  

“Is whose?”  

“Oh, my goodness. You are truly missing out on the enjoyment. Her husband, naturally."  

Shaking with anger, Tifa clenched her jaw tightly. She quickly put her sunglasses back on, scanning the area for that specific man. As she started to walk, she noticed him preparing to enter his car. Her steps quickened. Her gaze intensified, and she blinked just as he shut the door. A fierce rage ignited within her.  

Tifa cursed under her breath as she sprinted forward. The pointed heels of her black shoes sank into the soft earth, while her coat fluttered against her figure. She pushed her sunglasses aside once more. As the car roared to life, she muttered, "Curse you." She halted just as the vehicle began to pull away. The murmurs around her grew louder, and she felt the weight of curious gazes upon her. With a quick motion, she brushed her bangs aside and noticed her mother emerging from the blue Honda Civic. Taking a moment to steady her breath and regain her composure, Tifa started to move ahead.  

“Why were you running?”  

"It was an insect," Tifa stated, her voice thick with anger as a tear threatened to spill. She hurried her mother into the car, eager to confront the man. Her gaze shifted sharply to the driver, narrowing her eyes as he met her stare in the rearview mirror. He acknowledged her with a nod, understanding his boss's determination, and proceeded to follow the vehicle containing their suspect.  

Chapter Text

“Where are you going, honey?”  

Tifa grasped the door handle and turned to her mother, saying, “I just need a moment outside before returning to the house, Mom. Biggs will drive you home.”  

Mrs. Lockhart hesitated, her expression revealing discomfort. "Are you certain you're okay?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing with worry. "Mina's passing is difficult, dear. I'm here if you need to talk."  

"Mom," Tifa interjected, her tone tinged with impatience. She offered a faint smile and cleared her throat, which felt parched. "I’m really sorry." After a brief pause, she added, "I just need a little time to myself." Her eyes shut tightly in a moment of despair. When she reopened them, her mother remained still, gazing back at her. Tifa reached out to grasp her mother's hands, striving to maintain a cheerful demeanor. "I’ll return to the house shortly. I don’t want you to be alone with unfamiliar faces there, but... I’ll see you soon, Mom."  

Tifa turned away, swiftly opened the car door, and left. She made her way to the front of the vehicle, nodding in acknowledgment to Biggs as she passed. Her heels clicked against the sidewalk while she heard the car pull away. With a quick yet graceful turn, she navigated around the corner. Coming to a halt in front of a club, she shook her head in disapproval. A gust of wind swept by her as she observed the passersby, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. Raising her arm, she retrieved a pen from her coat.  

“What’s up, sexy?”  

Tifa turned her head, offering a smile and a playful wink as the stranger stared intently at her. She retrieved a peppermint, chewed it briefly, and then discarded it onto the sidewalk. Leaning down, she pressed the gum firmly against the cement with her thumb. Using a pen, she left her signature mark, 'TL'.  

With a final secretive gesture, Tifa retrieved her Samsung and entered the required number, saying, “Aer, 750 Main St. on the spot.”  

“Just a moment. Confirmed. Security personnel are at the entrance."  

“Inside?”  

“Confirm, along with the rear entrance.”  

“Excellent. Could you tell me who owns it?"  

"Reno Sinclair, the attractive owner of two nightclubs in Midgar, is quite the sight. Would you like me to share a picture of him without a shirt?"  

Tifa noted with a smile, "The last piece of information is unnecessary." She added, "He’s inside, but I can’t quite grasp the reason." Her smile faded, replaced by a subtle line on her pink lips.  

“Cloud?”  

“Yes. I'm in need of your assistance."  

"You can request anything; simply specify what you need."  

“I would like you to be here next week. Zack Fair, his brother. He is in need of a remarkable woman like yourself. Please provide him with the best companionship possible."  

A light laugh responded, "Of course, it's not an issue. I can handle him."  

"Thank you. I will be entering through the front entrance."  

"I understand that you can easily bypass the guards, Ti, but he may notice you."  

A mischievous grin spread across her face as she said, "I suppose I’ll need to plan a grand surprise for him, wouldn’t you agree?"  

"Exercise caution."  

Tifa glanced at her silver stainless steel bracelet watch and remarked, “I am aware of my disguise, Aer. I’ve waited far too long.”  

Aerith, her closest friend and assistant, was the primary source of funding for all their endeavors over the years. Coming from a wealthy business background, she had unwittingly depleted her father's fortune, defying his wishes to maintain control of the family business. Despite her passion for technology, Tifa made a deal with her: if Tifa regained control over Strife's Comp. Enterprise, she would appoint Aerith as vice president.  

As she concluded the call, her gaze turned upward to the building. Nightfall was still a considerable time away. There must be a reason he chose not to return to the house where others awaited him. If his feelings for Mina were genuine, it should not have been too difficult for him to refrain from visiting a club on her funeral day.  

Her eyebrows knitted together in concentration. Tilting her head at a precise angle, she focused intently on the recognizable vehicle. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. It would be quite enjoyable to peruse his files.  

"You're squandering your time, Tifa," she whispered in despair. She had remained rooted in place far longer than necessary. Finally, her feet moved, carrying her forward. As she opened the door, she was met by two imposing guards. A sly smile crept across her face as she greeted them, "Good morning, gentlemen."  

Each of them grunted and stepped forward. "It's not open yet, lady. Can't you see the sign on the door?" The more irritable of the two commented.  

Tifa confirmed with a nod, "I can read," as she tossed her hair back. "However, I'm not here to party just yet."  

They ascended another step, creating a distance between them. "Show your badge before proceeding any further," one of them instructed.  

She raised her hands in a gesture of peace. "Hold on," she said. "I’m not a police officer. I might look the part, but I’m here for a different purpose." With a playful wink, she added, "I’ve heard your boss is quite attractive." As they moved to push her away, she quickly interjected, "If you want to avoid any issues with your boss, it would be wise to let me through."  

She arched her eyebrows, issuing a silent challenge. They exchanged glances and grunted once more, “Proceed straight, take a left, ascend the stairs, turn left again, and he’ll be in the first room on your right.” The speaker shot her a fierce look, “Make sure you follow the directions, lady, and if you have any tricks up your sleeve, I’ll deal with you myself.” He briefly eyed her black quilted tote bag.  

"You’re overthinking it, big guy. It’s merely a precaution. You ought to be aware of that." She gave him a light pat on the chest and winked, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I’ll catch you on my way out." As they stepped aside to let her pass, Tifa muttered under her breath, "Fools." Tifa followed the man's path, glanced back, and found them still watching her. As she glanced at them once more, her speed decreased. Perfect; they’ve got company with someone else.  

She hurried over to a large pole that held a table and took a seat. The area was deserted. Luck was on her side, as she didn’t need to look for him. Cloud descended the stairs, his expression unchanged. Tifa recoiled slightly, turned away, and observed him from a different angle.  

"Cloud, I would appreciate it if you could wait for me."  

Her ears perked up at the sound of the woman's voice. Her gaze shifted to the woman's back. The wavy red hair cascaded to her shoulders, and her figure exuded an undeniable allure. As she turned to face him, holding onto Cloud's arm, her striking brown, almond-shaped eyes glistened with tears. "What are you doing here, Cissnei?" Cloud's eyes roamed over her oval-shaped face. "You never visit places like this."  

"I was curious to find out if Reno has any information regarding Mina's death. You indicated that she was involved with him, which suggests he might have relevant information."  

"Cissnei, I’m serious," he said gently, gripping her shoulder. "I don’t want you coming here again. Do you understand? You can’t anticipate what he might do." As she continued to nod, he brushed a tear from her cheek. "How did you manage to get in here?"  

"I deceived the guards," she remarked, forcing a shaky smile.  

"While that may seem wise, it also has its flaws. I really need to return to the house now. Let me drive you home." She shook her head in response, "Is it possible for me to accompany you? I didn't make it to the funeral, and although Mina and I never had the best relationship, I genuinely want to pay my respects."  

"Very well," Cloud replied, pausing for a moment. “You can come along.”  

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice heavy with sadness as she pulled on his hand while they exited, passing the guards. Her gaze hardened at the closed door, and Tifa turned back. Her lips felt parched, and her expression was unlike any other day. She retrieved her cell phone and said, "Aer, I've changed my mind. Please come by tomorrow." Taking a deep, shaky breath, she added, "Damn you." She shut her eyes, trying to manage the turmoil within her. If it overflowed, she doubted she could contain even half of it. Her eyes snapped open as she sensed a warm breath against her neck.  

"So, you're talking about a job, are you?"  

“Your boss expressed that he found me quite attractive. Where’s your friend?”  

“He felt the urgent need to relieve himself.”  

With a smirk and a grunt, Tifa propelled her feet backward, striking the guard on the chin before executing a flip. She swiftly pivoted, her hair swirling around her face, and retrieved a gun from her bag. Once he regained his focus, she aimed the weapon at him and stated, “Your choice.”  

"Damn it!" He exclaimed, his face flushed as he wiped the blood from his chin, which had been caused by her sharp heels. "You will regret that."  

"And you'll come to regret those words. Goodnight." She aimed the gun at his chest and pulled the trigger. Silence followed; no gunshot echoed. Tilting her head slightly, she remarked, "A sleep shot." After returning the gun to the bag, she stepped over the lifeless body and exited the scene. Just as she put on her sunglasses, Biggs arrived in his vehicle.  

"Your mother is extremely concerned about you. She kept expressing her worries during the drive back to the house."   

“I know.” Tifa nodded, wiping the blood from her heels.  

Through the rearview mirror, Biggs cast a brief glance at her. "You seem rather indifferent, boss," he remarked. "She's your mother, and she's aware of your struggles," he continued, clearing his throat as she shot him a disapproving look. "It’s time to have a conversation with her. You haven’t done that in years since—"  

“Enough, Biggs. This matter does not concern you. Focus on driving."  

She tossed the napkin into her bag and reclined wearily. He had to mention it once more. Her relationship with her mother had been deteriorating for the past four years. She sighed, reflecting on her repeated distractions from her demanding job, despite her efforts to mend the bond.  

"We have arrived, Boss."  

Tifa awoke and gazed through the window, observing the bustling crowd outside. It was clear that the day ahead would be lengthy. She opened the door and stepped outside, calling out, "Biggs."  

“Yes, boss.”  

"Please refrain from using that name again. I do not compensate you for your services." With a sense of sorrow, Tifa gently closed the door behind her and made her way down the stone driveway. The gravel crunched beneath her feet. She cast brief glances at passersby, indifferent to their stares.  

As Tifa reached the midpoint of the driveway, she came to a halt. Turning her head, she noticed Cloud shutting the door to a taxi. The distinctive outline of Cissnei's wavy, shoulder-length hair was visible from within, and her expression was one of clear anger. It was evident that the woman felt humiliated. “Cissnei,” Tifa murmured under her breath as she approached them. Determined not to let Cissnei miss the chance to see Mina Strife's twin sister, Tifa halted as the cab started to move away, feeling frustrated and muttering a curse.  

Nine feet away, Cloud winced before turning to leave. Tifa trailed behind him, making sure her heels made minimal noise. He stepped into a bustling house, ascended the stairs while exchanging nods with acquaintances, and proceeded down a dimly lit corridor. She maintained a distance of twelve feet. She paused when she reached a room with a pair of grand double doors inspired by ancient Greek Renaissance design. For a brief moment, she stood before the doors, contemplating why she hesitated instead of entering directly.  

With a deep, steady breath that filled her with confidence, Tifa grasped the doorknob. She turned and pushed the door open, stepping into the quiet of the library. Cloud sat at his desk, his back to her, flipping through the pages of a book.  

"Please inform her that I am experiencing a headache, Elmyra, if she inquiries about my whereabouts."  

“It’s quite nice to hear another lie.” Cloud halted his actions. Tifa squinted at his back as she approached, asking, "Is 'she' me?"  

He spun around, appearing weary, and asked, “What brings you here, Teef?”  

“Cissnei is a lovely name, Cloud."  

“Teef.”  

"I would appreciate it if you could skip the lecture." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "I've experienced enough relationships to recognize when a man is being unfaithful, but you, Cloud, have taken it too far."  

"Are you unfamiliar with the concept of a man having a female friend?" he inquired earnestly. "Cissnei and I have been friends since childhood, only parting ways when we attended different colleges." He took a moment before continuing, "I prefer not to discuss this, Teef. Mina didn’t grasp it, and I doubt you will either."  

"Is that how you really treated her?" He began to respond, but she persisted, saying, "The least you could have done was inform me that Mina was pregnant. Taking Mina's life wasn't sufficient, was it? She was carrying your child, Cloud. You ended the lives of both your wife and your baby." When he closed his eyes, her expression changed. She steadied her breath, pressing her lips together.  

He stated, without any hint of doubt, "Mina didn’t inform you."  

"She didn't, and I find myself questioning why she didn't."  

"I'm not sure," Cloud murmured softly.    

"What do you mean you’re unsure? She lived in this house, and you were here with her."  

He raised one hand, then used the other to rub the side of his forehead. "I'm experiencing quite a headache, Teef. Could we discuss this tomorrow?"  

"Now you have no time for your wife's sister. What sort of husband has she chosen?"  

He growled and stood up, declaring, "Dammit, Min... Teef! I can’t take this anymore! I’ve told you repeatedly that I didn’t cheat on your sister! Your sister is the one who goes out every night with other men! I—” He halted suddenly, recognizing the error he had just made. Those words had slipped out unintentionally.  

Tifa gazed at him; her mouth slightly open. She regained her composure, blinking repeatedly as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.  

"Are you really accusing her of actions she didn't commit?" Her gaze narrowed, filled with fury. Her heart raced as she exclaimed, "You scoundrel! You're lying! How dare you! Mina would never stoop so low!"  

Her speech ceased, and her lips fell still as Cloud pressed his mouth against hers. Surprise filled her eyes. He pulled her closer, gripping her tightly enough that it was difficult for her to breathe. His fingers tangled in her hair as he deepened the kiss. She attempted to raise her arms but found them restrained. With her legs free and wearing heels, she brought one heel down sharply onto his foot. He swore and stumbled back. Before he could utter another word, she struck him.  

Cloud abruptly raised his head, his intense gaze firmly fixed on her. But as the realization of his mistake dawned on him, his expression softened. "I’m sorry." He said, rubbing his face. "I thought you were Mina. I honestly didn’t mean to act like that."  

Tifa clenched her jaw, suppressing the tremors of her anger. Her lilac-manicured nails pressed into her palm, leaving marks on her skin. She remained silent for an extended period, creating an atmosphere thick with discomfort.  

She firmly stated, "One thing you better get used to, Cloud, is me being around here." With a swift turn, she made her way to the door, feeling a pang of regret for having entered the room alone with a killer.  

Chapter Text

Tifa meticulously folded her mother's off-white jacket dress and placed it into the royal blue suitcase. Turning to her mother, she said, "I plan to stay here for a while." She glanced at her silver stainless steel bracelet watch and added, "We need to hurry; the plane departs in an hour." 

"But dear, you haven't explained your reasons for staying. I cannot return by myself. Furthermore, the funeral concluded yesterday, and I have other matters to attend to."

Tifa gave a faint smile and replied, “I’ll take care of the matters you mentioned. Come on, Mom; we have to hurry. Time is crucial."

Mrs. Lockhart, feeling dissatisfied, nodded her head and asked, "So, when will you be returning home?"  

"I can't say for sure, but I promise it will be soon."

“What about your job?”  

"I've already handled that," she said, fastening the zipper on the suitcase. Casting a quick look at her mother, she added, "You tend to worry too much, Mom. Now that I've grown up, I can take care of myself."  

"Why shouldn't a mother be concerned for her daughter?" Mrs. Lockhart replied with a wistful smile, "It's simply because you are my only remaining child. Your sister is no longer with us, and your father is in prison. I dread the thought of being alone, and it has been quite some time since we last shared quality time together."  

Tifa let out a sigh and turned away. "I’ll miss you, Mom, but I have crucial tasks to complete here in Midgar. You might not grasp the details, and explaining would be pointless." She picked up the suitcase. "I’ll write to you every week and give you a call as well. Sound good?" Without waiting for her mother's reply, she moved toward the open door. "We need to leave now, Mom. You can’t afford to be late."  

She exited the room upon noticing her mother trailing behind her. Despite the selfish feelings she harbored, she found it impossible to continue her work with her mother present. The only option left was to send her back to Kalm.  

As they went down the stairs, they entered the living room. Tifa let out a soft sigh as she spotted Cloud’s grandmother in her wheelchair, who had arrived from Costa del Sol the day before. The elderly woman, facing hearing difficulties, spoke to him in a raised voice, occasionally nodding her head, under the impression that he was responding when he was not.

Tifa found little joy in her meeting yesterday. She would remain here instead of returning to Costa del Sol to live with her other son, who had not even made the effort to attend the funeral.  

Cloud glanced upward, alerted by the sound of footsteps. Tifa clenched her jaw as she observed his smile. How could he still smile after everything he had done? She had intended to walk past him, but her mother paused to offer a cheerful greeting. Standing nearby, she listened for Cloud's response, but he remained silent. Tifa, frustrated, turned back, only to face his unwavering smile.  

"Are you departing already? I was under the impression that you intended to stay for a longer period."  

She inclined her head, contemplating a challenging question, “I did.” The corners of her crimson lips curled upward persistently. “I’m merely taking my mother to the airport. When I return, please do not confuse me with my sister. She has passed away.”  

"I sincerely apologize for that."

Tifa raised her free hand swiftly, stating, “Did I ask for your apology? I don’t believe I did.” Her demeanor shifted as she lifted her chin, adding, “I plan to remain here for approximately a month, if that’s acceptable to you.” 

"Of course, I have no objections. Is there something significant that requires your presence here?" 

"Am I required to respond to every question you pose while I remain in this house? Because I—"  

Cloud interjected sharply, “No. I was merely curious.” Her gaze intensified, fixing him with a glare. He winced and replied, “Why don’t you—”  

"No, thank you. I've already arranged for a cab." She cast an impatient glance at her mother. "Please let my mom know I'm waiting outside." She sharply pivoted in her black mid-stiletto pumps, only to collide with someone else. Frustration boiling over, she turned her head and shot a glare at the individual. A mischievous smile crept onto her face. "Excuse you."  

Aerith flicked her luxurious chestnut brown waves, which cascaded down to her waist, in disdain. "Is this truly your home, Zackary?" she demanded, pivoting to confront him with irritation. "The surroundings are lovely, but not the family you associate with."  

"Be quiet, Ifalna." He approached her and fixed his gaze on Tifa. His eyes then shifted to the suitcase. "Are you leaving so soon?"  

“I’m afraid not.” Tifa smiled warmly, tilting her head slightly as she looked at Aerith. "It seems you have a lovely girlfriend, Zack. You certainly have excellent taste. Aren't you going to introduce us?"  

He emitted a dismissive grunt and walked past them, giving Cloud the same familiar look he always did: "Come on, Ifalna."

Aerith playfully winked and tossed her hair back, saying, “I’m Ifalna, just so you know. Until we meet again."

Tifa raised an eyebrow, cleared her throat, and left the room, fully conscious of his gaze on her.

A gentle sound filled the air as the clock chimed ten, prompting her to raise the glass from its place and place it on the rooftop. Her peppermint gum lay on the ground, leaving a mark as she meticulously adjusted the earpiece.

“Aer?”  

"Ready."

Tifa lowered her black face mask, which coordinated with her outfit. As she stepped onto the set, she followed the rope downwards. Her gaze swept across the front lobby just as her feet made a soft clicking sound upon landing. The night guard was sound asleep in the secretary’s chair. Releasing herself from the rope, she remained motionless while the camera scanned the room.  

"Aer?"  

A momentary break, “Now.” Tifa dashed ahead, performing a fluid flip as she advanced. She paused in front of the elevator and took a moment to compose herself. "Wait a moment, Ti. Alright, all cameras are currently offline. Head down there before Mr. Sleepy wakes up."

She pressed a button and entered as the door slid open. The ten seconds felt interminable as she waited for it to fully open. Rushing forward, she headed towards the office. As her fingers grasped the doorknob of Cloud’s office, Tifa muttered a curse. She fished a small wire from her pocket, realizing that picking a lock was not part of her original plan. After a moment of effort, she managed to unlock the door and proceeded to the file cabinet.  

"The guard is awake."  

"This will be brief."  

She scanned through the first two cabinets with her eyes and fingers, yet yielded no results. Frustration bubbled beneath Tifa's breath as she shifted her focus to the final cabinet. Her fingers eagerly shifted through the folders.  

"He is on your level, Ti. You need to leave that area immediately."  

She adjusted the flashlight's angle to improve her visibility. Her eyes grew wide when she discovered the wanted folder. Just as she was about to reach for it, Aerith's voice echoed once more.  

"Night guard, Ti. You left the door open. He is heading in your direction."  

Tifa muttered a curse under her breath, snatched the file, and sprinted toward the desk. She held her breath as the guard swung the door open wider, creating a commotion. “Angeal, there’s a break-in on the top floor of Strife’s Tech, Inc. I require backup.” Tifa tilted her head as the beam of his flashlight swept in her direction. Once the light moved away, she turned back to see the cabinet she had left ajar. A quiet curse escaped her pinkish-nude lips: “Break-in on the top floor of Strife’s Tech, Inc., Angeal. I need backup.”  

“Understood.”

She rested her head against the desk, her ear twitching as she strained to hear the faint sound of footsteps on the floor. He circled the desk, peering behind the curtains. Startled, Tifa sprang to her feet, producing a soft sound. He pivoted, gun and flashlight in hand. Gripping the folder tightly, she swiftly kicked the items from his grasp. They clattered to the floor, and as he glanced down, she lifted her foot and struck him hard in the face. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.  

Tifa's head turned sharply at the sound of sirens. “Darn it,” she whispered. She hurried out of the room and made her way to the front lobby. She fastened the rope and commenced her climb. As she reached the summit, a gasp slipped from her lips when a hand unexpectedly emerged before her heart-shaped face.

“Hurry up.”  

Tifa smiled as she graciously accepted the offered assistance. She knelt on the rooftop, taking off the rope and mask. After securing the glass, Aerith turned to her and said, “I’m going to kill you for that.”

Aerith gathered the belongings, casting a sharp look in her direction. "Are you aware of the peril you could have faced? You’re trespassing on Cloud’s business. The consequences could have been worse than any other risk you took."  

Tifa sighed and stood up, saying, "It doesn’t really matter. I apologize, okay?"  

“Whatever.” She hoisted the black leather backpack onto her shoulders. "All the computer systems are operational again. We can't stay up here for too long. I've already added you to their employee roster. You can start tomorrow." She briefly glanced at the folder, a gentle smile appearing on her naturally pink lips. “You got it.”  

"I put my life on the line for this," Tifa said with a playful wink, knowing that Aerith had already forgiven her. "Let's go." She grasped Aerith's arm and sprinted across the rooftop, stopping at the edge. "This is the part I enjoy the most." With the ropes secured, they made their descent down the thirty-story building. Tifa breathed in the fresh air, savoring the liberation that accompanied the excitement she desired. Once her feet touched the ground, she let go of the rope and turned to Aerith, saying, "Thank you. I owe you one." 

"You said that the last time."  

Tifa chuckled as she embraced her, saying, “I’ll go through these. The evidence must be contained within.”  

"They  should  be."

Tifa chuckled gently and said, "Okay, I'll catch you later, Ifalna," before turning on her heel and sprinting down the well-lit alleyway. After a brief walk, she reached her rented car and headed to a nearby diner. After changing her outfit, she picked up the folder containing the evidence, entered the diner, and settled into a seat in the far corner. Her heart raced with exhilaration. Before long, every problem would be resolved, resulting in her father's freedom from incarceration. Taking a deep breath, she opened the folder.

A furrow formed on her brow as she anxiously turned page after page, her heart tightening with each moment. Her breaths became labored. Upon glancing at the folder's tab, a spark ignited in her eyes. She realized she had taken the wrong folder.  

Frustrated, Tifa rose quickly from her seat and exited the diner, inadvertently colliding with a waitress. As she made her way back home, her palms grew clammy on the steering wheel. She repeatedly shook her head in disbelief, realizing she had mistakenly taken the wrong folder. That error had nearly cost her everything.  

Prior to parking her black Kia Rio, Tifa noticed Cloud's blue Ford Mustang parked in a spot where it had not been previously. Next to it was a police car. With a grimace, she tossed the folder into her black leather tote bag and exited the vehicle. Her hand brushed against the hood of his car, which was warm from the drive. Midway up the series of steps, Lucrecia stood at the threshold.  

"It was our collective assumption that you were asleep. I wonder how Mr. Strife would feel about that."  

Tifa cast a sharp glance at the servant and nudged her aside with her hip. She held back the urge to turn around and give a slap to the disrespectful individual.

"Absolutely not! You must identify the individual who unlawfully entered my office by the end of this week. An important file has been taken!" "We will do our utmost, sir."  

Cloud emitted another growl and shifted to confront Tifa. His face turned a deep shade of red. He rubbed his hands over his face and offered a nod of apology, inquiring, “How long have you been there?”

Tifa shrugged and said, "Long enough to hear your angry outburst." She turned her attention to the police officer, saying, “Good day, sir.” He returned the greeting with a nod, “Isn’t it amusing how a supposedly secure location could be compromised?” A slight smile appeared on her lips as she replied, “It’s truly unfortunate news.” With a grunt, she looked at Cloud before turning away. As she ascended the stairs, her cheeks flushed with intensity.

Chapter Text

Cloud stretched and yawned, reaching for the pillow beside him. As he slowly opened his eyes, a sigh escaped his lips, “I miss you so much.” He turned to the nightstand and picked up the photo frame. A wistful smile crossed his face. “I dreamed of you, and you were as beautiful as ever.” He pressed a kiss to the picture, whispering, “I love you.” After a moment of reflection, he placed the photo back down and rose from the bed. Following a lengthy shower, he descended the stairs, his mood noticeably somber.  

"I trust you had a good night's rest."  

He resisted the urge to sigh at the sound of the voice. So much like Mina, “I did.” She fell into step with him before his feet could land on the next step of the stairs. He averted and stared. She smiled. His heart stopped its beating. He took in a huge breath, urging himself not to think of her as his Mina. After staring at her for a moment, he managed to smile back. “You look lovely today. Where are you going?”  

Tifa remarked casually, offering a light shrug, "Nowhere in particular."  

Cloud tilted his head slightly. "How long will you be staying here?"  

She lifted an eyebrow in mild disbelief. “As you mentioned earlier, I’m not obligated to respond to every part of your inquiry if I intend to remain in this house. Do you not recall that?”  

Cloud narrowed his eyes at her, then continued his descent down the stairs in silence, opting to ignore her completely and forgoing breakfast. He left the house, glancing briefly at the servants. The sun shone brightly above, complemented by a soft breeze that occasionally drifted by. He got into his car and drove off, determined to have a delightful day.  

Fatigue continued to build within him. Since Mina's passing, restful sleep has eluded him. He recalled her adorable, pouting lips and her strikingly beautiful eyes; however, the fierce and unwavering gaze of her sister seemed to linger. The anger they inspired stirred something deep within him. The eyes that had looked at him just thirteen minutes earlier no longer mirrored Mina's. He wished she had never come to visit. He hadn’t even heard her reasons for staying, and the eyes of every employee, still haunted by the events of last night’s break-in, bore into him with intensity. He acknowledged them with a nod as he walked by. It was the oppressive silence that propelled him forward. “Coffee, Mr. Strife?”  

“I’d like it black; no sugar, please, Kyrie.” He placed his black briefcase on the desk and took a seat in his chair. His gaze drifted briefly to the file cabinet, and a soft curse slipped from his enticing lips.  

"Good morning, Cloud." Startled at the sound, he turned abruptly toward the entrance. Cissnei offered a warm smile as she shut the door behind her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."  

"What brings you here?"  

“To talk about our wedding, of course.”  

His eyes narrowed as he looked up at her. "Not right now, Cissnei. My wife was laid to rest just a week ago." He pressed his hand against the armchair and swiftly rose to his feet. He gazed at the photo frame of Mina resting on the edge of his desk. A wave of guilt washed over him. He averted his gaze and stared out at the city. Suddenly, a hand glided down his back and then moved to his neck, providing a soothing massage.  

"I understand that this is painful, Cloud, but I am now your fiancée. It's important for you to move on from this."  

He moved her hands away and turned to look at her directly. “Cissnei, you lack any real knowledge of love. Throughout all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never been in love.”  

She clenched her jaw tightly. "Then explain to me why we are getting married."  

"You are fully aware of the reason. It’s solely to assist your father and my business." He paused, "I'm still in love with my wife, Cissnei."  

“But it was you who finalized the marriage agreement.”  

“I know,” Cloud remarked as he kept moving forward. She followed him closely, seized his arm, and turned to face him. With a weary breath, he gently released her fingers from his hold. "I genuinely believe it would be best for you to head home, Cissnei."  

“No, Cloud.”  

He shut his eyes momentarily. Upon reopening them, a fierce and impatient intensity burned within: "Although I requested your hand from your father, it was solely for business purposes. I am not seeking anything beyond that."  

“Then what led you to ask me on the day of your wife's funeral?"  

With a heavy sigh, Cloud turned away and approached his desk, taking a seat while resting his forehead in his hands. "Cissnei, just go, please."  

"I would like to schedule the wedding for next month, Cloud."  

"I will take care of the planning, not you." He looked at her from between his outstretched arms and grunted, "Don’t assume that my decision to marry you means I love you, Cissnei. It does not. You are no longer the naive girl I once knew. You changed."  

Cissnei lifted her chin defiantly and said, “You’ve always been aware of my feelings for you. Ever since we were children, I’ve had a crush on you.”  

He offered a half-smile and a smirk, saying, “You’re quite fortunate this time, Cissnei, as you’ll soon be marrying me. Don’t you agree? You should feel pleased about it.”  

She restrained herself from snapping at him, simply saying, “Goodbye.” She paused for his reply, but when he remained silent and merely waved his hands, she stamped her foot in frustration and stormed out, brushing past Kyrie.  

"Mr. Strife, would you still like your coffee?"  

“Of course,” he groaned, extending his hand toward it, his gaze locked on the empty sheet of paper beneath him. Once the mug was securely in his grasp, he lifted it to his mouth and took a large, scalding sip. Kyrie watched intently, worried he might burst at any moment. When he remained composed, she cleared her throat.  

"A meeting will commence in the conference room in fifteen minutes, Mr. Strife."  

“Of course,” he murmured once more.  

Kyrie lifted her eyebrows in a gesture of apology and remarked, "In that case, I will update you on the other conferences at a later time." He gestured with his hands, encouraging her to share the information. As she began to speak, he shut his eyes, tuning out her words.  

The idea of marriage loomed large in his mind. Despite his lack of interest in remarrying, he sensed an unavoidable compulsion to move forward. This was not a result of any business concerns; in fact, there were no financial issues involved. He closed his eyes firmly, wrestling with the truth that Cissnei had been romantically involved with the person responsible for Mina's tragic demise. Under the false impression that he was unaware of their relationships, both women had become entangled with the same man.  

Each Friday evening, Cloud would shadow Mina to the club known as The Turks, where he would conceal himself in the shadows. He realized he should have confronted the man before any further developments occurred, and witnessing her in another man's embrace, her belly swelling with child, caused a pain he had never experienced before. The sight was unforgiving, but it was forgetful; he still could not shake it from his mind.  

Had he declined the invitation to dinner with Cissnei that Friday, he could have evaded the devastating revelation of his wife's lifeless body on the bed. His wife lay motionless on the bed, a casualty of suicide, but he felt there was a more profound narrative surrounding her demise.  

The sole path to revealing the truth behind Mina's suicide lay in marrying Cissnei. She had a close bond with the man—more than just a close bond. She was intertwined with her death.  

He doesn't care about the opinions of others. He is willing to risk his wife's sister's condemnation if he seeks the true cause of his wife's suicide. She did want to know the real reason, didn’t she?   

“Mr. Strife.”  

Cloud suddenly opened his eyes and exclaimed, "What?!"  

“The meeting is about to begin.”  

"What are you waiting for? Let's get moving." Kyrie, momentarily confused, trailed behind her supervisor. "If you have any thoughts to share during the meeting, please express them instead of remaining silent. I expect you to diligently take notes, focusing only on the key points discussed by others and myself."  

"My commitment to serving you, Mr. Strife, arises from my awareness of my duties."  

Cloud turned to her, a look of confusion on his face, and responded with a grin, “Of course.” He then continued his walk, a blend of confusion and amusement apparent in his expression. Following a short elevator ride, he stepped into the conference room, acknowledging the attendees with a nod before settling into his position at the head of the table. Glancing at his white quartz steel strap watch, he realized that the meeting was only six minutes away. He cleared his throat, resting his head on his hand as he concentrated on the empty sheet of paper in front of him. A sudden noise interrupted his focus, causing him to glance up in annoyance before directing his attention back downwards. His heart raced with sudden intensity. He glanced upward once more, astonished by what he saw.  

"Mr. Strife, it is time to begin." Despite hearing his secretary's voice, he chose to ignore her, instead focusing on the person exchanging pleasantries with a colleague. He dismissed her call of "Mr. Strife" yet again.  

“What?!” He pivoted abruptly, his gaze sharpening as it fixed on Kyrie. She flinched a bit, taking a quick breath. He blinked in astonishment at his own reaction, deliberately avoiding eye contact with his now silent employees. He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and quietly offered an apology as he stood up. Even though Kyrie stepped back at first, she moved forward once more when he signaled for her to approach. He leaned in close to her ear and softly inquired, “Who is that?”  

“Who is who?”  

"That woman," he said, but his sentence faltered as he caught the frown on his secretary's face. "What is it?" he asked.  

"She is your sister-in-law, Mr. Strife," she declared, her frown deepening. "Are you feeling okay?"  

Cloud offered a subtle nod, finding it difficult to express his thoughts. He gestured for her to step aside, then proceeded forward and faced his adviser. He didn't need to turn to meet her eyes; she regarded him with a trace of amusement. A subtle smile appeared on his lips, but it soon disappeared. He turned away, picked up his pointing stick, and loosened his black satin tie. He coughed as though he were fighting for air, and at that moment, a glass of water materialized in front of him.  

With gratitude, Cloud accepted the cup and drank the water in a single gulp. He returned the cup to Kyrie and wiped his mouth clean. “What’s the matter with you?” he questioned himself. Turning back to his advisers, he offered a tentative smile and said, "Good morning, everyone. I believe yesterday we were discussing the recent developments of Strife's Tech, Inc. We received a copy of the chip and sent it to Kalm. I am confident that once we secure and reserve it, it will be fully operational for others. This is about safeguarding against viruses.” He glanced at Tifa before proceeding.  

Although he was entirely dedicated to choosing his words with precision, his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her. It seemed unlikely that she could ascend to the role of advisor, so how had she landed the position? Throughout their years of knowing each other, she had shown little interest in technology. Yet, as he occasionally watched her, he noticed her taking notes on his words with a newfound curiosity.  

He wrapped up by stating, "That's all for today." As he descended, he gathered his belongings, his eyes following Tifa as she stood up from her seat with the others.  

“Mr. Strife, your cabinet member is expecting you for a meeting shortly.”  

“I’ll be back in time.”  

“But—”  

"Please hold it off until I return, Kyrie." Cloud moved past her quickly, scanning for Tifa. As he exited the conference room, he caught sight of Tifa, who had a mischievous smile on her face as she rounded the corner. "A game, is it?" He muttered under his breath, showing little interest. Moistening his parched lips, he pursued her. Upon reaching the double doors, he saw the other set close behind her. Frowning, he quickened his pace. Just as the door was about to shut, he pressed his palm against it and swung it open. After taking four steps, he halted and turned sharply. "Good day, Mr. Strife."  

Chapter Text

Tifa took a moment to sip her water before placing the glass down and perusing the folder of documents. She planned to resume her work as soon as she completed her reading. With fourteen minutes remaining in her lunch break, she savored a spoonful of her minestrone soup, smiling at its delightful flavor.  

She received a promotion. Naturally, this advancement was not dictated by conventional standards but instead by the unique criteria established by herself and Aerith. Her ascent to a prominent position took her supervisor by surprise; however, he remained oblivious to the fact that she had previously been employed at Strife's Comp. Enterprise. This oversight indicates that he had little regard for the lives of his employees, despite the thousands under his management. He ought to have been aware of the circumstances surrounding his wife's sister.  

“Would you like some more water, ma’am?”  

Tifa declined to respond verbally, directing her full attention to the document before her. A frown crossed her face as she began to jot down her thoughts.  

"I assumed you had died."  

Tifa raised her head, her eyes meeting the turquoise, almond-shaped gaze of Reno Sinclair, the owner of the nightclub where she had fired her weapon at a guard. A frown appeared on her face. The man's oval-shaped face was as pale as a ghost. As she scrutinized him, she noted the expression of guilt he wore, a sentiment that perplexed her. His remarks clearly indicated that Mina had never spoken of her twin sister to him.  

Ever since witnessing the ashen faces of those present at her sister's funeral, this question has lingered in her mind. Mina has consistently found pleasure in recounting stories about her sister to others, even to those she had only recently encountered.  

She smiled and said, "I assume you know Mina." He did not respond. Her smile widened. "I am her twin sister." His complexion appeared to return to normal, but he quickly began to blush. Tifa's smile diminished. "Did I say something inappropriate? You seem distressed."  

He paused for a brief moment before shaking his head. "I must sincerely apologize. You have truly taken me by surprise. I—I was unaware that Mina had a twin sister."  

Tifa lifted her shoulders in a casual gesture and stated, "Yes, she does, and you are currently gazing at her." She offered another smile. "Mina seldom mentioned me, despite the fact that we shared a close bond."  

“I apologize once more.” He reached out his hand and introduced himself, saying, "I am her friend, Reno. Reno Sinclair."  

She extended her hand for a handshake before withdrawing it. "I am Tifa. Please, have a seat. My lunch will not be finished for another four minutes." He nodded in agreement and took a seat. Tifa closed the folder, placed her hands on it, and looked up to find him observing her closely. With a hint of curiosity, she asked, "How long have you known Mina?" "It has been four years," he replied, averting his gaze. "She is a lovely woman." "She was," Tifa replied, resonating with the past tense. "That’s peculiar. I didn’t see you at her funeral."  

His demeanor shifted once more. "I—I was at work. I would have been present, but the business could not be delayed." Tifa raised her eyebrows, grimacing behind her cup. Wrong; he was the one engaged in conversation with Cloud. He lacked proficiency in deception; his stammer revealed his true nature, and he was not a businessman, but rather a club owner involved in drug dealing.  

Reno expressed his condolences, stating, "I sincerely apologize for your loss," as his voice returned to its usual tone.  

“It’s fine.” She glanced at her gold stainless steel stretch band and remarked, "I have exceeded my lunch hour. It has been a pleasure conversing with you." She smiled, tilting her head slightly. Gaining further insight into the man would be beneficial. Additionally, the police reports indicate that Mina's last known location was his club.  

She batted her eyelashes and presented an enchanting smile. "I take it that our paths will cross once more."  

"I make it a habit to visit this location every morning and during my lunch hour."  

She smiled once more, “That’s nice.”  

He offered a subtle nod. "I assume you are not here merely for a brief visit."  

"I plan to stay here briefly until I feel the urge to return to Kalm." She stood up and declared, "I must take my leave now. Farewell." Tifa swung her black leather tote bag over her shoulder and hurried out of the café, tightly gripping the folder in her hands. She walked alongside the others, crossing the street before entering the building. She hoped that her first instance of being late to the meeting would not create a major issue, but as she pushed open the double doors to the conference room, Cloud abruptly stopped his discussion and turned to look at her. All eyes were on her. She made her way to her seat with a faint smile.  

“That will conclude our session for today. Ms. Lockhart, I would like to have a conversation with you."  

She held back the urge to roll her eyes. Standing up from her chair, she moved towards him. He extended his pointing stick and flung it onto the long table. A hush enveloped the room.  

“You were more than late to the meeting. It was over before you even stepped into this room. There’s no warning, and you should know that.”  

“I apologize.”  

“There’s no need to say it when you don’t mean it.” His demeanor was earnest. "I expect that this situation will not repeat itself. You are responsible for your own lateness."  

“I said I was sorry, Mr. Strife.”  

He walked past her, halted momentarily, and turned to cast a piercing glance in her direction. "There is no necessity to address me in that manner. I—"  

"Mina's twin. It's surprising to see you working here, Tifa. I was unaware of this." Tifa gradually turned around, already knowing who it was. Cissnei approached and halted in front of her. With a smile, she said, "I have long wished to meet you. Mina was a wonderful person, and her passing has left a profound sadness." "Regrettably, we are left with you, Cissnei Savage," Tifa replied.  

The woman narrowed her eyes and inquired, “How do you know my name?”  

"The same, as you are aware of mine."  

Cissnei clenched her teeth and flicked her hair back with her index finger. She walked towards Cloud, her navy peep-toe pumps enhancing her gait. Tifa observed them with a discerning eye. Cissnei then embraced Cloud's arm and gazed up at him with a smile. "I take it; you haven't had lunch yet, have you?"  

“I had some chicken salad sandwiches.”  

“That isn’t enough to fill you.”  

"Excuse me, Cissnei." Both individuals turned their attention toward her. Tifa tightened her jaw, her eyes burning with intensity as they fixed on Cloud, who stood still and unresponsive. "I was in the midst of a conversation with Cloud. If you would be so kind, please take your leave. Neither I nor your Cloudyboo take pleasure in interruptions." She indicated Cloud with a wave of her hand.  

"Please, we have not yet shared the positive news," she said, looking up at Cloud with a gentle expression. His demeanor shifted, becoming stern. “I told you to shut up about it, Cissnei.”  

“But I am confident that the sister of your late wife would find our positive news to be quite uplifting."  

He withdrew his arm and stated, "It would be best if you go."  

"It would be most appropriate for Tifa to receive the news first." She turned to Tifa with a radiant smile and announced, "We are getting married."  

Cloud raised his hands in frustration, pivoted away, and then turned back to Cissnei, his expression filled with intense anger. "Darn it, Cissnei!" he exclaimed.  

"What? She will discover the truth eventually, and I believe it is preferable for her to learn it sooner rather than later." She lifted her chin defiantly and turned to cast a scornful look at Tifa. A sly smile formed on her vividly red lips. Gradually, she approached her. Her eyes fluttered with anticipation. "I trust you will be pleased with our exciting news," she remarked. "We have scheduled the wedding for next month. We will send you an invitation at the earliest opportunity."  

Tifa took a deep breath, sensing the intensity of her emotions. She cast a sidelong glance at Cloud, whose gaze seemed to respond to her fierce challenge. Anger simmered in her throat. With her back straightened and chin raised, she pivoted abruptly, her fist tightly clenched.  

As she gathered her belongings from the table, she turned to stare at them. “My sister may have died five years after marrying that man, but Cissnei, your fate will be sealed on your wedding day.” A blend of satisfaction and anger was evident on her heart-shaped face as the woman shouted at the top of her lungs. She then directed her gaze toward Cloud. “And make no mistake, Cloud; I will uncover the truth behind my sister’s real murderer, and do not assume that you are off of my list of murderers.”  

Cissnei addressed her with a pointed finger, stating, "Who do you think you are talking to us like that? You are a useless woman who is twinned with the sister of a whore."  

"That is enough, Cissnei." Cloud grasped her by the shoulders, shaking her forcefully. "Do not refer to my wife in such a way. You’re the one who’s damned.”  

Cissnei remained motionless, her eyes wide with surprise. Her mouth opened in disbelief as silence enveloped the room. Tifa averted her gaze, unwilling to look at them any longer. Cloud, acutely aware of the turmoil brewing inside him, slowly released his hold on her arm. He bit his lower lip and quietly offered an apology.  

Afraid, Cissnei brought her hands to her mouth. She vigorously shook her head and hurriedly exited the conference room. With their backs facing each other, Cloud lifted his gaze towards the ceiling. A surge of self-reproach enveloped him. He stared at his shoes and exhaled deeply.  

“I apologize for that.”  

Tifa expressed with conviction, “There’s no need to apologize when you know you don’t mean it.” She pivoted, fixing her gaze intently on his back.  

“I must marry her.”  

“I rather don’t care. It is evident that you did not truly love my sister, as demonstrated by your swift remarriage to another woman merely weeks after her passing. There was no necessity to hide the truth previously."  

"You do not fully understand the circumstances at hand." He spoke in a gentle tone.  

"What do you mean by suggesting that I do not understand? I am fully aware, Mr. Strife." She extended her arms with fervor and declared, "It is an affair. Four years ago, you had an affair with that woman. Do you think I am oblivious? You are gravely mistaken." She flung the pointer that had been resting on the table to the ground. "Mina has informed me of every detail regarding your secret affair. In every letter she wrote, not a single tear fell that did not smudge the ink. It astonishes me that she managed to share her life with you for such an extended period. Had it not been for your father's involvement, I would never have signed that damn contract, and if it weren't for him, my father wouldn't be in jail right now."  

"My father played no part in your father's imprisonment. If he had done so, I would have known."  

“Bullshit. You are just like your father. Your father, being the self-serving individual he is, took my father's latest project and replaced it with a fraudulent version. That trivial item was worth billions, and in a desperate act of revenge for my father's prior actions regarding his girlfriend, your father shamelessly thrust that contract upon me. Had I only voiced that it was futile for him to torment Mina, considering that you and she were already in love, I would not find myself in this situation now. I suspect you remain unaware of the true motive behind your father's insistence on your marriage to a woman you have always loved."  

"I do," Cloud stated while turning around. "However, my father would never engage in such actions as stealing a chip and substituting it with a counterfeit."  

“Wrong. He did. You just never knew.”  

“You’re being unreasonable.”  

“How do you know? I may be speaking the damn truth. You—”  

A knock resonated throughout the room. Kyrie’s head emerged, and she offered a smile tinged with regret. “I must apologize for the interruption, Mr. Strife. A meeting is set to commence in six minutes, and you have a phone call as well as four messages awaiting your attention.”  

"Would you be so kind as to hold them for me?" Kyrie nodded in agreement and closed the door behind him. Cloud took a deep breath, his gaze firmly directed at Tifa. "We will address this matter at another time."  

“There won’t be any later.” With unwavering resolve, she gritted her teeth, lifted her chin defiantly, and proclaimed, "I trust that the time will come when all will be unveiled." Approaching the double doors, she paused and commented, "Your second will prove to be more challenging. I wish you all the best, Mr. Strife." Tifa exited; her mind focused on the decision to terminate the wedding.  

Chapter Text

After turning off the lights, Tifa leaned back against her pillow. She gazed at the ceiling, her eyes unwilling to succumb to slumber. What the heck? She recognized that sleep would be impossible until she figured out how to call off their wedding. She was determined not to let him remarry, especially so soon after Mina's death. Had he only chosen to wait, she would have been indifferent to the matter.  

The man was utterly perplexing. What could possibly motivate his desire to remarry in such a short time? The answer was always the same in her mind: he had never loved Mina with the same intensity that she had. This was evident, yet the thought of him marrying a woman such as Cissnei Savage was difficult for Tifa to grasp. Although her knowledge of him is minimal, the information she possesses makes it seem highly unlikely that he would develop feelings for someone like her.  

The way he had spoken to her suggested that he couldn't possibly love her. There was no way. His gaze was devoid of warmth and tenderness.  

Her lips were firmly closed. Clearly, he had reasons for marrying her—possibly even several reasons. This cannot be classified as love. She shifted onto her side, placing her hands under her cheek. Her thumb gently moved to stroke her lips. They parted. Her thumb came to a standstill. “Oh, no. Tifa, you cannot even consider it. No, no." She rotated to face the other side and remarked, "It is simply impossible. You are simply impossible.” Again, she turned her gaze to the ceiling and asserted, “You would not dare.”  

Yet she knew better than to go against her conscience. Cloud had kissed her under the impression that she was Mina. His words revealed that he was still in love with her.  

Tifa closed her eyes, grappling with the turmoil of her thoughts and plans. It was highly improbable that she could make him fall in love with her, the twin sister of his wife. Yet, a part of her wondered if it were possible. Oh hell, what absurd ideas was she contemplating? She loves her sister and could not fathom pursuing such a path. Clearly, her thoughts were irrational, but that was the only plan she had come up with.  

How could she make him fall in love with her? He was still utterly enamored with Mina. Tifa gradually opened her eyes. “You are her twin, you fool.” It was impossible. Despite sharing the same appearance, physique, and many other characteristics as Mina, she was incapable of making him fall in love with her. Mina had never depended on any tactics to win a man's heart; she merely expressed her authentic self.  

Was she destined to assume the role of a harlot once more, or was her purpose simply to step into her sister's shoes? In their youth, they often swapped roles with enormous success, but would this strategy work with Cloud? Mina was no longer around to share in the enjoyment. She stood alone, determined to stop the wedding. If she failed to make him fall in love with her and prevent the ceremony, her other unplanned strategies would also fail; however, if she succeeded, she would continue her pursuit of vengeance. At this moment, there was no turning back. She had come too far and was unwavering in her determination.  

After getting out of bed, Tifa wrapped herself in a gray robe and slipped on her cream-colored slippers before exiting her room. Dim light shrouded the corridor as she walked with deliberate steps. The beach beckoned her, offering a refreshing gust of night air. Upon feeling the sand beneath her slippers, she yawned, a smile gracing her face. She stretched her limbs and looked up at the star-filled sky, where a crescent moon beamed down upon her. Is it not delightful to savor such tranquility?  

“Hey, Ti.”  

“Hello, Aer.” Tifa opened her arms wide, savoring the fragrance of the evening air. Aerith joined her and smiled, "How are things unfolding with Zack?"  

“Not bad. I have him under control. There is no need for concern. Simply continue with your intended tasks." She looked up at the crescent moon. "It is a pleasant evening."  

"It certainly is." Tifa straightened her posture after bending down to touch her knees and turned to face Aerith. She grimaced before revealing, “Cloud and Cissnei are getting married.” Aerith raised her delicate eyebrows, indicating her understanding. "The damn woman made an attempt to throw it at my face, and I must say, it hit me quite hard." She crossed her arms, extended one slender leg, and pondered while chewing her gum. "I recognize that this is typically my approach when dealing with men, but it's different with him."  

“Him?”  

“Cloud.” Aerith displayed a face that clearly indicated she wanted to get straight to the point. “I must devise a way to make him fall in love with me, Aerith. This is the only course of action I can think of right now. It's not what I want, but I must do it to stop the wedding. It is too sudden for him to remove himself from my list of murderers and marry that woman. I refuse to allow that to happen. He has his own reasons, and I have my own reasons for stopping this wedding. He does not love her either," she stated, exhaling in frustration. "There's a chance I could make him fall in love with me instead. After all, I am Mina’s twin."  

"How confident are you that he will fall in love with you? He is still very much in love with your sister, Ti, and it doesn’t matter if you two are twins.”  

Tifa inhaled sharply, biting her lip before stating, “He kissed me, thinking I was Mina.” Aerith responded with a smile, “You never told me that.”  

“I don’t need to.”  

Aerith's smile grew playfully. "I wish you the utmost success in your mission." She glanced at her silver-tone stainless steel watch and let out a frustrated sigh, "I must be on my way now. Zack has had too much to drink. We have just returned from the club. I will see you whenever I can. Goodnight."  

Tifa listened to the sound of Aerith's footsteps gradually diminishing into the night along the sandy shore. She ran her fingers through her hair, intertwining them as she tilted her head back.  

After taking a final, deep drag from his cigarette, Reno flicked it onto the sidewalk and released the smoke into the air. With an air of confidence, he scanned his surroundings, opened the café door, and stepped inside with a calm demeanor. The woman sitting at the table in the distance caught his gaze, and he disingenuously smiled. Her beauty amplified his yearning for softer skin. He swept his ponytail back and made his way toward her. Just before he reached her, she looked up. After a moment, she managed to return his gaze with a sweet smile. He lightly tapped his elongated index finger on the polished mahogany table. “May I join you?” he inquired.  

Tifa tilted her head slightly. "If you are willing to pay for my lunch, then no."  

Reno chuckled softly as he settled into a chair. He first observed her work before directing his attention to her large, expressive eyes. "It seems you are quite busy. If I’m bothering you, please let me know."  

"Oh, you are not bothering me whatsoever. My work can always wait. I’m done with my lunch anyway.” She placed her half-eaten turkey and avocado sandwich aside and took a sip of her green tea. Her eyes met his with thoughtful scrutiny.  

"You appear to be in a particularly good mood today."  

She raised an eyebrow and set her cup down on the table. “Maybe I am." She glanced momentarily at her rose gold stainless steel watch. "You have arrived too late. It is time for me to get back to work."  

“Where do you work?” She gently swept her finger across his shoulders, and he glanced back before responding, "Strife's Tech, Inc.? I have heard it is a pleasant place to work. Is it involved in the development of computers and chips?" “That is correct.”  

“So, you work for your own brother-in-law?” It came out slowly, just the way he had intended for it to be. She responded with a nod and stood up, “Why don’t I walk you over? It’ll be a nice break for me.”  

“Of course.” Tifa placed the strap of her black satchel handbag over her shoulder and looked up at him with a smile, "I will take the lead. Simply follow me, but first," she indicated to the cashier, "you will need to pay for my lunch." "You were serious?" he asked, raising his thick eyebrows in surprise and chuckling softly.  

"I am not one to make jokes, Reno."  

He shook his head and proceeded to pay for her lunch. The way she acted toward him, he liked it. Her eyes, in stark contrast to Mina's, exuded an intriguing mystique. He nodded and gestured for her to take the lead. As she navigated their course, a sly smile crept onto his full, gently curved lips. Initially, upon discovering that she was Mina's twin, he found her rather bothersome; however, he recognized her potential value and the opportunity she presented. This could bring him closer to Cloud. Having already sampled Mina, he pondered the possibility of indulging in a new experience with her twin.  

“What’s your occupation?”  

He snapped out of his reverie and shifted his gaze towards her. "Well—" He surveyed his surroundings. "I will soon be taking over my father's business," he stated as he stepped into the elevator. "Our primary goal is to produce fashion pieces crafted by renowned designers."  

“That’s nice.”  

"It is deemed acceptable." The elevator doors opened smoothly, and the sounds of employees reverberated through the area. He followed closely behind, minimizing the significant distance that his long legs could traverse. "Do you have an office?"  

“Yes, with a door.” He chuckled huskily, “This way.” She turned to her left, took a few steps, and then paused. A soft smile graced her rosy lips. "I hope you can overlook the mess."  

He presented her with his most captivating smile and gestured toward the door, urging her to open it. She responded with a slight shrug and turned the doorknob. It was evident that a cluttered room awaited him. As he entered, he chuckled softly, carefully closing the door behind him. Folders and documents were scattered across her desk, forming a disorderly sight. He picked up a piece of paper and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you tired?"  

"Generally, no." She placed her bag on the floor behind her chair and comfortably took her seat, saying, "Please, take a seat."   

"Thank you, but I must decline. My lunch break has already come to an end, and I should return now. It was a pleasure to see you again."  

She gazed up at him with a smile. “I like to get to know my sister’s friends better. While you are the only individual I have truly met, it brings me comfort to know that she has a kind-hearted friend."  

“It was nothing to worry about,” he remarked, showcasing his most enchanting smile. "I shall see you tomorrow." She responded with a graceful nod. With that, he bid her farewell and turned to leave, imbued with a sense of newfound confidence. He made his way back to the elevator, his smile unwavering. As he passed by an employee, he playfully winked at her, prompting a blush to rise on her cheeks. He let out a derisive scoff. With his hands tucked into the pockets of his black coat, he stood silently before the elevator doors, softly whistling. His right foot tapped a steady rhythm against the floor.  

Reno looked down at his shiny, black shoes, their surface reflecting the light. A subtle smile akin to a sly grin appeared on his face. The elevator door emitted a gentle chime. He raised his eyes, and his smile broadened as he entered the elevator, taking his place facing the door. As it closed, he tilted his head to cleverly scrutinize his adversary.  

"It seems that your afternoon has taken a rather unfortunate turn."  

“What on earth are you doing here?” Cloud's gaze deepened with intensity.  

Reno laughed lightly, stating, “Tifa captivates my discerning palate far more than your late wife, Cloud. I—" He grunted as he crashed into the elevator wall, while Cloud tightened his grip on his collar.  

“If you so much as touch her, I promise I’ll end you myself.”  

“Is that a threat?”  

Cloud forcefully pinned him against the wall. With an intense glare, he moved in closer, his fiery eyes narrowing as he cautioned, “If you touch her, you will come to regret it.” With unwavering determination, he whispered, "She is not the play toy you're looking for. I suggest you look elsewhere, Reno." His grip tightened around the collar of his neck.  

“Leave her out of this.”  

A cunning smile appeared on Reno's face. “Perhaps experiencing a bit of Mina’s twin won’t be so terrible, don’t you agree? I am almost there, just a few steps away from enticing Tifa into my bed, Cloud."  

A low growl escaped Cloud's lips. As he raised his fist to deliver a blow to the man's face, the elevator doors suddenly opened. With his fist still poised, he turned his head and glared fiercely at the gathering of employees. Their faces took on a shocked expression as they instinctively retreated. He directed a sharp gaze at Reno and coldly stated, "Stay the hell away from her." He released his grip and strode away, the crowd parting to make way for him.  

Reno tightened his neck collar, his eyes locked on the location where Cloud had vanished. He struggled to swallow, a wave of frustration rising within him. In a fit of anger, he tore his white dress shirt, scattering the buttons in his wake. The ultimate thing he will not choose to do is to stay away from the twin.  

Chapter Text

Tifa carefully moved her hair aside and cast a determined look at the door of Cloud’s study. A delightful stroll along the beach had significantly improved her mood, yet the message from a servant indicating that he wanted to speak with her had certainly dampened her spirits. She understood this as a remarkable opportunity to make him fall for her, but she found herself feeling ill-equipped for the challenge. This was the first occurrence. She felt disappointed in herself for harboring such feelings, but was there truly any justification for that? It was her duty.  

Taking a deep breath, she took hold of the doorknob and opened the door. The question of why he had summoned her to his study did not occur to her until that instant, when he turned away from the window. Unexpectedly, a chill ran down her spine.  

His piercing gaze. His striking presence. Tifa, unflinching, lifted her chin and moved forward resolutely. She noted his transition from resting against the wall with his shoulder to leaning back against it. She then positioned herself before him. The fierce and penetrating look he cast her way only heightened her capacity to assert control over him.  

“You asked for me.” It was certainly not a question but rather a firm demand for him to proceed with his needed words.  

He lifted a prominent eyebrow in response to her tone, stating, "I did."  

She let out a sigh of frustration. She found it impossible to make him fall in love with her; yet it was she who was truly impossible in such matters. Given the soft and refreshing breeze along the beach, she probably should have declined his invitation.  

"I would appreciate it if you could hurry up this meeting, as it has not been particularly productive. I have personal leisure activities planned for Saturday that I would like to attend to."  

Cloud observed his gleaming, polished black leather lace-up shoe. When he raised his gaze, a stern looks reappeared in his eyes: “You don’t command me to do things in my own home, Teef.”  

Without showing any signs of hesitation, she furrowed her brow. “That goes for me too, Cloud; this is my sister’s house.” She confidently expressed her sentiments, remaining unaffected by the particular inflection in his voice.  

“I could care less about that,” he remarked. He swallowed hard as he declared, "My house, my rules." He gave her a peculiar look, turned away, and proceeded to his desk.  

Tifa's jaw tightened in frustration. An unsatisfactory one, that is. His words upon her arrival were not what she had just listened to. There had been no mention of any rules. With her fists clenched at her sides, Tifa approached from behind with determination. She paused briefly when he faced her. Her anger was palpable and unrestrained. He glared at her, mirroring her own fierce expression.  

Looking down at her, he stated, "Reno Sinclair. Doesn’t that name ring a bell?” There was a seductive charm to his tone.  

A smile gradually spread across her pink-colored lips. “Ah, that.”  

His captivating eyes stirred once more, filled with intensity. He moved a few steps closer to her. She stood still. “A warning, Teef. I strongly suggest you stay away from that man.”  

A subtle smile graced her lips. "Living in this house doesn’t imply that I must follow every instruction you give me. You explicitly stated this when I inquired." She chuckled quietly as he flinched.  

“Damn the words I had spoken. You will follow instructions; keep your distance from that man."  

“And what rights do you think you have to tell me what to do?” Her tone became more forceful. "I follow my own set of rules. Reno, maybe the enemy to you, but I’m currently not bothering a thing about it.” She felt a tightening in her chest as he recoiled yet again. Thus, her thoughts over the past few days regarding their circumstances were indeed accurate. They were, in fact, enemies.  

“You are oblivious to his real identity, Teef.” He delivered this statement with a harshness in his voice, which had a husky timbre.   

"And I have not yet revealed your true identity." Tifa shot him a piercing glare, her face reflecting a total absence of trust. Having had enough of this despicable conversation, she turned on her white open-toe ankle strap heels. He swiftly grabbed her elbow and spun her around to face him. His chest abruptly met hers. Before she could react with any form of aggression, he made a slight turn. Her back struck the wall with significant force. Breathless and in shock, Tifa raised her gaze, locking her eyes onto his with intensity.  

Cloud lowered his head and pressed his hands against the wall on either side of her. She felt a surge of panic, yet his lips did not meet hers. His gaze was intense and filled with anger. Not an inch before their noses touched, she could feel his warm breath cascading over her lips and neck. She swallowed, doing her utmost to avoid licking her lips. With only a slight distance between them, he said, “Listen carefully and listen well. Your mother has asked me to look after you.” He moved in closer, adding, "For her sake, I will not let you near that perilous man."  

"You spoke as though my mother had passed away."  

“And you act as though she were."  

Tifa swallowed hard. Still, she refused to allow this nefarious man to outsmart her. She had the option to duck under his arm effortlessly, yet she decided against it. Wasn't it her job to seduce him? Before she allows herself to be defeated, she will make him lose to her.  

“Before you label someone else as perilous, take a moment to reflect on your own personality."  

He drew closer, stating, “If you dare to challenge me, Teef, I promise I will do more than this.” Unexpectedly, he lifted his right hand from the wall and intertwined his fingers in her hair. She recoiled. He smirked with satisfaction, “I see that you are already afraid of me.”  

“I’ll be damned if I am.” Tifa, clenching her jaw, remarked, "You are a despicable and perilous person. Tell me, Cloud, how is it possible for Mina to live with you like this?"  

“Never describe a man you don’t know. You may find yourself regretting the outcomes." He swallowed and issued a warning: "Stay away from him." With keen observation, he released her and stepped back. She uttered with a low growl, “I’m finished with you.” He addressed her as though she were beneath him.  

“What happens if I choose not to?”  

He came to an abrupt stop as he was returning to his desk. Without turning around or looking back, he stated, “Then you’ll suffer the consequences I have listed down."  

She took several steps forward. “What reasons do you have for me to stay away from him? Give me a good one, and I promise I will not go near him at all.” Her voice posed an undeniable challenge.  

Cloud turned slowly, his face reflecting a mixture of boredom and irritation. Tifa straightened her posture. He blinked deliberately and stated, “You don’t need to know.”  

The corners of her mouth lifted into a gentle smile. She moved forward a few paces, stopping just a foot away from him. With a slight tilt of her head, she blinked playfully, expressing her disappointment. "How unfortunate, then. I have the liberty to see whomever I choose."  

She walked past him with a sense of complete satisfaction. Instead of smiling, her lips pressed together into a thin line. Each step she took toward the door felt like an eternity before she finally reached for the doorknob. A peculiar feeling enveloped her as she exited the room and leaned against the door.  

The man was impossible, and the idea of making him fall in love with her was a daunting impossibility. How could any woman possibly fall in love with a man so deceitful and savage? Least of all, Mina?  

The more he wanted her to stay away from him, the more she was determined to participate in the game. She was fully aware of the threats that Reno represented. He didn't need to inform her, but he remained completely unaware that she was already in the know. To make things easier for herself, she planned to manipulate Reno and provoke the man into her grasp.  

Had he not been a man, Cloud would have already taught her the lesson she needed by now; nevertheless, he chastised himself for his lingering gaze upon her lips. His body stirred in a way he had not felt in weeks since Mina's death. How could he even entertain such thoughts? She was his late wife's sister. Until this moment, he had remained loyal to Mina, yet now he was considering remarriage merely weeks after her passing. He mourned internally.  

Exhausted, he rubbed his face and made his way to his desk, where he took a seat. He leaned his elbows on the table and bowed his head, letting out yet another sigh. Frustration welled up within him. If she goes against his words, what could he possibly do? He was neither her owner nor a slave master. Her headstrong personality was the first of its kind he had ever witnessed. It was simply a stroke of luck that Mina did not share such traits.  

He, in all likelihood, can’t cast her out of his home. It wasn’t the can't; it was more of the wouldn’t. He didn’t have the courage to cast out his wife’s sister. Most likely, he wouldn't resort to such extreme measures. Although she might regard him as a savage, cast out from the depths of a forest, he could care less. His response to her would differ from what others might expect, given that she was his sister-in-law. Nevertheless, his demeanor had significantly changed as he sought to uncover the true circumstances surrounding his wife's demise, leading him to question his earlier actions. Forbidding her from seeing Reno was merely one aspect of the situation. He had nearly kissed her again. Just nearly? His instincts had nearly compelled him beyond reason. Indeed, his hand had wandered through her hair as if—  

"Stubborn woman," Cloud murmured quietly to himself. He emitted a low growl and straightened his posture. With a deliberate motion, he opened the third drawer of his desk. His eyes lingered thoughtfully on the folder within. It was indeed true. He grasped the folder carelessly and allowed it to drop onto the desk. Had it not been for her furious remarks, he would not have searched through the cabinet and uncovered the evidence. She had spoken the truth. At the bottom of a document detailing his development of the Microsoft chip, rather than Shinra Strife, was the signature of her father, Brian Lockhart, inscribed with a sense of hope.  

Cloud leaned back, clenching his jaw in frustration. He was wrong after all. His father was, in fact, the perpetrator, yet it raised the question of why he had not merely disposed of the folder, especially after having hidden the truth from everyone for so long. Shinra had wrongfully imprisoned an innocent man while he carried on with his life as if nothing was amiss. Despite the company's growing wealth, Cloud remained completely unaware of his father's wrongdoing.  

He massaged his temple, his eyes tightly shut. How could Tifa possibly be aware of this? The folder was now in his possession. It was entirely possible that her father had shared with her the details of Shinra's deeds. There was a possibility—  

Cloud abruptly opened his eyes, realizing it was her. The folder that was missing from another company. She had broken into his office and taken the folder. It was likely that, in her rush, she had mistakenly grabbed the wrong folder, making her unexpected presence in his company all the more startling. Unable to obtain the folder she originally sought; she had employed herself as his employee.  

He emitted a low growl as he rose to his feet. How could such a stubborn woman accomplish such extraordinary feats? He intended to inform the authorities about his father's misappropriation of a chip from another computer company, but only after he managed to extract her intentions. It was no surprise that she stayed.  

“Let’s see how far you can go.”  

Holding the folder firmly, Cloud left his study room with a purposeful stride.  

Chapter Text

"Good morning, grandma." Cloud quietly shut the door behind him. A bright smile graced his lips, despite the fact that his grandma had not noticed his arrival. He moved quietly across the warmly lit room. Bending down, he placed a kiss on her wrinkled, fair cheeks. Startled, she looked up in surprise and let out a joyful laugh.    

“You surprised me, my dear.”  

“That was my intention.”  

The joyful laughter of his grandma brightened his day. He took a moment to clear his throat before stepping toward the white curtains.  

“It’s so dark in here. I don’t think that little lamp helps much on your embroidery, grandma.”    

“Eh, I can see just fine.”  

Cloud parted the heavy velvet curtains and threw open the window, welcoming the refreshing morning air into the room. As he prepared to turn back, he caught sight of her running along the beach. A tightness formed within him. Watching her run like a wild princess stirred something profound in him, evoking memories of her hair and a longing to reach out and touch her.  

He flinched at the thoughts that crossed his mind, recognizing the considerable sway his conscience could hold over him. Not only did she need to stay away from Reno, but he too needed to stay away from her.  

‘ One thing you better get used to, Cloud, is me being around here. ’  

Damn. The words she had spoken were still echoing in his mind. He was convinced that it was merely the reflection of her sister's face that held his gaze so intently. How much excuse does he need? Remaining a rational widow was already a difficult feat. Had she known that he dreamt of two individuals simultaneously, she might have thought he was insane. Not only did Mina occupy his dreams, but her twin also made an appearance. Her shadows evoked the deep sense of loneliness that Cloud Strife had felt since the loss of his wife, and her fragrance—a captivating blend of sweet currants, the elegant scent of roses, and the warm, earthy tones of oak—permeated his dreams. It surrounded him in his sleep and lingered in the air whenever she was near.  

' I'm not Mina, Cloud. '  

He recoiled slightly, remembering the dream in which Tifa had spoken so passionately into his soul. She had smiled—the usual smile that he had grown accustomed to because of her hatred towards him. Naturally, she was not his Mina. Why else would she be?  

"What is troubling you, my dear?"  

He opened his eyes, unaware that he had closed them. A chilling sensation crept along his spine. The breeze had grown stronger, tousling the bangs that frame his face. She had stopped her run along the shoreline. He grimaced at the stark contrast. Mina had never been fond of walking or jogging by the shore; it was only through his constant urging that she had agreed to join him.  

“Nothing, grandma,” Cloud replied gently before she could ask the same question again. Reluctantly, he turned away from the window and approached her. The room had become brighter. To ease her concerns, he offered a smile and settled onto the bed beside her chair. Watching the elderly woman was truly captivating. He loved how her cheeks radiated warmth as she concentrated on perfecting the floral embroidery. Her glasses rested lightly on the bridge of her nose, and her round blue eyes sparkled with hope and joy as she focused on her craft.  

The way she talked in a loud but hushed tone had always made him smile. Even though most elders in their seventies couldn't hear well, she was a woman who never gave up on making others repeat themselves. He loved the pronunciation of her name so much so that he felt a desire to kiss it along with her blushing cheeks. Marle.  

"How is your embroidery coming along, grandma?"  

“Fine, just fine.” Mrs. Strife freed one hand from the cloth and waved at him. His smile broadened; she was truly a delightful woman. With a heavy sigh, she tilted her head and inquired, "Are you sure you can control yourself from that sister of your wife? Now, now, don't overreact, as if I had said something so shocking. She's got a strong will, my dear," she murmured softly. "I see her jogging on the beach every morning, and it is not just that; it's her bold words that always get you mad."  

Cloud blinked and stated, “She is my wife’s sister, grandma, and I'm giving her a place to stay until she decides to go back home.” He shrugged, seemingly oblivious to the situation. “Perhaps she still misses Mina.”  

She placed her embroidery aside and turned her attention on her grandson. "Perhaps it would be wise to refrain from giving her so much attention, considering your wife has only recently passed away," she remarked, her gaze sharpening. "I don't want to intrude, but you must understand your position. What will others think when they see you with another woman so soon after your wife's death, particularly if it is her sister? Tifa is a wonderful person, and I would be delighted to see you find happiness again." She adjusted her glasses with her index finger. “Tell me, what do you really think of her?”  

With a furrowed brow, he remarked, “As family.” His answer inadvertently triggered a sense of internal struggle.  

“Now, now, don’t you dare lie to an old woman like me. I may be old and may have a bad hearing, but I’m wiser.”  

A light chuckle escaped his lips as Cloud took hold of his grandma's hands, looking deeply into her eyes. The sparkle in his eyes dimmed, and the smile gradually disappeared from his face. He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. Taking a deep breath, he released it slowly, saying, “I have an important announcement to share with you, grandma.” He glanced down at the beautiful embroidery, then, after a brief moment, looked up and remarked, "I hope this news does not startle you too much."  

"I won't," she said, waving him off. "Just let it out, my dear. This elderly woman is prepared for whatever comes her way."  

With a slight smile, Cloud carefully covered her weathered hands with his own, declaring, "I will be marrying Cissnei."  

Her cheerful eyes grew larger. "Oh my, please do not tell me it is that mischievous child who once had a huge crush on you." Her eyes grew even wider as she let go of her grandson's hands. "Is it the woman you introduced to me during Mina's funeral? Goodness, I had just recalled. She has blossomed into a stunning woman. Truly a remarkable beauty."  

"Grandma," Cloud said gently, intertwining her hands with his larger ones. He cleared his throat, making an effort to raise his voice so she could hear him clearly. "Are you alright with this?"  

She ceased her fluttering and gazed intently into his eyes. A soft sigh slipped from his lips at the sight of his grandma. She gently placed her hand on his. “Something is troubling you. Speak to me, dear. Why do you intend to remarry merely weeks after your wife’s passing? You should be in mourning.” She held his face gently in her hands. “I want a valid reason.”  

God damnit. He should have predicted that this would happen. He was unable to reveal the truth to her. He was unwilling and unable. “I love her, grandma.”  

"No, that is not possible. You cannot lie to your own grandma," she remarked, wagging her finger at him. "I understand that you do not love her, my dear. How could you genuinely love her merely five weeks after the passing of your wife? That is absurd, unless you developed those feelings while still married to the wonderful Mina." He lowered his gaze. "I suspected as much. You are a bad liar. Now, please tell me the truth, or I will not allow you to go to work." She firmly placed her hands over his to emphasize her resolve. "Speak up, my boy."  

Cloud remained silent, fully aware that the nurse would arrive at any moment. A sly trick. When a knock resonated at the door, he rose, his hands still resting beneath his grandma's. "I regret to inform you, grandma, that the wedding is less than a month away." He pressed a kiss to her now ashen cheeks, saying, “Have a wonderful day. I love you.” Without acknowledging her dissatisfied expression, he stood from the bed and approached the door. He opened it to allow the nurse to enter. Although he wished to avoid the situation entirely, an intense feeling surged within him. He paused, shifted his gaze to her back, and let his shoulders droop. One could have handled it better.  

“Heya.”  

After closing the door, he looked up and said, "Hello, Fran." Her blue, almond-shaped eyes glimmered with delight, and her smile prompted a reaction from him as well. "You appear to be in high spirits."  

“I am. How is grandma doing? I wanted to visit her briefly before heading off to school."  

“She is doing quite well. Go ahead and visit her; she has been asking about you, you little rascal.” Her soft pink lips formed a pout. He laughed lightly, saying, “Go on. I'm already running late for work.” He opened the door once more, gesturing for her to enter. With her lips still pouting, she happily skipped into the room. He began to close the door but hesitated when he heard his grandma call his name in a questioning tone.  

Cloud gently shook his head, retrieved the keys from his pocket, and made his way down the hallway. He firmly believed that his marriage with Cissnei would bring about significant change. There was little time left. If he discovered the real reason for Mina's suicide before the wedding, he would cancel the ceremony. This would make things much easier.  

Without wasting any time, he entered his car and drove off. What could be a more suitable distraction for his mind than engaging in work? A few minutes later, upon arriving at his office, he flung his suitcase onto the desk and took a seat in the chair. It seems he may indeed find it challenging to focus properly.  

He shifted his head and made himself comfortable. With a careful glance around the room, he then closed his eyes tightly. He inhaled deeply, recognizing the familiar scent. Suddenly, his eyes flew open. She had been in his office.  

“Kyrie, I need you in here.”  

He emitted a low growl as he straightened his posture. Despicable woman. If she wants to play, so be it. He was determined not to lose. The folder was securely tucked away in his room beneath his pillow. The only way to retrieve it was to get by him physically.  

“Mr. Strife, you—”  

"On second thought, Kyrie, consider booking a second plane ticket for Ms. Lockhart, as she expressed a strong desire to return to Kalm. You can take a short break. Ms. Lockhart will accompany me.”  

With a deceitful smile on her face, Tifa ended the call as she rested her feet on the desk. It was a delightful moment. He was scheduled to depart for Kalm the following day, where he would be visiting Strife's Comp. Enterprise. This presented an opportunity for her to go through the cabinet again and retrieve the folder. Just moments earlier, she had narrowly escaped being seen by Kyrie while daring to take a risk in broad daylight.  

A mischievous smile played upon her striking red lips as she shut her eyes and leaned back. Ah, how rewarding life can be at times! And that deceitful man. She opened her eyes. Did he assume she was unaware of his stare from his grandma's bedroom window? She not only saw him watching her but also sensed his presence. "Come on, Mr. Strife," she murmured, extending her hand for a pen. "Come closer. I promise, I don't bite."  

A knock echoed throughout the room. Tifa flinched and threw the dried pen into the trash can. As she did so, the door swung open. She redirected her attention and locked her eyes on him. It was right on cue.  

“It’s a lovely morning. Come in.”  

“I’m not here to engage in conversation with you, Teef.” Cloud said this firmly as he slammed the door shut. Tifa let out a soft laugh. He approached her, struck the desk with his fist, and locked eyes with her, delivering a cold glare. "It’s not funny, honey."  

With a nonchalant shrug, she raised both shoulders in a casual manner and stated, "In fact, it is." Her smile and laughter suddenly ceased.  

“What is it that you want?” She lifted her eyebrows. “If you’ve come to give me a lecture about Reno, then there is—”  

“Oh, it’s more than that, sweetheart.” He now smiled charmingly, causing her jaw to clench at the mention of the name. "Pack your stuff for tomorrow. We are going to Kalm to pay your mother a lovely visit."  

Chapter Text

Cloud slowly turned his head and opened his eyes, displaying a relaxed demeanor. He released a soft sigh while crossing his arms over his chest. A flight attendant approached, and just as she was about to speak, he gently shook his head and placed a finger to his lips. She responded with a smile and a nod before moving on to assist other passengers. As he observed her with a serene expression, a profound emotion lingered within him. If she were aware of his gaze, it would surely lead to conflict.  

A captivating smile graced his lips, one that she had not seen in quite some time, at least not since five years ago. Maybe his attraction to her stemmed from the fact that she was his wife's twin. Perhaps her beauty captivated him. Or maybe he simply found pleasure in gazing at her. She was, in fact, quite different from his wife. Had it not been for Reno, nothing would have happened to her. Over the course of those four years, Mina had undergone considerable changes. If he were to compare their faces now, they would bear little resemblance to one another. He recalled the bruises and scars that marred her face. Although she had refused to let him touch them, the pain was evident. The large, purple bruise on her cheek remained fresh in his mind, as did the recollection of that fateful Friday night, just a week before her tragic death.  

At the usual late hour, he arrived home to find her sitting at her makeup table, adding more color to her crimson lips. He tossed his briefcase onto the bed and removed his navy-blue trench coat. She briefly glanced up, her focus quickly shifting back to her lips as she continued to outline them. A faint smirk appeared on her face. Sitting up straighter, she capped the red lip liner and carefully returned it to its container.  

"It's a pleasure to finally have the opportunity to see you this week."  

Cloud glanced at her briefly before moving to the bed, where he took off his black leather shoe. She turned on the small wooden bench, resting her back against the table. “So, you were with Cissnei again?” she inquired, crossing her legs with a light chuckle. “There’s no need to respond; I already know the answer. However, I'm curious as to why you chose not to stay the night at her apartment. Doesn’t she have a spacious and comfortable bed?” She pretended to gasp as he shot her a warning look: "Boy, she's worse in bed than me, isn't she?"  

“A sock in your mouth would do me good.” Cloud paid no attention to her drooping mouth and rose to his feet. He made his way to the stack of shoes and carefully put his shoes away. Suddenly, a lipstick tube collided with the wall beside him. He clenched his jaw and turned away abruptly.  

“Tell me where you’ve been.” She stood up from her place at the mirror, grasping a brush in one hand and a compact in the other. Her face, which had once radiated beauty during their challenging years of marriage, now bore bruises on her cheeks. Her shoulder-length black hair, highlighted with a touch of red, framed her face beautifully. A strand of hair fell across her injured cheek, and her lips twisted in a manner he detested.  

As Cloud moved forward, he skillfully dodged the brush and compact that she threw at him. He stopped in front of her, gently lifting her chin and softly caressing her bruised cheek. "He hit you again, didn't he?"  

Mina swiftly turned her face away from his grasp, delivering a sharp slap to his hand. "Don't touch me."  

“I’m your husband.”  

“So? It was simply that ridiculous contract your father forced my sister to sign," she remarked, brushing past him. She turned to gaze at his back. "You were never skilled at anything, not even in bed." "That's not what I was told on our wedding night," Cloud replied, turning to face her. He took a few steps closer and stated, "I don't want you near him any longer, Mina. I have repeated this more times than I can count, and I prefer to avoid resorting to violence." He narrowed his gaze. "I also don't wish to restrain you." He took two more steps forward and caressed her cheek once more. "Let me put some-"  

"No, I can take care of this on my own." She swatted his hand away. “There's no need for your concern; no one else is here."  

"Regardless of your feelings about me, I urge you to consider the well-being of our child." She stepped back as he attempted to place his hand on her stomach. He bit back the pain. "You are currently five months pregnant, and I'm simply asking you to stay away from him until after the baby is born."  

“Oh, so now the baby is more important to you than I am?” She spread her arms wide. “Rest assured, Cloud; our baby will be just fine.”  

“I mean it, Mina. I don't want you going near him anymore," Cloud growled through his teeth. "If needed, I will tie you down."  

With a rueful smile, Mina said, "Ha. As if you can," before proceeding to walk past him. Just as she reached for the door, he forcefully placed his palm against it. She quickly turned her head to confront him. "Let me through, Cloud."  

“You will have to go through me first. You are not going anywhere with my baby. You are to stay in this house until I give you permission to leave. Once the baby is born, we will proceed with the divorce. How does that sound?” He commented with a sorrowful smile.  

“Why don’t you go to hell?”  

“I will, with you by my side.”  

Her lips parted and closed in a display of anger. Her breath quickened. She stepped back, pointing her finger, adorned with red nail polish, toward him, declaring, "I hate you! You are a monster! A devil! I hate this baby! I hate you!" With that, she turned away, made her way to the bathroom, and forcefully shut the door behind her.  

Cloud sighed, his eyes focusing on a strand of hair that had fallen across Tifa's right eyebrow. He briefly considered moving it but decided against it. Perhaps it was wiser to maintain his distance. Just a few hours ago, she had been quite angry. A soft chuckle escaped him as he recalled that moment. However, his amusement quickly faded when she opened her eyes and glared at him. He blinks back at her innocently.  

“If you would just stop staring at me, maybe I could fall asleep.”  

“I’m sorry.”  

Tifa stated, her eyes narrowing as she directed her gaze towards him, "I wasn't the one who wanted to come along." She then shifted her attention to the front, her gaze piercing as she regarded the flight attendant who had come to her side.  

Cloud let out a light chuckle, saying, “I'm sorry about my friend. Could you get us a glass of water and some coffee? Thank you.” His smile faded as the woman began to prepare the drinks. “Could you please be nice?” he added, his smile returning as she presented the drinks. With raised eyebrows, Cloud passed the water to Tifa while he took a sip of his own.  

"No, thank you," she replied, raising her chin defiantly. "Referring to me as your friend is rather inappropriate, considering I'm now working for you." She narrowed her captivating eyes at him before turning her attention to the front and beginning to browse through a magazine. "In that case, Ms. Lockhart, I advise you to follow my commands," he stated. The pace of her page-turning slowed until it came to a halt. A charming smile, paired with a subtle smirk, graced his lips. "Not so clever with your words as you might think, huh, Teef? I believe it would be wise for us to find a way to work together harmoniously. I understand that your mother is unaware of your true intentions to stay under my roof instead of returning home with her after the funeral."  

Tifa turned swiftly to focus her eyes on him. His lips sealed tightly under the weight of her penetrating look. "What, then, is my real intention, Mr. Strife?"  

‘ Darn it !’ Cloud silently expressed his frustration. He wasn't prepared to tell her that he had discovered her true purpose for being in Midgar. He remained curious about the lengths she would go to in order to obtain the folder. The only reason he brought her along was to keep her from finding the folder while he was away. A lackluster performance. Although he understood that she wouldn't find it in the cabinets, he understood the depths of her determination.  

“I prefer to keep that to myself.”  

“Don't wager against someone when you know you will lose.” Her expression hardened. “I intend to go back to Midgar.”  

“Who says that you are not? Remember? You are now working for me. You are under my employment.” Cloud emphasized the final word as though it were of utmost significance to him. Following a brief victory, he took a sip from her glass of water, offering her a bittersweet truce that tugged at her heart. His opportunity to dominate the emerging battlegrounds seemed increasingly likely.  

Tifa placed her black suitcase on the bed, stretched her arms, and grimaced slightly. Home. The term "home" filled her with a profound sense of distaste. Shinra Strife had thrust it upon them as if they were mere peasants. Left with nothing, they had no choice but to accept it. Although the house was merely two stories tall, having a roof over their heads made it worthwhile.  

She moved towards the drawers and gently opened the top one. Inside, the letters were neatly arranged, each written by Mina. As she picked up the blue envelope, her thumb brushed against the textured paper with a soft touch. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she placed the envelope back where it belonged.  

“Are you alright?”  

Tifa shut the drawer, only to have her fingers caught, which startled her. She softly uttered a curse before turning to face him, asking, “What are you doing in here?”  

Cloud turned to face her, a look of confusion on his face. He gestured toward himself with a finger. "Me?"  

She clenched her teeth in response to the pain of her injured fingers and his performance. “Regardless of whether my mom allows you to stay here, you don't have the right to enter my room without my permission." She clasped her hands together behind her back, feeling her nails dig into her skin as he smiled and remarked, "The door is behind you."  

“I know.” Still, Cloud made no move to exit her room. Instead, he stepped closer and gazed down at her. A flurry of butterflies stirred within her stomach. She attempted to dismiss the sensation, scolding herself for such feelings. He offered a faint smile, stating, “There seems to be an odd, distant relationship between us.” She frowned, “I—” He hesitated and turned away. After taking two steps, he turned back to her. "What I meant to say, Teef, is that we should be joking around with each other like brother and sister-in-law, but we're not. You are—" He paused again. "You are rude to me."  

A thrilling wave of emotion surged through her. She felt an urge to laugh, yet she restrained herself. Did he just accuse her of being rude? With narrowed eyes, as if seeking clarification, Tifa took the final step forward and positioned herself directly in front of him. A playful yet earnest smile graced the right corner of her pink lips as she inquired, “Are you suggesting that I'm rude?” He responded with a nod. She straightened her posture and leaned back slightly. Was this man serious? Tifa shook her head, suppressing a laugh, and replied, “I’m not quite following you there.” “There’s—”  

Tifa raised her hand. Was the man trying to be kind now? “I don’t have time for jokes, Cloud. It wasn't my decision for you to stay in our house. Both of us are fully aware that a hotel awaits you somewhere out there. I wouldn't care—”  

"I understand, yet if I choose to leave, you are required to come with me." He smiled and continued, "You are working for me," as she frowned.  

“I don’t give a—”  

“I know, which is why you should stop trying to argue with the boss here.” Cloud remarked, his smile radiating charm.  

“You are wrong there. I never back down from anything." She raised her chin defiantly as he frowned at her. “At this point, it is you who is being rude, Mr. Strife."  

As though she were a child, he shook his index finger at her and said, "I would rather be referred to as Cloud."  

Tifa clenched her jaw, feeling an overwhelming urge to bite his finger off. In fact, she would go even further if the opportunity arose. His attractive features seemed to call for a slap, or perhaps two—one for each side of his face. He spoke as if everything were a joke, which only fueled her frustration. If he wanted to teach her a lesson, she would be more than willing to demonstrate how to properly treat a women like herself. When would she begin her attempt to seduce him?  

“And I would be grateful if you could refer to me as Tifa; thank you very much."  

He flashed that captivating smile once more, saying, “Anytime.”  

Hell. What had happened to her witty remarks? “You are being too kind.” Tifa lowered her gaze, and when she met his eyes once more, a flirtatious sparkle danced in her expression. A conflicting emotion pierced the depths of her heart. Mina. Despite her tightly gritted teeth, she managed a smile. She found herself unable to continue. She simply could not manage this.  

Tifa placed her hands on his chest, yet she made no move to push him away. She continued to gaze at him, her heartbeat racing uncontrollably within her. Although her hands trembled, neither of them noticed. Slowly, her lips parted, and she observed the faint bulge in his throat as he swallowed with difficulty.  

As Cloud lifted his right hand to intertwine it with her hair, she let out a quiet gasp. He seemed calm and composed. She closed her eyes as he leaned in closer. A soft sound emerged from her as he pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes narrowed, with tears threatening to spill as he pulled her closer, their bodies touching. When his tongue grazed her lips, she turned her face away and closed her eyes. His lips caressed her cheek, while her chin rested against his right shoulder.  

Tifa inhaled deeply, making an effort to keep her composure intact. His hands rested gently on her hips. She felt him loosening his hold, yet he decided to remain in that moment a little longer. Slowly, her eyes began to open.  

"What was that, Tifa?" He whispered gently, his lips brushing against her cheek. "Why did you gaze at me with such irresistible attraction?"  

"Did you assume that I was Mina?"  

A moment of quiet followed by, "Of course."  

With a trembling breath, Tifa uttered words she would come to regret for eternity: “I was looking for a no.” She tilted her head to meet his gaze. "Did you ever realize that I loved you before all of this happened?" she inquired. "Five years ago, I was the one who was attracted to you."  

Chapter Text

“Bloody hell.”  

Tifa chewed on her fingernails, overcome by a wave of anxiety and discomfort. For the first time in years, she found herself gripped by a profound sense of nervousness. How could she have acted so recklessly as to voice her thoughts in such a manner? Her aim had simply been to seduce him, not tell him another lie.  

A humorless laugh escaped her pink lips. How could she have uttered such absurd statements? ' Did you ever realize that I loved you before all of this happened? Five years ago, I was the one who was attracted to you '. She was furious. The words had come out both suddenly and slowly. Perhaps she had uttered it to draw him closer to her plan. This seemed to change his expression. The look of his paled face was full of disbelief. The light in his eyes had dimmed, and his alluring lips parted in astonishment. The silence in that room was thick—an unbearable quiet. If he hadn’t believed her words because of her earlier harshness, he would have believed her with the look of pain and affection in her eyes—the look of fake love. Fortunately for her, her mom interrupted the moment with a call from the kitchen. She observed him swallow hard before departing; his final words lingered in her mind as she closed her eyes.  

'Did Mina know?'  

God. How could Mina possibly be aware that she, Tifa, was here to seek vengeance? The last thing Tifa wished for was for Mina to overhear those poorly spoken words. But how could she face him once more? What prompted her to pose such a question? For years, she had not felt a sense of shame. Why was it surfacing now? Oh no, it wasn't that she regretted her actions. At this moment, she had only a small amount of self-confidence left. She will regain her strength once she successfully steals the intended folder. If only she could return to Midgar swiftly enough to prevent him from realizing that she had taken a flight back, she would successfully complete her first task.  

Taking a steady breath, Tifa looked out of the small airplane window into the vast darkness outside. All will be well. She shouldn’t be too overwhelmed. Before the first light of dawn appears, the folder will be safely in her hands.  

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing to land. Please make sure that you have all of your belongings before you evacuate. We hope you had a wonderful flight, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for your cooperation.”  

Tifa unfastened her seatbelt and rose from her seat at a relaxed and unhurried pace. She extended her arms and cracked her joints, feeling the need for a workout. The idea of going to a gym in Midgar was quite appealing. With her blue leather shoulder bag in hand, she made her way out. She had intentionally left her suitcase at the house to delay his return to Midgar. She had more clothes than she needed at his house. If Cloud were as foolish as she suspected, he would likely search every corner of Kalm before realizing she had already left.  

“Ti.”  

Tifa shifted her stance, taking off her sunglasses to direct her attention toward Aerith as she made her way through the crowd. A smile played at the corners of her mouth. "I was starting to wonder if you would show up."  

“I always arrive on time for anything.” Tifa passed the sunglasses to Aerith, who accepted them. She then retrieved the heavy glasses from her white shoulder bag and positioned them in Tifa's hand. "There is a button located in the right corner. Simply press it lightly, and you will be all set to take beautiful pictures."  

"This is nice, Aer, but I'm confident that I can retrieve the folder this time." She donned the glasses and used the bobby pins that Aerith had provided to secure her long hair into a bun.  

“I know.”  

"I need to change," Tifa groaned.  

"Your clothing is in the vehicle." Aerith gestured towards Bigg's sleek black Porsche stationed beside the curb. "Bigg is ready."  

Tifa expressed her gratitude with a simple acknowledgment. Taking a deep breath, she handed her bag to Aerith and proceeded towards the car. She entered the vehicle and settled into her seat just as it began to move. Within the confines of the car, the game continued. She was determined not to let this opportunity slip away. Eventually, Cloud would apprehend the thief, who was none other than herself.  

Tifa cast a brief look at her brown leather strap watch, noting that they had roughly fifteen minutes remaining until dawn. The vehicle came to a stop, the engine's soft hum fading into silence. As she exited the car in her silver stiletto heels, the door swung open, revealing Cloud standing before her. A mischievous smile curled at the corners of her mouth.  

“God damn, Biggs, you look almost like him.”  

“Of course, boss.” He chuckled, remarking, "I'm him." His fingers grazed the edge of the mask that extended down his neck. “However, it is rather uncomfortable.”  

“I know.” An unsettling sensation stirred within her heart. Why was this emotion resurfacing? It was merely a disguise. "Let’s hurry. I don't want to cause any delays." Rather than him pulling her forward, she grasped his blue plaid suit jacket and somewhat dragged him out of the parking facility. Tifa paused when they arrived at the corner of the building where the folder was located. She looked up at Biggs, who wore a frown.  

“What’s up, boss?”  

"Act like the fucking man."  

Biggs smiled and replied, “Of course. As you wish.” He moved ahead and led her to the entrance. They paused at the glass door, not bothering to check if it was locked; indeed, it was. Tifa observed the guard as he rose from his relaxed stance. Her heart raced in her chest. The man had been the night guard since the business began. It would be nothing short of a miracle if he didn't recognize Cloud’s voice.  

The glass door swung open once he had unlocked it and partially exited the building. “Mr. Strife? What brings you here at such an early hour? Don’t you usually arrive by eight thirty? It's only six-ten.”  

"I need to take care of some important business matters."  

Tifa's heart came to a stop. She tightened her hold on his arm. Oh, fuck.  

The guard's brow furrowed. “Is the sore throat getting to you early, Mr. Strife?”  

Biggs had the nerves to laugh as he cleared his throat. “Yeah, I have not been feeling well lately. Perhaps it would be wise for me to quit smoking.”  

"You still have your whole life ahead of you." He glanced over at Tifa, who softly touched the rim of her glasses. Stepping to the side, he opened the door wider.  

Biggs expressed his gratitude with a slight choke in his voice. Accompanied by Tifa, he entered the building. They proceeded in a normal manner, hearing the door close behind them as the guard returned to his desk. After taking twelve steps toward the elevator, the situation escalated. Tifa raised her hands to her ear and quietly pressed the button, saying, “Make sure the guard doesn’t come, Aer.”  

“Roger that, girl.”  

They stepped into the elevator and positioned themselves to face the door as it shut. Tifa began to count. Three minutes later, the door opened. They proceeded down the corridor with composure, passed the double doors, and arrived at the office. Biggs extended his hand toward the doorknob and muttered a curse.  

“Darn. It’s locked."  

Tifa growled softly as she cast a sidelong glance at the camera. It was still active. She lifted her hand to the earpiece and said, "When I give the signal, Aer, turn down the cameras." Turning her attention to Biggs, she commanded, “Kiss me.” He frowned in response. Frustrated, she clenched her teeth and insisted, “Kiss me, dammit.” Despite his lingering frown, Biggs tilted his head and leaned in to deliver a soft kiss upon her lips. Although their lips remained still, he took the initiative to draw her closer with his arms wrapped around her back.  

She swallowed hard. It was not Cloud; it was simply a disguise.  

“Cameras down with you two kissing on screen. Well played, Biggs," Aerith remarked with a chuckle.  

He stepped back, a teasing smile on his face, and remarked, "Thanks."  

Tifa, still on edge, glared at him and said, “Whatever. Hand me a wire. We must open this damn lock." A wire materialized before her eyes. She shot another glare at Biggs before swiftly taking it from his hand, cautioning, “Be careful.” She turned away and began to work on the lock. After a brief moment, they found themselves in the cold room, and her arms were covered in goosebumps. Dismissing the chill, she approached the cabinet.  

Biggs declared after her, “I will keep a lookout,” adding, “Hurry. We cannot spend the whole day pretending to kiss on screen."  

Tifa struggled to suppress the urge to kick him. Getting one particular man to kiss her was already a challenging task. She tugged at the cabinet, which responded only with a creaking noise. A mild curse slipped from her mouth: “Biggs, pass me another wire.” Without any delay, she swiftly grasped the wire. Was Cloud truly foolish enough to lock the cabinet following the first break-in? She had just managed to pick the lock on his door. How challenging could it be to unlock a cabinet?  

After opening the cabinet, Tifa thoroughly searched through the folders and finally identified the one she needed, situated in the center of the stack. She took hold of it and, after shutting the cabinet, rose to her feet. However, as she began to move, she stopped, glancing once more at the name on the folder. It was indeed the correct one, at last.  

“Come on, boss.” Tifa gave a nod and quickly exited the room. After closing the door, they resumed their previous kissing position. Biggs looked down at her with a smile and proposed, "Why don't we go wild with this one?"  

“In your dreams.” He shook his head as he leaned closer. Their lips touched, locked in a moment of stillness.  

“Cameras back on. I bet you are relieved, Ti.” Aerith’s voice came on.  

Tifa tilted her head slightly. “You can say that again.”  

“I’m not a terrible kisser, you know. If you would only allow me to."  

“It’s almost dawn. Come on. We cannot afford to waste any time; the workers will be arriving shortly.” She urged, gripping his arm as she moved down the corridor toward the elevator. A sense of relief washed over her.  

Upon hearing the elevator's chime, the guard turned to face them and cast a playful look in their direction. Tifa tightened her jaw in response.  

“Business, huh, Mr. Strife?”  

Biggs offered a slight smile and nodded gently. The man had been watching. Just as they approached the door, it swung open. Tifa suddenly stopped, pulling Biggs back. Although workers had begun to arrive, one person among them wasn't an employee.  

“Shit.”  

“What’s wrong?”  

Tifa remained silent; her gaze fixed on Cissnei as she approached them. “Don’t say anything,” Tifa murmured softly.  

"Your hands are on my fiancé," Cissnei stated firmly, extending her hand to grasp Biggs's arm. Tifa intervened, pulling him away. The woman's lips, painted a striking red, curved into a snarl. "I repeat, your hands are on my fiancé."  

“I know. But as you can see, he wants to be with me," Tifa stated, her jaw set firmly. "So, if you don’t want him to call up the security, I suggest you allow us to pass, Ms. Savage."  

Her mouth opened wide in a perfect circle, as though she were on the verge of screaming. Tifa's eyes shifted to her grasp, which had become increasingly tense. A sense of trouble had emerged. She clutched his arm with determination, engaged in a silent struggle.  

“Excuse me?”  

Tifa cast a look at Biggs. His thin, sharply defined lips had grown even thinner, and his expression had transformed into one of despair. He drew his thick eyebrows together, half asking her to help him and half asking God for a way out. Tifa exhaled in frustration.  

“You have the wrong person, Cissnei.”  

The woman lifted her chin, her lips trembling with anger. "What do you mean? Cloud is my fiancé, thanks to your sister.” A wicked smile formed on her lips. “I, naturally, will be a far more charming wife than that whore. The problem with-”  

Cissnei let out a piercing scream due to the intense pain inflicted by Tifa's heel, resulting in her breaking off contact with Biggs. Tifa, pleased with her actions, forcefully pulled Biggs closer to her.  

“Don’t mess with me if you know that you will get hurt. It’s not a warning, Cissnei. I don’t like playing baby games.”  

She cast a final, intense look at Cissnei before exiting alongside Biggs. Why did they have to encounter her? It had only increased the problems.  

“This Cloud guy is a really big problem.”  

Tifa acknowledged with a slight nod and responded gently, “Yes, he certainly is.”  

Chapter Text

Her dry lips opened slightly. This couldn't be real. She licked her finger, turned to another page, and once again found herself in shock. Tifa swallowed with difficulty. Impossible; it couldn't be true. It was the opposite. She quickly glanced at the name on the tab. It was indeed the correct one, but how could that be? She ran her fingers through her hair and bit her lower pink lip. The folder was the right one, but the information inside was wrong. Shinra Strife had stolen her father's chip; he wasn't its creator.  

“Darn it!” Tifa abruptly stood up, causing her chair to fall over. She quickly turned at the noise of the door shutting, her heart racing with annoyance as the man grinned even more broadly, saying, “You took it.”  

“Your mom was worried about you.” Her gaze remained fixed on his every movement, filled with unspoken anger. He approached her slowly, stopping mere inches from her. “Returning here without me was quite a bold choice.” His expression hardened. With a swift motion, he kicked the chair aside and advanced toward her. In response, Tifa stepped back, her back pressing against the cold surface of the desk. “And it was rather clever of your friend to take on my appearance, but..." His body came into contact with hers, causing her to jolt against the table. As she leaned back, he leaned in closer. His hands slipped beneath the back of her blue Y-neck pintuck blouse, making contact with her skin. She gritted her teeth, her eyes blazing with intensity. “He needs to kiss like me.”  

Tifa began to speak just as he pressed his lips against hers. His tongue swiftly entered her mouth without hesitation. She jerked violently as he wrapped her with his right arm and moved upwards. Her body fought against him, but it proved useless as he locked his legs around hers. His left hand grasped her jaw, limiting her opportunity to bite his lips.  

He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her as if mad. The kiss lacked passion or desire. Her fist was tightly clenched around the fabric of his dark suit jacket as he snapped her bra loose. She gasped, forcefully pushing him away but to no avail. With her eyes shut tight, large tears streamed down her face. He tilted his head and descended toward her neck. She bit her swollen lips, determined not to plead for him to stop. A sharp sting coursed through her at the point on her neck where his lips made contact. Then he stopped.  

Her breathing was heavy, mirroring his own. She stood frozen in place with him. The silence felt unbearable to her ears, yet she refrained from making any movement. She felt her bra slipping down, followed by his right hand moving along her skin. In response, Tifa pushed him away with force, establishing a distance of seven feet between them. She wrapped her arms around herself and turned her head sharply, casting a fierce glare in his direction.  

His head hung low, filled with shame, while his hands lay motionless at his sides, resembling the stillness of a lifeless body. She managed to suppress a startled sob as he lifted his gaze to meet hers, his expression hollow. He then moved forward a step.  

“Don’t you dare come any closer to me.”  

Cloud expressed, “Just let me help you.”  

“If you take one more step forward, I assure you I will report you to the authorities. Understand this clearly, Cloud; I will not think twice about it.” With her arms still wrapped tightly around her body, she raised her chin, making a determined effort to keep her lips from trembling. “Let me be.”  

“This is my house, Teef.” He moved forward. Each step he took caused her to shiver. Cloud stopped in front of her, casting an apologetic glance downward. He wrapped his arms around her waist and slipped beneath her shirt. She flinched, tightly shutting her eyes. “Stay still,” he murmured, looking down at her beautiful face. Tifa felt a flutter as his warm, fair skin touched hers. She realized he was taking his time. A soft sigh escaped his lips. When she opened her eyes, she found herself gazing into his. "It’s broken. I'm sorry."  

Cloud looked around the room, his arm still wrapped around her and beneath her shirt. They were in the library. It was an unfortunate situation. Casting a glance down at Tifa, he offered her a gentle smile, saying, “I will give you my jacket.”  

She started to distance herself from him, stating, "I don't need it."  

“Yes, you do,” Cloud insisted.  

Tifa turned her head away; her hatred for his eyes grew even more intense. The warmth of his arms moved away, leaving her with a sense of coldness. His jacket covered her shoulders before she fully realized it. He stepped back, and while this action provided her with some comfort, she remained cold despite the jacket. She thought he would leave, but he simply stood there, his eyes fixed on her. It was his house.  

She turned to pick up her belongings with one hand, while her other hand grasped the jacket tightly. Before long, her movements stopped as he gently placed his hands over hers.  

“I’m sorry, Teef.”  

She promptly pulled her hand back and turned away. Leaving the room would provide her with a sense of relief, but damn her nerves. Her feet felt heavy, and he had blocked her way out.  

“I’m not letting you leave until I get a response.”  

Tifa took a deep breath and asked, “What more do you want from me? My body? My life?”  

“I want your forgiveness.”  

“Over my dead body.”  

“Remember this; the outside locked this door. It’s a historical house, and I will lock you in here no matter what.”  

“Do it if you dare.” Tifa, displaying a lack of concern for his threat, stated slowly, “If you wish to kill me, go ahead, but I will not rest until I have avenged my father and sister.”  

Cloud gritted his teeth, his fist clenched at his side. "I have no intention of killing you, but being trapped in this library would leave you unable to avenge your father and sister. I understand you are searching for that folder, which is in my possession. Where is it?” He grinned maliciously, taking a few steps closer. She lifted her head to meet his damn captivating gaze. “It’s under my pillow, darling.”  

A soft gasp slipped from her mouth. He narrowed his eyes at her briefly before turning away. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the silence. She pressed her lips together again as her teeth began to chatter. The scoundrel. She should have kept the folder to herself. “What do you intend to do with them?” Although it pained her to ask the question, she found herself unable to hold back.  

Cloud came to a sudden stop. After a brief pause, he turned back and stated, "I will report that folder to the authorities, Teef, whenever I choose. What my father did is illegal.”  

“What a shame. You are just like him.”  

Tifa swallowed hard as his piercing eyes locked onto her. “Know the difference. While I share my father's blood, I'm not him."  

“Blood is the same.”  

His swift motion had no impact on her as he grasped her arm, scattering the folder and papers she was holding. Tifa gripped the jacket around her shoulders more firmly. With a mocking expression, he leaned in closer to her and asked, "Do you still love me, darling?"  

She desperately wanted to spit in his face.  

Tifa turned her head to gaze out the window and remarked, “As much as I hate to admit it, I still do.”  

Cloud firmly grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Then you are my prisoner of love. You have brought this upon yourself.” With a narrow gaze and clenched teeth, Cloud turned away in frustration. He approached the door but stopped as his right hand made contact with the doorknob. “I will ask for your forgiveness one last time."  

“In the way that you are acting, I wish for you to go to hell.”  

Tifa watched him as he inhaled deeply. “Then enjoy your time in this library. If you are considering escaping through those windows, I must inform you that they have remained sealed for years." He glanced back at her. "And I wouldn't be surprised if you were considering reaching out to Evan for help. He is unlikely to visit this place for his studies, as he has his own library. This room is located on the fourth floor, Teef, and Fran doesn't like the dark.” He briefly closed his eyes. “The main point is that very few people come up here, and until I receive your forgiveness, you will remain here. I hold the only key.”  

“That’s ridiculous. You won't have the guts to lock me in this room," she remarked, her teeth clenched in frustration. "I have a life, and it was you who assaulted me."  

For a fleeting instant, he appeared to be filled with shame, but then his expression solidified once more: "I accept apologies, Teef, and this is the first time in my adult life that I have asked for forgiveness from a woman who hates me. I don’t like to be rejected.”  

“Well, Mr. Strife, you just had.”  

Upon hearing her remarks, Cloud forcefully opened the door, warning her to choose her words carefully. He inhaled deeply and stated, “Had I wished to, I would have forced myself upon you. Consider yourself fortunate, darling.”  

“So, what stopped you from doing it?”  

The sound of him slamming the door shut startled her. Her heartbeat quickened. Oh, God. She felt as though her heart might leap from her chest if he were to glance back at her. Damn her smart mouth.  

Cloud spoke slowly, his gaze directed downward and his hands resting flat against the door. "Please tell me you did not just say that."  

Tifa remained silent; her lips pressed firmly together. Was she scared of him? No, never. Impossible. She was unafraid of anything, including him. He could walk over her dead body before she would ever offer him an apology.  

“Do you need me to ask you again?”  

“You can’t keep me locked in here forever. My mom would call.”  

“Changing the damn subject, huh?" He remarked with a humorless chuckle. "I will let you go free this time, but don't think I will be so forgiving next time." He opened the door again. “I will see to it that Lucrecia provides you with whatever you need, or I may choose to come here myself. Don't try any tricks. You won’t be able to jimmy your way out of this ancient lock.”  

“You wouldn't dare leave me alone in this room.” Tifa moved forward slightly, prepared to prevent him from locking her inside the library.  

“I am, and I will. I will be back up here tomorrow.”  

“Don’t you dare leave me in this place. Where am I to sleep?”  

Cloud carelessly shrugged, "On the cold floor for all I care."  

Tifa let out a low growl. Clutching the jacket firmly, she sprinted toward the door and slammed her body against it. Her eyes were tightly shut. “Damn it!” she exclaimed, turning to lean against the door. As she slid down to the floor, her back pressed against the door, she buried her head between her knees, her fingers anxiously pulling at the fabric of his jacket. What was her next course of action? Wait. There was no way she could do that. God damn the scoundrel. She would never offer an apology. He was crazy to think that she would ever do such a ridiculous thing.  

“Damn you! Damn you to hell!”  

Tifa raised her head, biting her trembling lips as she stood once more. After fastening his jacket, she hurried to the old wooden window, its glass framed in time. Her cold fingers struggled to lift the window, but a stubborn piece of wood jutted out, pricking her index finger. Frustrated, she struck the window, which sounded loose. What the hell?  

She approached and attempted to raise the other window, only to find it firmly secured. Had she predicted his quick return, she wouldn't have allowed the man to lock her in, and he was right; the doorknob couldn't be tampered with. How on earth did he realize that she possessed the ability to pick a lock? Tifa, filled with a mixture of anger and frustration, stamped her right foot and made a sound. Her eyes grew wide.  

With a naturally keen sense of direction, she was convinced, based on her time spent in the house, that his bedroom was located directly beneath her. The corners of her mouth turned upward slightly as her gaze wandered over the books that filled the shelves. If he planned to torture her by locking her here, she was ready to inflict double the torture on him while he slept.  

Chapter Text

Overcome with frustration from a restless night, Cloud made his way down the dimly lit corridor. Had he not recalled locking her in the library, he might have been convinced that a ghost was haunting the space. It was astonishing how she had possibly made so much noise. The last time he checked, she was skin and bones.  

Retrieving his keys, he unlocked the door and pushed it open. His gaze sharpened as he noticed the stack of books thrown across the floor. A clever woman, indeed. He forcefully closed the door, leaving a resounding thud in its wake. Where could she be? He surveyed the room, and a smile began to form at the edge of his lips. There she lay, peacefully asleep atop the expansive library table, which was large enough to accommodate a king-size mattress. Taking a deep breath, he stepped closer.  

Although Tifa was still asleep, the loud sound of the door should have certainly awakened her. He inhaled deeply and hesitated at the table's edge. She had positioned her hands beneath her head, using it as a makeshift pillow. Her hair fell loosely, concealing her face, while her small form curled tightly in his jacket.  

His lips drew into a thin line. She was cold in here, but he refused to feel guilty. He tilted his head at a particular angle and gently brushed her hair aside with his index finger. With a deep sigh, he swore under his breath as she unexpectedly opened her eyes.  

“Are you attempting to assault me while I'm asleep?” Tifa wrinkled her nose in annoyance, standing up from the table and jumping down.  

Cloud briefly closed his eyes. She had scared the hell out of him. Maybe there was a ghost up here. As she approached a bookshelf positioned against the wall, he followed closely and remarked, "You are coming with me."  

She whirled around sharply. "I don't remember forgiving you," she stated, her eyes and chin fixed stubbornly on him. As she turned, her hands sought an ancient book. Cloud attempted to lightly place his hand on her shoulder, but she countered with an elbow to his ribs. Letting out a soft curse, he grimaced and glared at her, wrapping his arms around himself. "Don't ever touch me." She clenched her jaw in response.  

He tightened his jaw and stood upright, as if recovering already. The pain was still there. “Are you hungry?” “Why does it matter to you?”  

“You are my prisoner, and I don’t starve my prisoners.” He ran his tongue over his lips. “I will accompany you to your room, where you will shower and have your breakfast. No whining.”  

Tifa slowly turned, narrowing her eyes at him. "I haven't offered an apology, nor will I leave. You stated it yourself yesterday. I'm a woman who remembers what others say, Cloud. I'm staying in here."  

"If you wish to avoid complicating matters, I recommend that you follow my instructions closely." He stepped forward and firmly grasped her arms. “Do you hear me?”  

She firmly pulled his hands away from her. “No, I don’t. You can give orders to others, but I’m not your servant, Cloud. You may keep me here against my will, but I will find my own way out, without any apologies.” She swallowed hard. “You are wasting your valuable time here. I’m staying in this room, whether you choose to drag me out or not.”  

His gaze lingered on hers before he shifted his attention to her lips. No, kissing her would only complicate matters further. He had already done that far too much. Then he directed his attention to the side of her neck. A pang of regret struck him. He had left that mark due to his uncontrollable rage and had kept her locked in. According to her, it was his entire fault.  

Cloud grasped her hand firmly and pulled her along as he approached the door. “What are you doing? I have made it clear that I'm not leaving,” she protested. Her other hand, now free, pressed down on his, her nails digging into his flesh. With a low growl, Cloud swung the door open forcefully. Irritated by her resistance, he dragged her out into the dimly lit hallway and slammed the door shut behind them. Breathing heavily, he turned sharply to confront her, pressing her against the wall.  

"I'm tired of your ridiculous attitude, Teef, and I mean it. Stop it right now. I hate these unreasonable arguments, and if you find them to be so enjoyable, I will give you the kiss you deserve." Cloud glared down at her, his hands braced against the wall, effectively trapping her. Unfazed, she lifted her chin as if to look down on him, though her size was much smaller. "Meaning, stop looking at me like that," he said. "You are well aware of the consequences, darling.” She clenched her teeth and turned her head away in silence. Cloud took a deep breath, relishing this small victory. He then stepped back and seized her wrist, prompting her to sharply twist in an effort to regain control. He swallowed hard but proceeded without hesitation.  

“Don’t try to run away. I will catch you.”  

Choosing to ignore him, Tifa turned and proceeded down the hallway. Cloud inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly. He observed her retreating figure dressed in his jacket and trailed her at a respectful distance. At this point, he knew she wouldn't attempt to run away from him; her pride was too strong. She would rather return to the library and find a way to leave on her own, without his help.  

Once she arrived at her room, she stepped inside and began to close the door. He pressed his palm firmly against the door. She turned back, her eyes filled with a fierce questioning gaze. He gestured towards her room, stating, “I will wait in there.”  

“You can wait in hell.”  

Cloud briefly shut his eyes before shaking his head. "I will wait in there," he ordered once more, forcefully opening the door without any prior warning and entering only to shut the door behind him. He scanned her room, pausing suddenly when his eyes landed on her. She remained still and instructed, "Go get clean."  

"I will do so once you leave."  

“Not a chance.” Cloud waved his hand dismissively as he approached her bed and took a seat. His gaze returned to her, sharp and focused. “I’m not in the mood for another argument. You can either clean yourself up, or I will take it upon myself to do so. I assure you, I will not hesitate, and that's a guarantee.” He had seen many movies and read countless books where a woman would back down from such a threat, but she remained unmoving by the door.  

Filled with annoyance and frustration, he rose from the bed and approached her. Maintaining his gaze, he unfastened his suit jacket, locking his eyes onto hers. Her eyes slowly widened, yet she made no attempt to push his hands away. He continued until the last button was undone, allowing the jacket to fall to the floor. Without hesitation, he then unbuttoned her black pants, unzipped the zipper, and drew her closer, placing his hands firmly on her hips before pulling the pants down. Biting his lip, he turned his head slightly to the side.  

“Go take a damn shower!”  

“You seem to have forgotten my shirt,” she spoke in a soft, alluring tone.  

“I said go, Teef!”  

As she lifted her feet from the fallen pants, Cloud sensed her gaze fixed upon him. He could hear her footsteps approaching the bathroom, causing his ear to twitch. Once the door closed behind her, he inhaled deeply. Damn the woman. When would she abandon her stubbornness? In all his life, he had never encountered anyone quite like her, aside from himself; she was the first woman he would admit to disliking. His ideal partner leaned toward a charming, devoted, affectionate, and dependable partner, while she represented the complete opposite. Perhaps that's why he fell in love with Mina instead of her.  

Exhausted, he approached the bed and collapsed onto his stomach. It was going to be a long day. He didn't allow her to leave the library to take a shower. He didn't care if she rotted in the room. Had she been aware of his reasoning, she would have fought not to come out.  

He didn’t know how long he had spent lying on the bed, but upon hearing the door open, he turned his head and caught sight of her. He found himself suddenly breathless. Tifa, dressed only in a white towel, cast a fleeting glance in his direction before moving towards the dresser.  

Cloud swallowed with difficulty. Despite not being his usual type, he found himself feeling an intense attraction toward her, one he had never felt with any other woman, not even with Mina. As she turned away to dress, he wondered in frustration, ' What is she doing? ' Did she not realize he was watching? His fingers gripped the mattress tightly. She was crazy, sexy, and hot. He swallowed again as her towel slipped to the floor, and she proceeded to pull up her black leggings. Gradually, she bent down to retrieve the towel, using it to dry her hair.  

“I wasn’t asleep,” he remarked, his voice husky and barely above a whisper.  

Tifa glanced back over her shoulder and stated, "I'm aware." She then turned to face him and asked, "Where are you taking me?"  

Cloud, pausing briefly, remarked, “First, we will have breakfast.” He was resting on her bed, and with a soft sigh, he lifted himself up. “What is it that you want?”  

“Anything to fill my stomach since yesterday late afternoon.”  

Cloud directed his gaze toward her. Was she attempting to make him feel guilty? He was indeed feeling that way, though he was unwilling to admit it. Instead, he remarked, “Come on then.” This time, he took the lead, with her trailing behind. He sat next to her as she ate her pancakes with a side of fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup without any hurry or sign of hungriness. She ate her pancakes slowly, perhaps in an attempt to irritate him even more. It didn’t work, but they arrived at the shop late.  

Tifa, who was sitting beside him in the passenger seat, directed her piercing gaze at the wedding store. "Come on," Cloud remarked, turning to look at her and noticing the tension in her throat as she swallowed.  

"I refuse to go inside." She then shifted her gaze towards him.  

“Cissnei wants you to be the maid of honor.”  

“What leads you to believe that I will attend your wedding? I would prefer to remain in that library, enduring torment for eternity.”  

Cloud stated in a calm manner, “You will go.”  

“For whom? Her? Or you?”  

“No, it’s for your sake.” Her eyes slowly grew wider, revealing a hint of fire. He disregarded her expression and proceeded to open the door. “You can either leave on your own, or I will come over there myself, just as I did before.”  

With her eyes fixed on him, she extended her hand and forcefully pulled the door handle, thereby opening the car door. “I’m not going in there by your command; I'm merely going in to observe the lovely yet unfortunate bride.” A hint of anger flickered at the corner of her soft, naturally pink lips. With that, Tifa then turned her body and exited the vehicle.  

Regardless of the circumstances, Cloud exited the vehicle and trailed behind her into the store. He assumed the lead midway, guiding her toward the group while holding her wrist. His gaze lifted slightly, observing Cissnei’s back as she donned the ivory wedding dress, featuring an off-the-shoulder design, a sweeping train, and adorned with sequins and beading.  

“Ah, the groom has arrived.”  

Gritting his teeth, Cloud unintentionally tightened his hold on Tifa's wrist as his future mother-in-law drew near, greeting him with, "Hello, Cloud." He allowed her to kiss his cheeks and then looked up at Cissnei. She turned, grasping the hem of her wedding dress, and raised her chin. After a fleeting glance in his direction, she redirected her focus to Tifa.  

“I’m pleased to see that you arrived here without any issues.”  

"Apologies for my delay, Cissnei."  

She let out a grunt as she let the hem of her dress fall to the floor. "Put on your tuxedo quickly; we have pictures to take."  

Cloud replied, remaining largely unaffected, "I believe we will begin when the time feels right for me."  

She directed her sharp gaze at Tifa and smiled slyly, saying, "You will be my maid of honor, as Fran has expressed no desire to fulfill that role and judging by your expression, it appears you are quite honored. I have already prepared a dress for you." She gestured with her right hand toward one of the attendants.  

“That’s very kind of you, Cissnei,” Tifa said, freeing her wrist from Cloud's grip. “However, I'm choosing to decline. It seems that neither my body nor my spirit will be present at your wedding."  

“Save your breath,” Cissnei said, dismissively waving her hand once more. "You will be the maid of honor regardless of your feelings. I had no intention of allowing you to spoil my wedding day so consider this your fortunate day." She lifted the navy-blue A-line V-Neck floor-length chiffon dress adorned with ruffles, displaying it proudly by the hanger. "This dress is quite costly, especially for someone from Kalm like yourself."  

“Enough, Cissnei.” Cloud approached and seized the dress from her grasp. He returned to Tifa, his gaze filled with intensity. Without hesitation, he threw the dress at her, allowing it to drop to the ground. "Go and try it on."  

Tifa lifted her chin, her lips pressing together. "I have clearly stated that I don't plan to attend your wedding. Are you deaf? Must I keep saying the same thing repeatedly?"  

“You are making a big deal over this. Just put the damn dress on already.”  

“Who do you think you are telling me what to do? Nobody, including you, Cloud, commands me to do things that I’m not willing to do.”  

He let out a low growl and took a deep breath, saying, "God, dam-"  

“Why did it take you so long to fetch Tifa, honey?” Cloud glanced down, meeting his grandma's kind gaze. A faint smile appeared on his lips before fading away. How could he have forgotten she was there? He inhaled deeply as she turned her attention to Tifa. "Where were you during dinner last night?" she inquired. "I had asked my grandson to find you, but he mentioned you were with friends."  

Cloud's attention slowly moved to Tifa, who stared at him intently, swallowing as she lifted her chin. "I was spending time with my friends. I trust that I haven't broken any house rules."  

“Certainly not, darling. Why would it?” The elderly Mrs. Strife gently placed her hand on Cloud's, offering comfort. Seated in her wheelchair, she looked up at him with a tender expression. “I believe it is unnecessary for Tifa to try it on, honey. If she is unwilling, please don't pressure her.”  

“I’m sorry, grandma.” He cast a brief glance at Tifa. Her gaze hardened with disdain, a silent curse aimed at him, not satisfied. “The wedding is scheduled for next week. I expect you to be prepared by that time, without any excuses." Her eyes flared with anger. Cloud regarded her with the authority of a leader. Although he had planned the wedding for the following month, he could no longer delay his work. "You ought to be pleased." With a difficult swallow, he lowered his gaze to his grandma and pushed her wheelchair to the opposite side, acutely aware of her piercing stare.  

Chapter Text

He released a puff of smoke and closed his eyes. "So, you plan to marry another while harboring feelings for me, eh, Ciss?" He opened his eyes in curiosity, raising an eyebrow. Cissnei smiled, crossing her delicate legs. She glanced at her navy satin peep-toe shoes and wrinkled her nose in reaction.

"Saying no is difficult for me, you know. Since I was a kid playing in the sandbox, I had been anticipating this." She ran her finger along the edge of the wineglass with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Despite the fact that I love you, my dear, I must make her life miserable. She is a major source of distress for me. Moreover, I cannot let anybody defeat me. You know this all too well, right?"

With a low grunt and a subtle smile, he remarked, "Of course." After finishing his cigar, he extinguished it in the ashtray. "However, remember this: if I find out that you are involved with him, I will take action." He chuckled quietly as he observed her eyes narrowing, adding, "Just like Mina, Ciss, you are mine."

“But he's to be my husband.”

Reno shook his head and replied, "Do you genuinely think I'm bothered by this? Just stay away from him. I can guarantee that he will not touch you."

“What do you mean?”

"You are entirely aware of what I mean, Ciss." He moistened his lips after enjoying a sip of his beverage. "He misses Mina. The unfortunate fellow. He never truly understood the reasons that led to Mina's heartbreaking choice to end her life." A soft chuckle slipped from his lips. "I treasured that evening spent with her greatly. Ah, such lovely memories."

Cissnei examined the dimly lit room, where the throbbing music from below echoed in the atmosphere. Occasional flashes of colored lights brightened the area. She shifted in her leather seat to find a more comfortable position. "That is quite remarkable of you." He raised his eyebrows with a blend of playfulness and seriousness. "Are you perhaps feeling a hint of jealousy?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees with his hands clasped together. “I didn't act upon your request, dear. I'm not one to take orders; it is others who follow mine.” He grunted as she responded with a slight smile. “You can rest assured that I will attend your wedding. There is no need for worry.”

Her eyes grew wide with disbelief. “Definitely not,” she said. His eyes were full of curiosity. She leaned back in her chair and inhaled deeply. "You will just make it worse." Her face shifted to one of disdain. “The maid of honor is already that whore of a sister. Your presence will only make matters worse.”

"Tifa?" Reno asked with a grin, reclining on the leather sofa and spreading his arms as if to embrace two women. "I will take care of her during the wedding. She will be mine," he declared.

“Are you confident in your capacity to complete the task? That woman tends to get in the way too much.”

The smile that previously graced his face disappeared. "What did I say to you earlier? I follow my own orders, and I will carry them out without fail." He pursed his lips, directing his stare upwards. "It has been a while since I last encountered her at the café." He narrowed his eyes at Cissnei. "Where the hell is she?"

“How can I possibly know? I don't keep up with your girlfriends."

Standing up from his chair, Reno walked around the coffee table and moved closer to her. His dark eyes were locked onto her as she shifted in her seat, recoiling slightly when he gently lifted her chin with his fingers.

"Don't try to outsmart me; I find it distasteful." He gently stroked her right cheek with his thumb, tilting his head playfully. "You are genuinely beautiful; are you aware of this?" He smiled as she nervously swallowed, "Stand up." As she rose, he blinked slowly, a grin spreading across his face. "When I tell you to keep your distance from him, I expect you to follow that instruction. This is not a matter of jest. If necessary, ensure he is intoxicated. I will not allow any of my women to sleep with another man. Do you comprehend, my dear? You witnessed what happened to Mina. The same outcome awaits you should you disregard my commands. I trust you will not, judging by your expression. However, should you choose to disobey, be assured that I will discover it." He patted her cheek. "Now, go and have a good time." Cissnei sharply turned her face away. His demeanor became serious. "You know the consequences, and I doubt you wish to face them." Reno placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. Leaning closer to her ear, he murmured, "I'm observing your every move. Do not attempt to mislead me; I'm fully aware of all your schemes. Now, go."

As she maneuvered around his figure and the sofa, her feet led her out of the room. His guards shared knowing glances, teasingly pinching her cheeks before they entered the room and the door closed behind them. Cissnei took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Even though she had never appreciated the scent of cigarette smoke, she had grown accustomed to it since her relationship with Reno. The man held power over her.

Tifa leaned forward, placing her chin on her knees as she softly asked, "What brings you here?" Cloud shifted his gaze to her. Sitting at the large table in the center of the library, she looked like a sad puppy. It was an adorable pose. He moistened his lips and moved closer to her. "I asked, what are you doing here?"

He remarked, "Your lunch," almost forcefully placing the tray on the table. "You ought to feel grateful that I don't let you starve." "Why did you not just have that little servant of yours bring it to me? I'm sure Lucrecia would keep my confinement in the library confidential," she responded, her gaze intense. "She bears a striking resemblance to you. Perhaps she's your long-lost sister."

Cloud remembered expressing to his wife, "A sock in your mouth would do me good." He further stated, "No one knows you are here, not even Lucrecia. I wish to keep you entirely to myself."

“They will soon find out. My mom will call, and my friend will come to inquire about where I am. Don't think that you can keep me hidden here, Cloud. I will discover a way to break free."

He disregarded her words with a nonchalant gesture, stating, "You may attempt it, but that promise will ultimately fail you." Cloud grunted and took a mouthful of pasta as she turned her back to him. He raised his eyebrows and smiled, adding, "Your mom did call you." He continued eating, taking another bite. She remained turned away. His expression shifted to one of scrutiny as he observed her back, wrinkling his nose in disapproval of her melancholic demeanor as he swallowed another mouthful. "What is the matter with you? You do not appear to be worried about her."

She adjusted her posture and took a deep breath, stating, "Do not meddle in my business. Focus on your own issues."

“I have invited your mom to attend the wedding.” He adjusted his position slightly to assess her reaction. "She will not be coming," Tifa proclaimed, exhibiting confidence in her declaration.

"In fact, she is," he commented, his forehead creasing as she flinched slightly. After taking another bite, he ran his tongue over his lips and shifted to the end of the table to confront her directly. "At that time, you will be heading back home."

Her eyes grew wide with surprise. He anticipated a reaction from her, but she stayed composed. Instead, she moved her legs aside and stepped down from the table. He tilted his head, intrigued. She approached a nearby bookshelf at a leisurely pace. The silence continued as she flipped through the pages of a book.

"I don't plan to return home just yet," she stated, her voice only a soft murmur, shattering the stillness. "You are wrong in that regard."

“Am I?”

Tifa responded with a nod and turned away, slamming the book shut with a loud thud. "You don't understand the purpose of my visit and the importance of that folder to me. Furthermore, you are unaware of the motivations driving my decision to stop your wedding."

He squinted at her as if she were the sun. "Why?"

She glanced at the book briefly before returning it to the shelf, saying, "Because I love you."

“That’s all?”

Tifa raised her chin in reaction to his slow reply, declaring, "You cannot understand the anguish I experienced when you decided to marry Mina. You are ignorant of the hardships I faced after your father imprisoned mine." A subtle smile graced her lips, and her eyes glimmered with feeling. "You remain unaware of the intensity of my affection for you, Cloud. You have no concept of the lengths I would go to for your love. If you choose to marry another woman, my life will come to a standstill."

Cloud remained silent as he gazed at her. If she had expressed her true feelings, why had he not been aware of them? When she admitted to loving him five years ago, he believed her words to be sincere. Yet now, he found it difficult to understand what those words truly meant.

“I ask you of this, Cloud, please don’t marry Cissnei.” She took a deep breath.

He knitted his brows in reaction to her request, briefly at a loss for words. Was he at fault? Had he failed to notice any signals from her five years ago? Why was she expressing her feelings for him now?

Cloud stepped forward and stood directly before her, gazing into her eyes in search of a response.

“You want me to marry you, then?” He knew that wasn’t an accurate question.

“I... Yes.”

He shook his head and said, "Why have you decided to disclose your feelings at this moment? What prompts you to declare your affection for me when you know it's too late? I'm in love with another person."

“But that individual isn't Cissnei.”

He recoiled and remarked, "Who could it be? That is exactly the reason I'm marrying her." He raised his chin and took a deep breath, continuing, "My wedding is set for tomorrow, and I'm truly delighted about it. Please do not try to ruin my day."

"You cannot mislead me, Cloud. Although you still love my sister, I recognize that your decision to marry Cissnei is driven by another motive."

He commented, "You are not showing any less affection for me, Teef," as he proceeded to the opposite end of the table where the tray was placed. "Eat your lunch." He began to head towards the door but stopped when she inquired, "Why are you trying to escape?" Cloud turned around, his gaze fixed on hers. She presented a mischievous smile, evidently satisfied with herself, and continued, "To wed Cissnei so soon after Mina's death would damage your reputation; I suggest you wait. She isn't the kind-hearted person you perceive her to be."

"I'm aware of who and what Cissnei is."

Her demeanor shifted. A wave of impatience surged within her. With a resolute tilt of her chin, Tifa moved closer to him, radiating confidence. "Are you truly doubting my love for you?"

"I never said that." With a sense of admiration, Cloud looked down into her soft yet courageous eyes. He felt an irresistible urge to hold her tightly and isolate them from the disturbances of the outside world. For many years, she had been the sole woman capable of evoking such feelings in him. What connection did they share? It couldn't simply be physical attraction. It couldn't be love. Absolutely not.

"Is it not feasible for me to express my affection?" She spoke softly, averting her eyes momentarily before lifting them again, her gaze brimming with affection.

"How do you plan to do that?"

“At times, your silliness is rather entertaining.” Unexpectedly, she pressed her hands against his chest, tugged at his black suit jacket, and kissed him. His eyes widened in astonishment. Tifa's method was not as tender as he had anticipated; instead, it was charged with a powerful desire. Without waiting for his response, she aggressively wove her fingers into the back of his hair, expressing her fervent passion. She tilted her head to deepen the kiss, though it was unnecessary since he had already initiated it.

This marked the second time on which she appeared to crave his kiss, yet it was the first time she took the lead to initiate the kiss herself.

Her lips hovered just above his as his tongue attempted to entwine with hers. Cloud held Tifa, partially supporting her as he pressed her to the table, which she had no idea when that happened. For weeks, her stubbornness had been driving him to the brink, yet it was her kiss that was truly overwhelming him. He gently released his hold on her hair and cradled her face in his hands. Yearning to strengthen their bond—a desire he knew would remain unfulfilled—he withdrew slightly. As his eyes gradually opened, he found it difficult to regain his breath from the kiss, softly stroking her cheeks with his thumb, urging Tifa to open her eyes.

"You now grasp the profound nature of my love for you," she whispered, her eyes slowly opening. "Promise me you will not marry her."

“I—”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Am I disturbing you two?”

Cloud directed his attention to the door, with Tifa mirroring his action. His eyes narrowed, brimming with curiosity. "Indeed, you are. How did you manage to get in here?"

"The door isn't locked," Aerith stated while indicating the knob and twisting it. "See?"

"Is it Ifalna?" Aerith answered with a childlike nod. "Can you give us a few moment." He then turned his attention to Tifa, stating, "I apologize, Teef. The wedding is set for tomorrow, and a brief kiss will not persuade me to call it off."

Cloud turned abruptly, reprimanding himself for his choice of words. A brief kiss? Hell, that kiss would linger in his mind for all time.

Chapter Text

"Put this on," Cloud ordered, tossing the dress at her without care. He glared at her as she glared back at him. After a brief pause, he asked, "Did you hear me?"

"I heard you," Tifa exclaimed, lifting her head abruptly before turning away and walking off. If he thought she would attend his wedding, he would need to kill her first. She refused to attend the wedding of a murderer or a man who had destroyed her sister's life. As she placed her hand into her right pocket, she felt the thick, folded piece of paper. It was her only means of escape from this trap.

She swiftly turned to face him as he approached, "Then put it on."

"I’m not going to put the damn dress on, Cloud. You're welcome to try it on if you wish; I'm confident it will look great on you." She suppressed a mischievous laugh as he turned red. As she had planned, she remarked, "If you would allow me some solitude, I will—"

"Don't waste my time, Teef," he said, grasping her arm. "Put on the dress, and this will be over. I cannot afford to be late for my own wedding."

Tifa stifled a yawn, covering her mouth, and remarked, "I have yet to brush my teeth or wash my face since this morning, and now it is already night." She then stretched and added, "I will not be attending your wedding, Cloud. You may do as you wish, but you cannot order me to go."

Cloud took a deep, frustrated breath. "Don't make this difficult for either of us, Teef. You know I will succeed in the end. Now, drop your stubbornness and wear the dress," he urged.

She shook her head in a childlike manner, stating, "I will neither wear the dress nor attend your wedding."

“You are the maid of honor, dammit!”

She arched an eyebrow and inquired, "Does it look like I care?"

With a scowl, Cloud approached her, seizing her arm and pulling her closer. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She attempted to push him away, but he yanked her forward once more, stating, "You can either put on the dress yourself, or I will do it for you. It's your decision. I did it last time, and I'm more than capable of doing it again. Would you like me to remind you?"

“I don’t think it matters.” Tifa glanced down before raising her gaze once more, her eyes reflecting a humorless amusement towards him. He averted his gaze in frustration. She blinked slowly, and he recoiled. Time seemed to drag on. Tifa then smiled and said, "So, Mr. Strife?"

Cloud scowled at her and released her arm. He turned abruptly and stopped. Silence enveloped them. Was he overthinking? No, he would never falter in removing her clothing again. He had done so previously; he would do it once more. She simply possessed too much pride to request it of him.

"I’m going to let you off easy on this one." Cloud glanced back at her, his gaze intense as he declared, "I will be back." "I know you will," she replied. She stepped closer, nestled her hands into his arm, and gazed up at him affectionately.

"Although you don't love me, I cannot prevent you from proceeding with your marriage. I would like to accompany you to the door." He shot her a hard stare. She disregarded his gaze and pulled on his arm, guiding him towards the door. With one hand in her right pocket, she retrieved a thick, folded piece of paper with a drop of sticky glue on it and concealed it in her fist, saying, "Enjoy your honeymoon."

“There’s no honeymoon.”

The smile faded from her face. She turned pale. "But surely Cissnei—"

“She’s the one who didn’t want to go on the honeymoon.” Cloud interrupted, freeing her hold on his arm. Tifa leaned against the doorframe, her arms positioned innocently behind her back, while she subtly reached for the small wooden hole. As he started to move and shut the door, she grasped his arm. He looked down at her with a frown, questioning, "Why this unexpected kindness from you now?"

Tifa innocently tilted her head and remarked, "It is merely a wedding gift." As her fingers approached a small opening, her eyes brightened. Feeling relieved, she promptly inserted the folded paper into the hollow space, pressing it in securely.

“Is this one of your—?”

“I hate being nice for now, Cloud. It would be best if you left.” Confident that the paper was properly placed, Tifa stepped back. She crossed her fingers behind her back, wishing he wouldn't notice the subtly concealed paper.

He scowled at her, hating the affectionate expression she directed towards him. He thought to himself that her demeanor was at odds with her earlier behavior. "I will not return to the house tonight, but when I do come back tomorrow, I expect you to be here. If you are attempting to escape, do not even think about it." He cast her one last glance, grasped the doorknob once more, and walked out.

Once the door was closed, Tifa grasped the knob firmly as he secured the lock. She listened intently to his footsteps echoing down the dim corridor. After a brief moment, Tifa yanked the knob forcefully, causing the door to swing open and knock her backward. Amused by her own folly, she brushed a lock of hair from her face and retrieved her cell phone.

“I told you I can get myself out. I didn’t even need your help.” Her lips formed an O shape as she gazed at her nails.

“Whatever. I broke into his house last night just to save your butt, yet you refuse.” Aerith replied, "I'm currently at his wedding enjoying some champagne. It is very enjoyable."

"I’m here to obtain the folder, Aerith. Kindly spare me the lecture," she stated, glancing at her yellow-gold-tone stainless steel watch. "It is already 5 o'clock. I have no intention of crashing the wedding. I wasted my kiss on him in an attempt to persuade that scoundrel against marrying. I was ready to kill myself when I said, I love him, five years ago."

“It was worth a try.”

“It was worth nothing. I betray my sister.” Tifa inhaled deeply and exhaled unsteadily, stating, "At 8:10, I will leave this room. I'm quite tired of being trap in here. He will not return tonight. I plan to go into his room to grab the folder. Please keep a watchful eye on him. I suspect he is aware of my plan to escape tonight. I must have looked suspicious. How frustrating." She ran her fingers through her hair. "I will get it tonight, Aer. My father will be set free."

"With a daughter of your caliber, I'm certain he will. Oh, it seems Zackary is approaching. I must leave now. Goodbye."

The call was disconnected before she had the chance to reply. Tifa let out a sigh and closed her phone. She left the door slightly open and approached the window. Her gaze turned towards the sky. She swallowed hard and placed her hand on the glass, saying, "Once I free dad from prison, I will find your true killer, Mina. I will not let you down. I assure you." A smile appeared on her face as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Cloud forcefully set the glass down. He positioned the cigarette between his lips, laughing like a madman. It had been a long time since he felt this good. Was it paradise? Indeed, it was. He was enveloped by smoke and the scent of alcohol. Music swirled around him.

"Come back to me, my darling, come back, for I love you," he sang, gazing through the glass of his cup. Nothing can rival this joy. Suddenly, a hand struck his back forcefully; he seized it, twisted it, and turned around, asking, "Who are you?"

“Dammit, Cloud, its just me, Kunsel!"

He squinted his eyes and inquired, "Who are you once again? I don't recognize the name Kunsel."

The man scowled and freed his arm from Cloud's firm hold. He took the refill glass of liquor from Cloud and consumed it himself, stating, "I cannot relate to this feeling as I have never been married twice, but you appear to be extremely intoxicated. What's going on?"

“Leave me alone.” Cloud stood up, spun around in confusion, and then sat back down, exclaiming, "Why am I feeling this way? I had no idea that iced tea could result in drunkenness."

Kunsel exclaimed, "Oh dear," as he took the cigarette from Cloud just before he brought it to his lips. "Your blood alcohol level is likely elevated now; I would wager it exceeds the legal limit." Kunsel patted Cloud on the back as he began to vomit, saying, "Just let it all out. While I have never been drunk myself, I have observed you in this state numerous times to understand how it feels." He glanced at the disapproving bartender and offered a shaky smile. "You might want to ask one of the waiters to handle the cleanup." After another pat on Cloud's back, he took a sip of his drink, adding, "It feels nice, doesn't it? Perhaps the best man should indulge in some drinking as well."

“This taste is nasty. What is it that I'm eating?”

"Your own vomit."

Cloud wiped his mouth with the cuff of his sleeve and rose to his feet once more. "Am I getting married?"

"Sure you are, but I don’t think you can go on like that. Perhaps we should consider postponing the wedding for—"

"No, I'm getting married," Cloud laughed, raising his arms in excitement. "I'm getting married. To whom?" He grasped the collar of Kunsel's ivory suit. "To whom, I ask?"

“Calm down, man. You are getting married to Cissnei. God, I hate that woman.” Kunsel forcefully removed Cloud's grip, seized the glass of liquor, and consumed it entirely, exclaiming, "This feels incredible! One more, please!" He then turned to Cloud, stating, "We are both intoxicated. Is this not the most splendid day for us?"

"Kunsel!" He turned abruptly towards the voice, his dark brown, almond-shaped eyes widening in surprise. "What are you doing?! You are supposed to fetch the groom, not share drinks with him!"

"God, Elena, there is no need to raise your voice so loudly. My eardrums are already quite sensitive."

She squinted her brown, almond-shaped eyes at him and grasped Cloud's arm, saying, "Listen closely, Cloud, you are about to get married, and there is no way you can evade this! Every man experiences the urge to flee due to the fear of marriage, but this is your second time!" She struck his cheek forcefully, exclaiming, "Wake up, for heaven's sake! You cannot abandon Cissnei out there by herself! If I were in her position, I would have already given you a beating!"

Cloud shook his head and directed his attention towards Kunsel's wife, stating, "Who claims I'm running away? I'm in paradise. I intend to marry. I'm on my way, dear. Wait for me." He wiped his mouth, turned around, and swayed, asking, "Am I drunk, Kunsel?"

“Why are you asking Kunsel the question? It is obvious that you are drunk, considering you are in the hotel barroom.” Elena tapped his temple and said, "How I wish I could kill you right this moment. I will escort you to your room, and... never mind. You will simply have to marry in this state. I don't care about your smell; it's your own doing." She grasped his arm firmly.

“You better help me, Kunsel. You are also partly to blame for this situation.”

"Women," Kunsel murmured quietly, noticing Cloud stumble. "If I get my ear pinched, you will be in serious trouble," he hissed into Cloud's ear.

Before Cloud realized it, he found himself at the altar, grasping his bride's hand. Kunsel stood beside him, offering support. He swallowed hard and blinked several times to gain a clearer view of his bride. A smile spread across his face, reminiscent of a madman. His Mina, no, it was Cissnei. Cloud shook his head and squinted at the woman before him. No, it was Teef. He shook his head again. It was either Mina or Teef. He briefly closed his eyes and then opened them slowly. From her radiant smile, it was Teef.

“Say you don’t.” Kunsel gently nudged him in the ribs.

Cloud narrowed his eyes at Kunsel, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him. He sensed that he might faint at any moment. Time seemed to accelerate. Turning to his bride, he managed to smile crazily and declared, "I do, Teef." His final words faded as he collapsed onto her. The last sound he registered was Cissnei's irritating screams echoing in his ears.

“Shit. What kind of man would lock his own bedroom door?” With each wire in her grasp, Tifa skillfully loosened the lock. She stepped back, glanced down both sides of the hallway, and forcefully kicked the door open. It swung wide, colliding with the wall. Tifa winced, not intending for that to occur. With a nonchalant shrug, she proceeded into the bedroom.

The initial sensation that greeted her was his presence, accompanied by a delightful aroma. It felt like paradise. Tifa inhaled deeply once more, overwhelmed by the wonderful scent and the sight of him lying on the bed. After a few more breaths, she slapped herself hard on the cheek, questioning her sanity. Dressed entirely in black, she approached his bed but suddenly froze. A piercing scream echoed, followed by the sound of a gunshot, plunging everything into a chilling silence. Her eyes shut tightly, leaving her in a state of distress. Her lips quivered, and fresh goosebumps emerged on her arms. She reached out instinctively but then paused to embrace herself.

This was the room where her sister took her own life. She could sense it. She experienced the anguish that Mina had endured. Her eyes gradually opened as the sensation faded away. A sharp pain pierced her abdomen. She winced, raising her black pullover shirt, her gaze fixed on nothing while her hand discovered a wound; then, it was gone. The pain vanished.

"Mina, why did you feel compelled to take such an action? I didn’t want to know that you killed yourself. Why did this happen?" Tifa murmured into the void. Without an answer, she inhaled deeply. Regardless of the circumstances, she was determined to obtain the folder.

Taking a step forward, Tifa wiped away the tears from her face. She knelt beside the bed, tucked her hands beneath one of the pillows, and felt something. Her heavy heart began to lighten. She swiftly retrieved the folder, grabbed a small flashlight, and directed the beam at the tab. It was indeed the correct one, thus far. She wouldn't be deceived again. Her fingers flipped the folder open, and her eyes scanned the first page. A small, contented smile appeared on her lips. She turned to the next page. It was undoubtedly the right folder.

Tifa swiftly rose to her feet, clutching the folder to her chest as she expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much."

"You are most welcome."

She turned her body towards the entrance, her eyes widening in surprise. He approached with a relaxed smile, halting midway. Her heart raced, and a chill ran through her veins as she believed she had finished her task. Why did he have to show up at this moment? If only she had...

“You now have the folder. Congratulations. You trick me, which wasn’t very nice.” He closed the final distance between them, his steps deliberate, unwavering. The moment his fingers brushed against her cheek, she gasped—soft, sharp, as if startled by the heat of his touch.

She tried to speak. Tried to form words, but they refused to come. Why now? Why, when everything inside her screamed to say something—anything? It was as if her lips had been sealed with invisible glue, trapping the storm of thoughts behind them. "I love my women willingly, Teef."

She managed to open her lips. In her attempt to communicate, she faltered. Once again, foolish phrases slipped from her lips: "What do you mean?"

“This is what I mean.” Cloud leaned in, slow and deliberate. She had time—time to move, time to stop him. But she didn’t.

His lips brushed against hers, landing softly yet firmly on her parted lips. A fire stirred beneath her skin, unfurling in waves, spreading everywhere.

As his mouth moved, shaping the kiss, she closed her eyes. She didn’t respond, didn’t pull away—just felt. His lips glided over hers, gentle yet insistent. His hands curved around her slender frame, pulling her closer, enclosing her in warmth.

A shiver rippled through her as he tilted his head, his breath hot against her ear, and then—a featherlight nibble, teasing, lingering.

"Kiss me. Don’t make me beg. I need you more than air right now."

Her eyes snapped open, sharp and startled, catching his gaze with unspoken questions. Instinctively, her hands pressed against his chest—firm, conflicted—half pushing him away, half drawn to the heat radiating between them.

Her breath hitched. The heat between them crackled, undeniable, dangerous.

"What are you doing?" Her voice was barely a whisper, a question drenched in hesitation, in something she wasn’t ready to name.

"I'm running from my wedding dinner, and I have something to share with you." He leaned back and gazed down at her beautiful face. “I married you.”

She shook her head and remarked, “You are crazy.”

He chuckled, "I'm aware." His fingers traced the sculpted lines of her face, slow and deliberate, as if memorizing every delicate ridge. His touch lingered, igniting warmth beneath her skin—each stroke a silent promise, charged with devotion and unspoken longing. "You're so beautiful." His voice was low, heavy with desire. He licked his lips, his gaze fixed on hers, eyes gleaming with restrained hunger.

"Why won’t you kiss me?" he murmured, his breath a whisper against her skin. "I’ve wanted you for so long, Teef. I’ve dreamed of you naked—of having you, of holding you." His fingertips brushed the air just shy of her skin, his need almost palpable.

"Say you want me." His voice tightened, raw and aching. "Just say it. Please."

"You're drunk. It's your wedding night." Her voice was steady, but beneath it, a tremor—one she couldn't quite suppress. "You're a married man again. This is your night with your new bride, not..." She hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "Not with me."

She pushed him away, her hands firm against his chest, though the heat of him lingered on her palms.

"I need some air."

"Let me give it to you." Cloud leaned down, his lips brushing against hers—a featherlight touch, lingering but hesitant. He didn’t deepen the kiss, didn’t move beyond the quiet invitation. His breath mingled with hers, warm, waiting.

His eyes locked onto hers, dark with something desperate.

"You said you love me," he murmured, his voice rough with longing. "Show me. I need it, Teef—I need you. I'm burning inside, and nothing else will soothe it."

His words hung between them, heavy, aching, and pleading.

"Show me."

Cloud tilted his head, claiming her lips again, this time with more certainty, more hunger. His hands slid around her frame, pulling her closer, molding her against him. He needed her to respond—to feel this fire, this ache, to want him as much as he wanted her.

Tifa sighed, but he stole the sound, swallowed it with his kiss. Her eyes remained open, searching, fighting against the pull of the moment. No—this was wrong. She shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t be kissing her, shouldn’t be wanting her.

And yet, the worst truth of all was that she shouldn’t be wanting him.

But the longer she hesitated, the longer she let his warmth press into her, the more the fire inside her burned—growing, spreading, threatening to consume her completely.

If she kissed him, she knew it wouldn’t stop there. It would go further, deeper, past the point of no return. She knew it would be wrong—an unforgivable mistake. She knew she would be betraying her sister.

But…

Tifa’s eyes fluttered closed as her arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer, pressing into his warmth. His tongue slipped past her lips with unrestrained hunger, and she groaned, the sound swallowed between them.

Madly, her hands roamed his back, then tangled into his hair, knotting her fingers with reckless desperation. The kiss escalated—dangerously, feverishly.

Then, he moved first—his breath ragged, his restraint snapping. With a sharp tug, he tore open his white collared shirt, buttons scattering onto the floor. She didn’t hesitate. Her hands found the fabric, pushing it off his shoulders, her fingers skimming over his heated skin.

“No, I can do it,” Cloud murmured against the kiss, breathless but resolute.

He kicked his black leather shoes off in frustration, the sound of them clattering against the cold, wooden floor a stark reminder of the long, tiresome day he had just endured. His belt followed suit, its buckle loosening with a satisfying click as he unbuckled it, the metal cold against his skin.

Before he had even fully undressed, his hands were already on her, landing possessively on her hips. His touch was hungry, eager to claim her, to touch every inch of her skin. He deftly slid his fingers under her shirt, ready to peel it away from her body. She let him do as he pleased, willingly surrendering her garment to him, not even resisting the pull as it rose above her waist.

Simultaneously, she began to undress herself, her nimble fingers working on the buttons of her black high-rise wide-leg cropped jeans. With a swift, fluid motion, they were unfastened and then tugged down her legs, revealing toned thighs and the soft, enticing curve of her hips.

Her fingers grazing his arm for just a second—just enough to send a spark along his skin. "It’s hot in here."

"I know, but we are almost there, baby." Cloud's breath was hot against her ear as he pulled his black tuxedo trousers down, the urgency of their situation reflected in the haste of his movements. His lips met her neck hungrily, sucking and biting as he savored the taste of her skin.

As he lifted her higher, Tifa's legs instinctively wrapped around Cloud's waist, her desire for him mounting with each step they took.

As they crossed the threshold into the intimate sanctuary, Cloud's steps faltered for a moment, his grip on Tifa unwavering.

He laid her down on the bed gently, as if she were a precious gem, not wanting to mar its beauty. His hands cradled her head, a gesture of a true gentleman. As he leaned in, their lips met in a tender kiss, a soft dance of tongues and sighs.

He moved slowly, savoring the moment, trailing kisses down her neck, tasting the sweet skin that lay beneath. A gentle sniff filled his senses as he inhaled the delicate aroma of roses that emanated from her hair. The scent intoxicated him, making him feel as if he were in an enchanted garden.

His hands roamed her body, tracing the delicate curves and dips that made her uniquely her. The touch sent shivers down her spine as her body arched in response, a soft groan escaping her lips.

Her hands mirrored his, running down his chest, feeling the muscles that rippled beneath her fingertips. They traveled up his neck as their lips met once more, a fire burning between them.

"Promise me you won’t regret this," he whispered, his voice laced with something unspoken—hesitation, hope, maybe even fear.

Tifa swallowed thickly, the weight of her choices pressing against her chest. They were already on the verge of no return, and to step back now felt like tearing herself apart. The air between them was tight, charged with something unspeakable—fear, desire, or maybe both.

She felt the shame curling at the edges of her thoughts, threatening to pull her under, but she couldn’t turn back. Not now. Not after everything.

Bringing him closer, her fingers trembled ever so slightly against his skin. “I promise,” she whispered, the words barely escaping her lips.

Chapter Text

“Tifa, Mr. Strife wants to see you in his office. He said now.”

Her pulse quickened. Now? That single word carried weight—too much weight.

She sighed, tapping the end of her pen against her notebook before looking at Kyrie, a small, amused smile tugging at her lips. "Well, tell him that I'm busy."

"He stated that it is urgent."

"Well, my work is urgent, too." Tifa didn’t bother masking the edge in her voice this time. She tossed the pen onto the desk with more force than necessary, the sound snapping through the silence like a warning.

Her fake, practiced smile vanished, replaced with something colder—something real.

"If that scoundrel wants to talk to me, tell him to come into my office. If he doesn’t have the nerve to come see me face-to-face, then you can also tell him that the partnership contract has just been shredded."

Kyrie’s eyes widened, her fingers twitching at the edge of the door. “Alright, I will tell Mr. Strife just that.”

The words came out a little too quickly, a little too forced. A shaky smile flickered across her red-painted lips—an attempt at composure that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Tifa didn’t move, didn’t blink.

She watched as Kyrie hesitated for just a second longer before she shut the door—slowly, almost carefully, as if fearing what might come next.

Silence settled in the office like thick air, pressing against Tifa’s shoulders.

Tifa inhaled slowly, held it, then let it out in a breath that barely steadied her shaking hands. Then again—inhale, exhale—but the ache in her chest didn’t fade.

Her gaze dropped to the folder on her desk, the edges sharp, cruel, a tangible reminder of something she couldn’t undo. A stabbing pain twisted in her stomach, spreading like fire, because last night—last night had felt like a dream. A dream she had wanted for so long to share with a man, had clung to like hope, like salvation.

And now—what had she done?

To herself? To her mother? To her father? God dammit, to her sister?

The weight of it crushed down on her, relentless. She pressed her fingers against the cool surface of the desk, as if grounding herself could somehow erase the choices she had made. But the truth lingered, unwavering, impossible to deny.

A small cry slipped past her pink-colored lips, barely more than a breath, raw and unrestrained. She let her forehead meet the desk with a dull thud, the impact doing little to quiet the chaos in her mind.

What had gotten into her last night?

She had never wanted him. Never admired him. Never even loved him, never even entertained the thought. Not once. She had only hated his guts.

And yet—this.

What had she done by hating him? By letting that fire fester, burn, and twist into something reckless?

The question ran through her mind, relentless, refusing to quiet.

What had gotten into her?

There was no answer. Not even one to soothe her, to convince her that somehow—someway—everything would be alright. Because it wouldn’t. Nothing would be alright.

Nothing.

Her throat tightened, her pulse drumming beneath her skin as she tried to piece together the fragments of last night—the reckless touches, the whispered promises, the way she had reached for him like she needed him.

Why?

What had made her pull him closer? What had made her say those words—‘I promise’—as if she meant them? What had made her kiss him like she had never been kissed before?

Her hands curled into fists, nails biting into her palms, but there was no pain—not like the one twisting inside her. This wasn’t supposed to happen.

And yet, it had.

A sob caught in her throat, strangled, barely escaping past her lips.

No. No, it couldn’t be real.

Her head felt chaotic, thoughts crashing into one another like waves in a storm, frantic and unrelenting. She had never wanted this. She had never thought of being in the same bed with him, never imagined what it would feel like to kiss him—and yet, her body had moved on its own, pulled towards him the moment his lips found hers.

Why?

She had fought him before. Pushed away his other demanding kisses, refused him in a way that should have made this moment impossible. And yet—when he kissed her last night, she hadn’t pulled away.

Her hands trembled as she clutched the desk, the cool surface doing nothing to ground her.

What had changed?

And—was she ready to face the answer?

Tifa inhaled deeply, willing the dizziness away as she lifted her head. It washed over her anyway, a reminder of how much her body and mind were out of sync. Just great.

She wasn’t in the mood for a conversation—not with him, not now. Not when her temper had already frayed the moment she had woken up and found him gone.

The bed beside her was cold. The room was untouched, as if last night had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion. Coward.

She gritted her teeth. He had run, walked away like nothing had happened, leaving behind only silence and unanswered questions.

"Curse you," Tifa whispered, the words barely escaping past her lips, brittle and raw.

And yet—perhaps she was lucky. Lucky not to see his face when she woke up, lucky that the ghost of him remained only in memory rather than standing before her.

But the relief was thin, fleeting. Because shame sat heavier.

She wrapped her arms around herself, as if that might keep the weight of it all from swallowing her whole. She needed a place to disappear, to shrink away into the shadows where no one could see the foolishness that clung to her skin.

This was her fault. The reckless mistake of giving in—giving herself to someone she had never truly wanted, never truly loved.

And now, the consequences wrapped around her like a suffocating embrace.

She needed to hide.

Where was that little corner?

“My office or yours—it doesn’t make a damn difference.”

Cloud slammed the door shut behind him, the sharp crack of wood echoing through the room. The air shifted, heavy, charged.

He closed the distance in a few strides, his hands smashing onto the desk as he leaned forward.

Tifa startled, a small jolt running through her body before she stilled, willing herself to hold firm. She met his gaze—not because she wanted to, but because she refused to let him see how much he affected her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

His voice was low, edged with something unreadable—anger, betrayal, or something else entirely.

“Tell you what?”

“That I was your first, god dammit!”

Tifa squinted at him and asked, "What is the issue with being intimate with a woman who is a virgin?"

His face reddened, a stark contrast against the cool light spilling through the window. For a fleeting moment, Tifa swore she could see steam rising from his ears.

Cloud took a step back, straightening, as if forcing himself into composure he didn’t quite possess.

Tifa swallowed, the weight of the air pressing against her skin, thick and stifling. The room felt hotter—or maybe that was just her.

“Nothing’s wrong with it,” he said, voice rough, hesitant—too hesitant.

And then again, "Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t ask.”

His expression became stern. “The hell with it. Stop being so calm.”

Her? Calm? Nonsense. She was shaking inside so badly. “If this is the only topic you wish to discuss, the door is right behind you.”

"I know you're scared to talk about last night, Teef." He smiled, unfazed, as she narrowed her eyes menacingly. "I still would have locked you in that library."

With her chin raised defiantly, she inquired, "Why did you not?"

His smile broadened. "It is because you have forgiven me."

Her complexion became somewhat pale as she stated, "I don't remember indicating that I did. It seems you were merely dreaming."

“Actually,” Cloud paused briefly while circling the desk. Tifa swallowed hard. The sound of fingers gliding over the blinds tickled her neck. "That splendid evening we shared last night was indeed real." Her cheeks flushed with color, "I know you enjoyed it just as much as I did. You cannot deny it, Teef. You accepted my apology without hesitation."

“And you are here to make fun of me?”

“No.”

Tifa jolted to her feet at the unexpected touch on her shoulder. Spinning around, she gasped—his face was barely an inch away. His breath brushed against her cheek and neck, and warmth flooded her face at the memory of the night before.

"I came here to ask you why." He paused, his voice steady yet uncertain. "You could have refused me, and I would have left you alone. But you didn’t. Why? Was it the exception of your love for me?"

I wanted you.

Bashful answer.

Tifa remained silent. Cloud waited, watching—searching—but when no answer came, he shifted back, only an inch, as if giving her space. "I’m making this hard on you, aren’t I?" His voice was quieter now, almost resigned. "Fine. Let this be known to you, Teef—I know that you don’t love me." He let out a low grunt, his gaze flickering as if confirming his own conclusion. "I see the change in your face. It’s true, after all." He inhaled sharply. "You never loved me." Then, as if suddenly struck with bitter amusement, he tilted his head, pretending to think. "Let me guess… You just want me in bed."

Her eyes widened in bewilderment. She stumbled back, only to hit the edge of her desk. Her lips trembled with anger, her breath shallow, before she raised her fist and drove it hard into his jaw. Cloud jerked back from the blow, teeth clenching as the shock rippled through him. His hand worked the muscle of his jaw, flexing it—too stunned to even glance at her.

Tifa drew in a sharp breath, animosity thick in her voice. "You’re just like all men—a pitiful bunch." Cloud finally met her gaze, and she gasped. Anger flared dangerously in his eyes, burning with something fierce and unrestrained. He looked like a man on the brink, coiled tight, ready to explode. She swallowed hard but refused to acknowledge the nervousness creeping into her. Instead, she forced the words out, steady, defiant. "I regretted it."

The silence after her words hit like the aftermath of an eruption—smoldering, suffocating. Tifa stood frozen, battling the tremor within, waiting, watching for his next move. When he finally shifted, rolling the muscle in his neck, she flinched—just slightly, but enough. A flicker of uncertainty ran through her.

Since when had she ever feared him? The realization crept in, unwelcome. And then, his gaze, slow and deliberate, locked onto hers. He had seen it. He knew.

Tifa barely had time to react before she was yanked against his chest, her breath catching as he leaned in. His eyes—burning, unreadable—lowered to hers, filled with something sharp and unforgiving. He blinked, slow and deliberate, stretching the moment like an unspoken threat.

A shudder ran through her as his hand ghosted towards her back, and she fought against him. But Cloud held firm, his grip unyielding. Her hands—trapped, caught in his fist behind her—couldn’t break free. Then, his other hand moved lower, resting against her hips, a motion too certain, too deliberate.

"You promised me you wouldn’t regret last night, Teef," Cloud growled, holding her still as she struggled against him. His grip tightened for a fraction of a second before his body pressed closer, his breath a warm contrast to his harsh words.

"Now, why are you taking back your words?" His voice softened, almost coaxing. He leaned in, lips brushing close to her ear. "Or should I remind you—show you, just like last night—so you remember?"

"The hell with you," Tifa spat. "Such a pity. I would rather die than promise anything to a man like you. You were drunk."

"Wrong answer, darling," Cloud said smoothly, a sly smile curling his lips. "Yeah, I was—but then that damn wedding planner had to ruin everything for me. Woke me up with some choking spray—turns out, that stuff actually works."

He huffed a small laugh, shaking his head. "Then she poured lime juice down my throat. That really ticked me off. And to top it off, she slapped me. Hard." He chuckled, as if the absurdity of it all amused him now.

“Serves you right.”

Cloud scowled, but his smirk followed fast. "That’s the best part, actually. If she hadn’t woken me up, I wouldn’t have had such a great night with you." His smile deepened, watching as her face hardened. "You were great."

Tifa’s eyes narrowed, frustration threading through her voice. "Why are you taking this out on me? Just because my sister died, you can’t expect me to become her. I’m not her, Cloud. I may be her twin, but we are not the same person."

"Shut up." His voice was low, strained—more than just frustration behind it. His grip tightened, firm but not reckless, holding her in place.

"You’re not the only one who misses Mina." Her voice sharpened, filled with raw emotion. "What about me? What about my mom?" She took a breath, unsteady now. "What do you think my dad will do when he finds out?”

"I'm her twin. You don’t know what it’s like—being apart, being torn from something that was always supposed to be there. You don’t know how it feels." Her words faltered, softer now, trembling at the edges. "Especially when one… betrays the other."

Cloud’s eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment, his jaw tightening. "I don’t want to hear anything about Mina, Teef." His voice was flat, but there was something beneath it—something unresolved.

"She’s my sister, you monster." Tifa swallowed hard, struggling against the lump in her throat as tears slid down her face. "I feel ashamed—I slept with my sister’s husband."

Her breath hitched as she forced herself to continue. "Do you know the last thing that crossed my mind before it happened? Mina. I know she would never forgive me. And yet…" Her voice trembled, and she squeezed her eyes shut. "I admit it—it was you. I wanted you. How could I have stopped myself?"

The words unraveled her, shaking her resolve. A sob escaped, strangled and broken, as she lowered her head. She had tried so hard not to cry. "I regret it. I never wanted to promise you. I didn’t. I didn’t."

Tifa squeezed her eyes shut. She pulled against his grip, wanting to hide her face, but his hold refused to loosen.

"I promised myself I wouldn’t cry after Mina’s funeral," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I promised I’d find the folder to get my dad out of prison. I promised."

Her words faltered—not because of the lump tightening in her throat, but because of the truth she couldn’t speak. She still had to get her revenge. For Mina, “I—I’m sorry. I…”

Tifa tore herself free, jerking out of his hold. With shaking hands, she wiped at her cheeks, banishing the evidence of her tears. Weakness was not her term—she had never been weak, and she would not start now.

She sucked in a sharp breath, the tremor in her voice betraying her resolve. "Don’t you dare apologize. I don’t want to hear another word from you."

Her chest rose and fell unevenly, fury laced with something deeper—grief, rage, maybe even exhaustion. "I have never spoken my feelings to anyone since you took Mina away. I would have died before saying anything to you."

His shoulders sagged slightly, his tone quieter now, almost resigned. "Tifa… lower your voice."

Tifa’s voice crack, frustration tangled with grief. "Why are you being so calm now? This is an argument. We’re supposed to be fighting. We’re supposed to be yelling."

A small, choked hiccup escaped her lips, breaking whatever resolve she had left. "I’m a fool—crying over nothing. But why am I crying?" Her breath shuddered as the answer twisted inside her. "Because I betrayed my sister. Because I lost myself to a man I don’t even love."

Tifa’s words faded into nothing, swallowed by the weight in the air. It was startling, really, how quickly the heat of the room had cooled. Now, her lips trembled—whether from the chill or something deeper, she wasn’t sure.

She drew her arms around herself, a weak, absentminded gesture. The tears on her cheeks had hardened, dried thick against her skin. Her eyes, red with exhaustion, had lost their sharpness, returning to their usual hue.

Silence. Thick, consuming.

She could feel his gaze on her—warm, lingering, and unbearable. Too ashamed to meet it, she turned away. He moved a single step forward. And then—

The phone rang.

The sound sliced through her, chilling her to the core. Then, the sharp click of someone picking up—a man, impatient, his voice cutting through the air.

"What do you want?" The words were blunt, clipped—no patience left in them.

Nine seconds passed. Then, without hesitation, he slammed the phone down.

The knock came next.

Tifa's head tilted slightly, instinct sharpening, anticipation creeping in. Silence lingered—brief, suffocating. Then, the door creaked open.

Her eyes narrowed, slow and calculating.

"Well, well, well—look what we have here. If it isn't my newly wedded husband and his late wife's sister." Cissnei’s voice dripped with mock amusement as she pushed the door closed, letting the blinds rattle against it.

Her sharp gaze flicked to Cloud, assessing, calculating. Then, she tilted her head just slightly, her red-colored lips curling into something unreadable. "What exactly are you doing in here?"

Cloud barely glanced her way. "It’s none of your business, Cissnei." His tone was flat, lacking any patience for the interruption.

Cissnei wrinkled her nose at the disdain in Cloud’s voice, unimpressed but not deterred. "Of course it’s my business," she said smoothly, tilting her head. "I’m your wife now, your precious wife. Who else could possibly be more important than me?"

She let out a small grunt, shifting her gaze to Tifa, amusement flickering in her sharp eyes. "Too bad you didn’t come to our wedding," she mused, her smile just a little too sweet. "We had a fantastic time."

Then, after a deliberate pause, she added, "Especially after the wedding dinner."

Tifa’s lips pressed into a small, knowing smile. How amusing, really, to watch a woman fabricate a wedding night that never happened—especially when her husband had spent it tangled in another’s arms.

She drew a breath, steadying herself, pushing away remnants of tears she refused to acknowledge. Then, without meaning to, her eyes flicked to Cloud.

He looked back. Just for a second. And then—he looked away.

A sharp, unwilling pain cut through her, unexpected and unwelcome. Her teeth pressed into the inside of her lip as she exhaled, the air filling her lungs but doing nothing to ease the sting. He wouldn’t admit it—not to anyone else. Not to Cissnei, not to the world. But to her?

Oh, to her, he had bragged like his life depended on it.

"That’s very nice," Tifa murmured, voice low and controlled. "I had a horrible time last night, but I managed."

Her eyes, locked onto Cloud, refused to waver.

She wasn’t waiting for sympathy. Wasn’t asking for explanations. But she expected something.

Cloud shifted his gaze toward her, slow and measured. "I had a great time last night."

His tone was light—too light. Intentionally so. A contrast to the storm lingering between them.

Cissnei laughed, light and easy—too easy. "Of course you did, Cloud. We really did, didn’t we?"

She flipped her freshly curled red hair over one shoulder, slipping an arm under his. "Let’s go. It’s too stuffy in here. Besides, I ordered us food and drinks. Hot pot, my favorite."

She tugged at his arm.

He didn’t move.

Her eyes squinted at him, annoyance flickering before curiosity took over. Then, as she followed his gaze, her lips curled slightly—until she realized.

Cloud wasn’t looking at her.

He was staring at Tifa. Tightly. Unwavering.

A sharp panic clawed its way into her chest. Her blood turned hot, pulsing, rushing, and her heartbeat picked up speed.

Before she could let out another frustrated word, Cloud’s hand closed around her wrist.

"Let’s go eat your damn hot pot."

The words were clipped, his grip firm. He didn’t hesitate—didn’t give her a chance to argue—as he pulled her toward the door.

Cissnei gasped, loud and startled, the sudden force catching her off guard.

Tifa scowled, resentment curling deep in her gut as the door shut behind them. That look in his eye—it clawed at her, unsettling something she couldn’t quite push away.

She exhaled sharply, the breath uneven. Then, without thinking, she lashed out—a swift kick to the edge of her desk. It didn’t help.

Her gaze snapped to the window, desperate to focus on anything else. Bloody hell. She had let herself cry in front of him.

Chapter Text

Tifa swiftly wiped away her tears as the elderly man opened his arms wide. Laughing and crying simultaneously, she dashed forward and enveloped herself in his warm embrace, her face nestled against his chest. He gently stroked her hair, cooing to her like a child. A choking sob lodged in her throat. She pressed her face against his white button-up short-sleeve shirt, unable to believe that the man she hadn't seen for five years was finally cradling her like a baby. "There now, I’m back. Hush, sweetheart, or you’ll spoil that lovely face of yours." Mr. Lockhart placed a kiss on her hair and smiled for the first time since his release from prison. "Let me see the face of this daughter of mine." He pulled back slightly, cupping her cheeks in his firm hands and shaking his head in disbelief. "You have changed so much. Even more beautiful. Now, who is this that I’m gazing at? I can’t seem to remember. Princess Mina? Or my shining star Tifa?"

Tifa chuckled, shaking her head. She once again threw herself into his embrace, fearful of letting go. Mr. Lockhart gently patted her head, saying, “It’s my shining star, Tifa. I recall her little shining tears.” He smiled wistfully and cupped her face in his palm once more, asking, “Where are your mother and sister? Why aren’t they here with you? I was eager to meet the entire family at once.” He feigned a pout, and as his daughter’s crimson lips quivered again, she leaped back to hide her face against his chest. He frowned but smiled, saying, “I was merely joking, sweetheart. I understand that you miss me, but please don’t cry so much now. I’m back for good.” He kissed her forehead, adding, “Let’s go home. I wish to meet your mother and sister.” He tugged her to the side, but she resisted. “It’s been this long, hasn’t it?” He sighed and closed his eyes, tears glistening in them. “I miss you, too. I miss all of you.”

"I—I'm sorry...sorry, dad."

"You have no reason to apologize." He slowly withdrew and lifted her chin, "I'm the one who ought to apologize for not being a dependable man for my family. I have caused considerable distress to you, your sister, and mother, but now that I have returned, I wish for us to live more joyfully than before. I didn't give much attention to any of you. Now, I'm a changed man. I have gained a great deal of responsibility during my time in prison, and I'm back to rectify everything and start anew. What do you think?" Tifa nodded with a trembling smile, "That’s my girl." He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head, "I'm eager for some of your mother’s home-cooked meals, and I cannot wait to hear you play the piano and Mina sing. Now." He grasped her small hand, "Let's go home."

Tifa pressed her lips together upon hearing her sister’s name. She swallowed hard, grasped her father’s hand firmly, and walked alongside him. His smile grew brighter as he inhaled the scent of freedom, saying, “It smells wonderful, doesn’t it?” Tifa raised one corner of her lips in a melancholic manner. If only he knew, he wouldn't be enjoying the freedom he was currently experiencing, but she decided against telling him for the time being. He needed his rest first. She wished for him to reunite with his wife. A surprise for her mother would be a nice gesture.

She got into the black Honda Civic and turned on the engine. Mr. Lockhart chuckled and affectionately patted his knee. She hadn't witnessed him this joyful in years, not even during their childhood or when he had created a new chip or designed a new computer. Occasionally, her gaze would drift towards him as he gazed out at the world.

"Tell me, what has been happening? How’s your mother? Is she doing alright? Has she experienced any illness? And what of my princess Mina? Has she had any boyfriends? A fiancé? Or is she already married, and you have not yet shared this with me?"

"Everyone's doing fine. Mom hasn't been sick. She's doing quite well," Tifa replied slowly, evading the questions concerning Mina.

“What about MIna?”

Her heart felt heavy, "She's alright, dad."

He chuckled, hitting his knees firmly once more, "I'm quite the cheerful fellow today, my dear, and what about you? Have you found any man yet that I would be eager to engage in a debate with?"

The edges of her mouth curled upwards, "Not yet."

“What is that supposed to mean?” He gave her a wink, "Does that imply you have someone in mind? Go on, share it with me. I assure you, I will not make fun of you."

Tifa shook her head, the smile now absent from her face, "I simply phrased it wrong. I don't intend to leave now that you have just returned. I wish to spend my time with you and mom." She sighed, recalling the moment when she had completely shattered her affectionate bond with her mother.

"Don't be so tough on yourself. You will always remain in our thoughts regardless of the circumstances." He cleared his throat, "How did you obtain that folder, dear? The court mentioned..."

"It doesn't matter, dad. Ignore what the court declared. You weren't the criminal; you were the victim. They were mistaken five years ago." She swallowed once more, "They didn't believe you. Ignorant individuals." She glanced at him and then turned to the right, "We are going to restore our business."

Mr. Lockhart remained quiet. He turned his head as she came to a stop in front of a little house. Gates enclosed the small yard. Several houses appeared identical to the one he was currently observing. An aged oak tree stood beside the house. The off-white roof sloped downward. The porch was small yet spacious enough to accommodate an entire family.

"So, we have lost our lovely home as well." Mr. Lockhart shook his head gently and exited the vehicle. He placed his hand on the car's hood and turned to face his daughter, "I'm not considering taking back our business, sweetheart." His eyes displayed worry as she silently questioned him, "I want to restart everything, even to rebuild my own company. Perhaps I will establish it as a partnership this time rather than merely a sole proprietorship. I want investors to have faith in investing in my business."

"But you have invested so much effort into every aspect of that building. How can you simply abandon it all? Shinra has taken everything from you. You have the opportunity to take it all back. The court and the authorities currently have the folder. Even the Strife can't stop you."

"I understand," Mr. Lockhart said as he approached her, taking her hands in his. "However, I have expressed my desire to begin anew. They may keep the business I founded; it no longer holds significance for me." He smiled and added, "When I reestablish myself as an entrepreneur, I'll include you as a partner in all my endeavors." Tifa gazed intently into her father's eyes, recognizing the profound change in him. The competitive spark that once shone brightly was absent now. He genuinely meant his words. Her own stubbornness was inherited from him. With a smile lacking enthusiasm, Tifa replied, "Very well, it's a deal. You had better make me a partner, or I will send you back to prison."

Mr. Lockhart threw his head back and burst into laughter. Tifa smiled softly and grunted as he pulled her into his embrace. His knuckles pressed into her hair. "Dad! Please stop! Ouch! Okay, okay! I give in! Dad!" She yelled, sounding like a child, something she hadn't done in five years. Once she managed to escape from his grasp and knuckles, she dashed towards the porch, "You can't catch me." As his laughter grew closer, she sprinted until she reached the porch and paused at the door. Her fingers rested on her lips to hush her father. "I haven't told mom yet. I wanted to surprise her."

“You are a bad daughter,” he jested, shaking his finger at her.

Tifa chuckled and swiftly placed her hand over her mouth. "Hush now, dad, mom is likely to have overheard us." She retrieved the keys and unlocked the door.

"Is your mother still afraid of burglars even in the daytime?" Tifa smiled at her father and nodded. He shook his head and quietly followed her inside. "I believe we are burglars ourselves. It's no surprise that your mother feels afraid." Tifa gestured with her hands for him to be quiet. She turned to the right and paused in front of a door.

“Mom’s room.” She said in a whisper. Gently, her hands twisted the doorknob and then opened the door.

"Tifa, dear. Why didn't you tell me of your return home? I would have—"

Mrs. Lockhart lifted her hands, letting the scarf she had been knitting fall, and covered her mouth as it began to quiver. Her eyes narrowed, glistening with tears. Slowly, she rose from the rocking chair. Just as Tifa glanced back at her father, he stepped forward to assist his wife. She pressed her lips tightly together, stepped back, and shut the door as husband embraced wife.

Tifa breathed in deeply. With her eyes briefly closed, she ascended the stairs to her room. She fell onto the bed and leaned back. It wouldn't be long before her father uncovered the truths about Mina’s whereabouts. She didn’t want to lie, but revealing the truth about her twin’s passing to a loving father would only shatter her heart.

Tears streamed down her face and onto her cheeks. She softly sniffed, picked up her stuffed cat from the side, and buried her face into it. The expression on her mother’s face had caused her knees to weaken, and the sight of her father’s face nearly made her collapse.

With her father now out of jail, her goal was to return and uncover the true cause of her sister's death. She hadn't performed well in this regard since her time at his residence. She had only brought shame upon herself in the eyes of her twin from above. He wouldn't be able to charm her once more.

As a hand rested on her shoulders, Tifa lifted her head and looked into her father's eyes. She couldn't determine how long she had been in a semi-conscious state. After sniffing once more, her fingers trembled as they brushed away her tears. "How long have you been here, dad?" She cleared her throat, and with her tears now gone, her gaze was firmly fixed on her father's brown eyes. "Dad."

She adjusted her position, letting her legs fall to the side of the bed as he took a seat. Mr. Lockhart glanced down at his hands resting in his lap before raising his gaze directly to the wall. The quiet was broken when he said, “Your mother has told me.” He hesitated, then continued, “Why didn’t you mention it when you came to pick me up from prison?” When she remained silent, he reached out and held her hand, saying, “I regret leaving you, your sister, and mother in such difficult circumstances. I'm truly sorry, dear.”

Choking back tears, Tifa suddenly wrapped her arms around her father’s neck. She pressed her face into his chest, unable to utter a word. He gently stroked her hair as if she were still his little girl, saying, “I understand, sweetheart. I understand.” Closing his eyes, he kissed her hair softly, adding, “It’s alright.” He inhaled deeply as tears filled his eyes, saying, “I miss her, too. My princess Mina.” After taking a deep breath, he pulled back and lifted her chin, asking, “She married the Strife’s son?” Tifa nodded, her eyes half-closed, “Was she happy with them, honey?”

"I-I'm not sure, dad." Hiccups broke through her speech as she continued, "Mina consistently wrote to me. She mentioned that her life was filled with happiness. I never trusted her words."

Tifa rose to her feet, walked without direction to the drawers, and opened the top one. When she turned around, her hands were filled with envelopes. She frantically wiped away her tears and presented them to her father. He looked at them and then glanced up at her. "These are the letters Mina sent to me."

Mr. Lockhart pressed his lips together. Rising to his feet, he moved slowly over, took the letters into his hands, returned them to the drawer, and embraced his daughter. He wept, something he hadn't done for many years until this moment. He held his daughter's small frame tightly, fearful of losing another loved one.

Cloud entered the nightclub disguised in his best black baggy clothing, which he seldom kept in his closet. The booming music that filled his ears barely registered with him; he was accustomed to it. He maneuvered through the throng towards the bar, his gaze sweeping the room before he took a seat on the stool. A slight, disdainful smile crept across his lips as the woman beside him shot him a hostile glance while sipping her drink. His eyes tracked the glass as she placed it down, although her gaze remained fixed on him. He squinted as a hand emerged from the shadows, dropping a small amount of narcotic into her beverage.

'Foolish woman,' Cloud mused, his lips thinning. He extended his hand just as she was about to take another sip of her drink, stopping her. "Let me get you another drink. What do you say?"

"I'm not feeling up to it tonight."

He grimaced as he positioned his cigarette between his lips. "You should be cautious about what you drink, woman." He turned his head, noticed her ascending the stairs, and rose to his feet. A hand gripped his wrist. Cloud tilted his head to glare at her with impatience.

“Thank you.”

After gazing at her for several seconds, he eventually nodded his head, maintaining a slight smile. Her grasp on his wrist loosened. He proceeded to walk away, navigating through the chaotic crowd and then onto the dance floor. Occasionally, his eyes flicked upward. She had already made her way into his room. He let out a low snarl under his breath and quickened his pace. Ascending the stairs two steps at a time, he turned to the right, only to slow down as two guards smiled at him.

"Ah, if it isn't Mr. Strife. What brings you here?" the buffer one murmured.

Cloud took a substantial drag from his cigarette before discarding it onto the metal walkway. He then placed his foot on it, snuffing out the flame: "Your boss called for me."

“Sorry.” The other individual remarked, "We weren't notified. Make another appointment, pretty boy."

Cloud let out a grunt. It had been months since he had a proper workout. Lifting his gaze from his feet, he tilted his head in a persuasive manner, "Listen, boys, how about we..." He struck the larger guard with his fist, not pausing to acknowledge the pain in his hand, and drove his feet into the stomach of the other. Seizing both dazed men's heads in his hands, he forcefully brought them together. Though they weren't yet unconscious, they collapsed to the ground. Cloud then reached out to open the unlocked door. He cast a quick glance at the two shocked individuals, stepped inside, slammed the door shut, and locked it while maintaining eye contact with Reno.

“Hello.” Cloud greeted him in a composed manner, silently cursing his bruised fist.

Reno rose suddenly, "What the hell are you doing here?!"

"What other reason could I have for being here than to turn you into the authority?" Cloud laughed softly as Reno recoiled a bit. He stepped away from the door while the two guards outside slammed their bodies against it. "I see you are quite easily frightened."

Reno squinted at him. "What is it that you want?"

“Nothing much.” Cloud cast a brief glance at the pistol resting on the table. Any moment now, the guards would storm into the room. He would stand no chance against them. His gaze shifted from the pistol to the woman beside Reno. "I would prefer that the woman exit the room, but doing so would allow your guards to enter." He stepped forward, ensuring he could seize the pistol before Reno had the opportunity to do so. The man likely didn't even notice that the gun was there. "Teef isn't a woman to be trifled with, Reno. I have warned you before to leave her be."

A slight smile appeared on his lips, indicating interest. "Are you here to discuss her?" Cloud's expression became stern. Reno chuckled, tilting his head back, "Can a man not be fascinated by a woman, particularly the twin of a woman who frequented this place every Friday?"

Cloud recoiled, and through clenched teeth, he murmured, "I assure you she will not return to that small café for lunch anymore."

"It took you quite some time to realize that we have been meeting there since a few weeks after Mina's passing. She's truly a kind soul. I pay attention to every sorrowful word she shares about how her twin sister's husband took the life of his own wife. The poor thing, I wished to offer her more comfort than merely listening to her cries. She possesses the physique of a—" "Touch her in any way, and you will deeply regret it for all eternity," Cloud interjected, his expression becoming increasingly grim with each passing moment.

Reno lifted an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that she was your wife's twin. Has she now become your mistress?"

The sound of banging on the door escalated. Cloud looked back at Reno after glancing over his shoulder. The door was partially damaged. He concentrated on the pistol. Staying in the room any longer was a greater risk to his life than following the woman inside, but the last time he recalled, she was Zack's girlfriend. The woman exuded an air of unresolved enigma that he had encountered previously. Indeed, she possessed a quality of obscurity reminiscent of his Teef.

Cloud glanced upward and noticed Reno's eyes tracking his movements. He swore and dashed towards the pistol just as the man lunged forward simultaneously. As he reached for the gun, Reno delivered a sharp blow to his right hand. Reacting quickly to another kick from him, Cloud stepped back. He seized the man's hand as Reno attempted to grab the pistol, but in doing so, he was struck by a fist to the side of his jaw. His own tightly clenched fist extended and landed a punch to Reno's stomach, making him stagger backward. Being wary of the door that was about to break, Cloud grabbed the pistol, only to have it knocked from his grasp by a kick. He let out a curse as he fell to the floor from another kick, his eyes shut tight. The impact of the fall sent pain coursing through his back.

“You tried too hard, Cloud.”

Cloud opened his eyes, observing Reno leaning over him with a smile. He briefly closed his eyes once more as a painful sensation stabbed at his back.

"If you touch the gun, I will shoot."

He tilted his head, gazing up at Ifalna. His eyes narrowed in surprise as he noticed her gripping a pistol in her right hand. She exuded an air of confidence about shooting anything that stood in her way. The way she was positioned at that moment, with a gun in her hand, was vastly different from the woman he had met with his brother. She resembled an undercover officer, her long legs spread apart, poised for action.

"Move away from the gun and keep your hands in the air!" Aerith ordered, her eyes fixed intently on Reno. She gestured with the gun, noticing that he was still bent over, reaching for the pistol. His gaze was sharply directed at her as he retreated, raising his hands above his head. He was breathing heavily.

He growled, "I ought to have realized that you were an undercover officer!"

"Did I indicate that I was one?"

Relieved, Cloud grunted, turned over, and picked up the pistol from the floor. Despite the persistent pain weighing heavily on his back, it was worthwhile to have been rescued by a woman. He rose to his feet and pointed the gun at the door just as it burst open.

"It took you two quite some time to gather four individuals to force that door open." He nodded his head as a gesture, "Clear the way." With a single look from their superior, they entered cautiously, "What do you think about being our hostage, Reno?" Cloud persisted, his gaze fixed on the guards, "Or would you rather allow us to exit without causing any disturbance to your lovely nightclub?"

Reno grunted, "You got lucky this time."

Cloud turned to look at Aerith before he began to exit the room, with her trailing behind him. He descended the stairs, looking back multiple times to ensure that his guards weren't pursuing them. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, he allowed her to guide them through the dance floor. Had it not been for her, his life would have met its end there.

The outdoor fresh air felt like a gentle breeze to him. He scowled from behind her, saying, "Hey."

Aerith turned to face him, a slight smile gracing her delicate pink heart-shaped lips. "You're welcome."

Cloud winced, "Thank you." He passed the gun to her. She looked at it, glanced up at him, and eventually accepted it. "You didn't arrest him."

"Who says that I was a police officer?" She moistened her lips and placed both guns into her black handbag.

He lifted an eyebrow in curiosity but chose to move on from the subject as he noticed her impatience. "What were you doing up there? You and Zack are still together, aren't you?"

Aerith let out a grunt and bit her lower lip, saying, "We ended our relationship a long time ago." He noticed a sparkle in her eyes before she turned away and began walking towards her gray SUV. "Did he not mention it to you?"

“No, but—”

“I'm sorry, but I can’t chat. You owe me nothing. My actions in saving your life weren't motivated by any desire for recognition." She unlocked the car door and opened it, stating, "You merely required some assistance at that moment. Exercise caution in the future if you intend to confront him again." She got into the car and forcefully closed the door. He took a step back as she ignited the engine. Almost immediately, she lowered the window, saying, "This Teef woman, you must have strong feelings for her to defend her in such a manner. Best of luck." With a final smile directed at him, she exited the parking space.

Chapter Text

Her hands wrapped around the midnight blue suitcase, which became loose and fell onto the floor, producing a loud echo. She tilted her head, the right corner of her red lips curving upward. The house was a stark white space. Sensing the unpleasant stare of Cloud's maid, Tifa tilted her head, her eyes questioning, "Where's everyone?"

“Why do you want to know?” Lucrecia inquired, then turned and walked away after casting a glance at Mr. Lockhart.

Tifa, already feeling frustrated, rolled her eyes and turned to face her father. "I will prepare a bedroom for you, dad. I'm sure that the people here will not mind."

“We should have called first, honey.”

“It doesn’t matter. Here, let me help you with that. Those stairs—”

"What brings you back here?"

Tifa came to a stop due to the loud voice of the housewife. She bit her lip in irritation, slowly turned around, and looked up at Cissnei as she came down the staircase. "I wasn't made aware that I wasn't allowed in this house by the owner."

Cissnei arrived at the base of the stairs and proceeded forward at a slow pace, casting a brief glance at Tifa’s father. "You are speaking to the owner." Her eyebrows arched in a commanding manner as she spoke. Her hands swayed at her side as she advanced the short distance to Tifa. "According to my records, you aren't allowed in this house any longer." She inclined her head towards the elderly man. "You and your servant have to leave this house immediately, or I will notify the authorities."

Tifa swallowed firmly, her brows furrowing intensely. She unclenched her teeth just enough to say, "You are dealing with the wrong people here, woman."

"What do you mean?" Her eyes traveled down Tifa's figure, clearly dissatisfied. She cast Mr. Lockhart another brief look. "You are right under my nose, Tifa. Don't attempt to present yourself as someone of high status. Honestly, it doesn't suit you."

Her hands were clenched into fists. Just as she was about to confront the woman with a warning, Tifa was held back by a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look back. Mr. Lockhart shook his head, expressing his dissatisfaction. A grimace crossed her face.

"Oh, I might have been mistaken regarding this man," Cissnei remarked, raising a lovely, puckered, thin eyebrow. "Is he your boyfriend? I had no idea you were attracted to older men, Tifa."

A frustrated growl erupted from her throat with intensity. Shaking her father’s hands off her shoulder, Tifa lunged forward, targeting Cissnei’s beautiful oval-shaped face with a clenched fist. Her sole intention was to leave a purple bruise on Cissnei’s cheek. She had waited far too long, and the path to her success lay just ahead. Her fist was already out, a mere inch from the face, and success was within her grasp, but it stopped just shy of the target. The firm grip around her wrist caused her blood to flow more slowly. Her gaze was locked onto Cissnei’s. The woman’s pink lips were parted in astonishment, still unable to react from the near miss.

With her teeth clenched tightly, Tifa's gaze fixated on the man. She could feel the anger and heat surging within her. Although her throbbing pulse at her wrist began to slow, his grip only tightened further. She attempted to pull her wrist away, but his hand followed suit.

"You were just about to hit my wife," Cloud murmured, his teeth clenched. Tifa observed as his eyes narrowed. She tried to break free from his grip unnoticed, but he held on securely.

“I believe that you are hurting my daughter's wrist, son."

Tifa noticed him flinch, and although she was aware that this meeting would take place, her heartbeat quickened significantly. Cloud tilted his head, gazing directly into the aging eyes he hadn't seen since the man's sentence. A small muscle twitched involuntarily in his jaw. Subsequently, he relaxed his grip on her wrist. Without wasting a moment, she pulled her wrist back, gripping it firmly herself.

A hand gently touched her shoulder once more. "Does it hurt?" She shook her head as if she were in a different realm and lied. Her gaze was fixed on him while his was directed at her father. Mr. Lockhart blinked, then turned back to Cloud. "I suspect you have treated my daughter in the same manner as you have treated your new wife?" He cast a brief, disdainful glance at her, mirroring her earlier look towards him. "And I'm not solely referring to Tifa. I'm also speaking of my Mina." His voice was powerful and resolute, though it was difficult to conceal the tremor that surfaced intermittently. "I would like to have a conversation with you now."

“Dad.”

"You are to stay right here, Tifa. I wish to speak with this man who married your sister without any prior notice to me. I'm aware that you have informed me of everything, but following this unexpected situation, I'm uncertain about leaving without an explanation." He turned his attention to Cloud. "After you, please."

“But—”

"I gave your mother my word that I will return as quickly as I can. Finishing this today would be more delightful than anything else on earth."

Before she could utter another word, he issued a warning. Her lips sealed tightly. Tifa turned her furious gaze at the man before her. She swallowed hard. He blinked momentarily. She lifted her chin, signaling something she couldn't fully comprehend. Everything her father had mentioned. No, she hadn't disclosed everything to him. As she looked into his eyes resolutely, she perceived the same reflection that emanated from her own.

She hoped for him to turn down the conversation with her father. In his gaze, she perceived that he was prepared to do so and articulate the truths he understood to be mere facts. As he shifted slightly, Tifa instinctively stepped forward. He wasn't going to refuse the invitation from a former father-in-law.

It was now impossible to engage in the actual game. Although her feet remained glued to the floor, her heart accompanied them as they proceeded down the dim hallway, with the sound of heels echoing from behind.

Silence enveloped the scene, yet recalling that the woman remained close by, Tifa tilted her head and remarked, "You were lucky."

Cissnei repeatedly opened and closed her mouth, overwhelmed by the scene before her. Once she managed to open her chatterbox again, her cheeks turned a deep shade of red. "Your father?"

“Of course.”

The woman lifted her chin, reflecting on her previous hesitance and reverting to her former self. "What brings you back and with him? Are you attempting to destroy Cloud and my marriage? Clearly, that's beyond your capability. It's not possible."

"I never claimed that I would. My dad merely wished to meet the man who took his daughter's life." Her brows furrowed together as she contemplated for a moment, "And you, who have ruined their married life. Just see, Cissnei, I'm not a kind woman, nor have I ever been. See how it feels to be betrayed by the one you love the most, particularly by your husband." A slight sarcastic smile accompanied the conclusion of her statement.

Cissnei took a step back, asking, "What do you mean?"

"I'm not implying anything of great importance. I merely wanted to warn you."

“You are quite the little brat, Tifa. I'm aware of your intentions. Your petty tricks and words don't intimidate me." She breathed out, "You were gone for a week, allowing this house to enjoy some peace, but look at what happens when you return?" She extended her arms. "You have awakened the devil."

Tifa shook her head, disinterested in the topic. "It was here even before I stepped into this house. Additionally, we were only in this house together the night prior to my departure for Kalm. What do you know?"

A malicious grin spread across her lips. "Just wait and see, Tifa. Before long, I will be the one to throw you out. I'm the owner now. Furthermore, why would Cloud choose to feed an additional person when he could simply kick you?" Another smile followed, and then she turned away, walking off. "Tell my husband I will be back late."

The curse that escaped Tifa's lips flowed out as she found herself alone. She began to clench her fists once more, but upon feeling the throbbing pain that rose up her arm and then down her hand, she fought against the urge. Grasping her wrist with her other hand, she examined it closely. The imprints left by his grip were distinctly red. Her shoulders slumped, and she finally released a soft groan. Deep within her, she recognized that the groan wasn't solely due to the searing pain that coursed across her skin but rather a manifestation of her confusion.

She was fully aware of his violent temper; however, she had never personally encountered his truly abusive nature in a physical sense. Not long ago, he had nearly assaulted her using his strength, but now he was using that same strength to inflict physical harm upon her, all to defend the wife he had never truly loved. Or could she be mistaken?

He appears to take a breath; his shoulders and back straighten. His ears are alert to a nearby sound as Mr. Lockhart approaches after shutting the door. Upon seeing his back while entering, he had never considered glancing at the unfamiliar elderly man, focusing instead on protecting Cissnei from the impending blow. However, as he had previously noted, Mr. Lockhart seemed to have changed significantly due to his experiences in prison. His hair had turned gray from the once vibrant brown that used to glisten in the sunlight.

Cloud had always observed the man from a considerable distance without being noticed. He wasn't spying on him; rather, he had always wanted to meet and discuss his relationship with Mina. However, he understood that such an opportunity would never arise. The thought of eloping had crossed his mind more than once regarding his long-lost love. Perhaps the idea of eloping would have been a better choice than merely keeping their love a secret, and maybe she wouldn't have disappeared from his life.

Cloud turned to face the man in the billiard room. He had switched on the dim lights that hung above the pool table immediately after entering the room. This cast a shadow on the side of the old man’s face, rendering him a mysterious figure.

"My daughter isn't a woman who can be easily assaulted, Cloud. I understand that she nearly struck your wife, but there is no reason to resort to being abusive towards a woman."

"Then, you should understand the reason I protected Cissnei. She's not a woman like your daughter." He turned his face to the side, unable to trust his words. His hands slowly moved to grasp the eight ball. "She's a woman who lacks an understanding of respect."

Mr. Lockhart inhaled deeply, "My purpose here isn't to discuss your wife. I'm here to speak about my daughter. You married her due to your father's absurd contract after I was imprisoned. This was all done against my will, and even now, I would never have allowed this to happen just to find out that she took her own life." He attempted to maintain his composure by clenching his fist. His voice trembled as he asked, "Did you truly love her?"

Cloud rolls the eight ball across the green surface of the pool table. He slows it down, glances over his shoulder at an angle, and blinks slowly, saying, "More than anything on earth."

"So, why did she take her own life?!" Mr. Lockhart exclaimed, nearly losing his balance, "Why did you choose to remarry less than two months following her passing? My daughter isn't simply an object to be cast aside, even after she has passed away."

He rolled the eight ball into the right corner pocket and turned his entire body around. "As a man, Mr. Lockhart, I never intended to remarry so soon after my wife's passing. I never cheated on her. I loved her more than anything in the world, including myself. My marriage to Cissnei wasn't a choice. I had no alternative. The two sole proprietorships I currently manage would never have achieved their credit history if I hadn't married Cissnei. The one I'm operating in Kalm would have been demolished long ago. What was I supposed to do? I learned that living as a mourner for my wife wouldn't lead to any accomplishments. This may sound as though I don't care about Mina, Mr. Lockhart, but I will never forget her."

Cloud inhaled deeply and exhaled softly, saying, "We have been secretly dating for over a year. I loved her, and she loved me in return. We intended to discuss our relationship with you at some point, but we never found the right moment. She feared that you wouldn't approve of our marriage. The thought of eloping crossed our minds more times than we can count, but we resisted going against both my father's and your wishes. However, we never anticipated that my father would do such a thing. I had a feeling he was up to something. I didn't attempt to uncover the truth until it was too late. I was unaware that my father was the true criminal until Teef mentioned it. I didn't trust your daughter until I took the initiative to search for the folder myself."

Mr. Lockhart frowned, "How did my daughter acquire it then? It wasn't a copy; it was the authentic one."

'She stole it. She got it through me.' Cloud thought with discontent, "I handed it to her. Fully aware that I'm the sole proprietor wasn't my intention. I have no interest in anything that rightfully belongs to another, especially when it is the result of their hard work." He let out a slight grunt, "We will finalize this deal shortly. I will return your business to you as soon as we rectify the incorporation and sign the documents."

"I didn't come back to reclaim control of my business. This isn't my intention. You can keep it, for all I care. I have already notified the county board of trustees. My two daughters are my priority at this time." Mr. Lockhart lifted his chin as Cloud raised an eyebrow. "The initial thought that crossed my mind upon discovering that my daughter's life had come to an end was to punch you in the face, yet I despise violence. Why did she take her own life? As her husband, you should be aware of the reasons."

His heart was heavy. To disclose the truth to him would mean to mislead him. It was a disappointment; he was unaware of the answer himself, yet he was aware of those who were involved in it.

"Depression," Cloud replied slowly, his heart heavy with sorrow. "She had been facing some challenges with her stress levels." He swallowed hard, nearly unable to continue. "I apologize for not mentioning this sooner, but she was five months pregnant." He felt his own stress overwhelming him. "I had told Mrs. Lockhart prior to the funeral. She requested that I not tell Teef about it, and I did as she asked. However, Teef discovered the truth shortly after the funeral." He lifted his gaze from his shoes.

“I assume your wife has already told you?”

Mr. Lockhart nodded, his eyes closed, then they opened again with a hint of melancholy. "My daughter is aware that we are informed. She feels quite upset after realizing that she was attempting to conceal a secret from her mother. I don't hold it against her. She always does her utmost to avoid placing the burden on us." A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Tifa mentioned to me that she was aware of your relationship with Mina."

"She did. Mina half-pleaded with her to keep it a secret from you and Mrs. Lockhart." Cloud grimaced, feeling discontent with the thought that crossed his mind. What could have happened if he had fallen for her instead of Mina? He dismissed the thought, stating, "I apologize for everything that my father and I have caused. Perhaps eloping would have been a better choice for Mina and me after all."

"It would have been better than not seeing her face," Mr. Lockhart remarked slowly. "Even though she and her sister are twins, I still long to see those two beautiful faces together." He inhaled deeply, doubting that his promise to engage in a serious discussion with the young man would result in an agreement. "My daughter and I will be here for a short period. It won’t be for long. I simply wish to pay my respects to Mina’s grave. You wouldn’t mind, would you?"

Cloud shook his head and said, "Certainly not. Feel free to stay for as long as you wish, Mr. Lockhart. I will send one of the maids to prepare a bedroom for you."

"Thank you." After casting one last glance at the young man, Mr. Lockhart turned away and left quietly. With his eyes shut tightly, Cloud leaned against the pool table, allowing the dark, unsettling silence to surround him for a moment. His mind drifted back to the memories he shared with her that night.

Chapter Text

Her ear became attentive. Her eyes opened wide. She remained motionless on the bed, gazing directly at the ceiling amidst the darkness. Without moving her head, her eyes shifted to the corner, alert to the cracking noise at the window. Another crack followed, accompanied by the sound of thunder and then the flash of lightning.

Tifa lets out a sigh and shuts her eyes. Her hands gradually reach for the pillow beside her head. She swallows and gently slips beneath the blanket, the pillow following her. As her feet made contact with the floor, Tifa carefully arches her body. She blows a lock of hair away from her face, peers from behind the bedpost, and swiftly crawls on her hands and knees to the other side of the drawer upon noticing that the person is still attempting to open the window.

She leaned against the wall, gazing over the drawer. Her narrow eyes surveyed the room. She cursed. Her black bag lay halfway across the room where she had previously been. Biting her lips in frustration, she leaned back further as the burglar finally managed to force the window open. Whoever this individual was, they were highly skilled. She had been cautious enough to add extra weight to the windowsill just a few weeks prior, and now she was already being robbed in his house. What a turn of events. How could they have reached the third floor of the house?

A black boot entered the room, half-hanging on the windowsill. Water dripped continuously down the bolt of the heel.

The other leg followed, bringing the entire body into the room.

Tifa frowned.

As the individual remained motionless, she examined their physique. Skinny and of average height was all she could discern beneath their black attire.

A face mask concealed the back of their head.

They appeared to survey the room initially before slowly approaching the bed, as if prepared to commit murder.

Tifa seized her opportunity then. She extended her bare legs, sprinting towards the individual as if propelled by a spring without making contact with the water. With her right arm and hand extended, she struck the side of their head. They turned and evaded as her fist was intended to target their nose. Tifa stepped back and circled around; her right leg raised halfway in the air. Her foot connected with the side of their face, sending them back onto the bed with a grunt. She leaned over swiftly, grasped their collar, and pulled them up. They flailed their arms, breaking her hold on them. Before she realized it, they seized her arm, extended their feet, and kicked her behind the knee, causing her to abruptly kneel on the hard floor.

Tifa suddenly glanced over her shoulder, looking up at them before they yanked her arm. Swearing, her left leg slid across the floor towards their feet, causing them to stumble awkwardly. She seized another opportunity. As they fell backward, her hands gripped their wrist. She steadied herself by their feet and leaped up silently. With one hand on the individual’s left wrist, Tifa twisted it while simultaneously turning her body. The person stifled a groan. Her feet quickly folded the back of their knee, forcing them to kneel this time. She lifted the person's feet and crossed them over the other. Her bare foot was placed between the crossings, rendering them immobile. With one hand gripping both of their wrists, Tifa dug her fingernails into their skin.

“Who the hell are you?”

The person chuckled, prompting Tifa to recoil in astonishment, "You're already prepared to end me, huh?"

She growled, stepped back, and yanked the individual to their feet. Her hands extended in frustration as she removed the mask, saying, "I would have, Aer." Tifa noticed a smile spread across her delicate, heart-shaped lips as lightning struck. Shaking her head in disapproval, she tossed the mask back at Aerith, laughing, "You should be cautious about breaking into people's house at night. I would have put you into a deep sleep with my gun."

“Um, I don’t see any gun.”

Tifa shook her head once more. She walked over to the small desk and turned on the lamp. As she brushed her hair back, her eyes glanced at Aerith. "You could have simply called me instead of breaking in. This isn’t my house, Aer." Aerith shrugged and moved towards the bed as if she were in a world of her own. Just as she was halfway down to meet the inviting bed, she was unexpectedly pulled up. Her head turned sharply to face her friend.

"You are soaking wet, and this is my bed."

Aerith pouted, shaking the rain off herself, "I'm sorry, but climbing that wall out there while being drenched in rain has left me exhausted. Could you please give a friend a moment to rest?" She followed Tifa to the closet, standing behind her as she waited for a new dry outfit to wear.

"What are you doing here in the midst of a rainstorm? Are you aware of the dangers of being struck by lightning?" Tifa turned around and tossed her a casual solid yellow batwing sleeve blouse along with blue denim jeans. She walked over to the bed, straightening the mattress while allowing her friend to manage her own matters.

"Well," Aerith remarked as she donned the shirt, "I'm not sure whether you will appreciate the news, but I certainly do. While you were away for a week, I took the initiative to search for Reno. I—"

"You did what?!" Tifa exclaimed, turning abruptly to face Aerith as she put on the pants.

"I went to his club, pretending to be one of the prostitutes." She shrugged nonchalantly, "Well, it was worth it. Nothing happened to me, Ti."

Tifa raised her arms in exasperation, expressing her frustration towards her friend, "You could have been killed!" "You visited his club once, and so did I. It’s not a big deal." She adjusted her clothing and looked up. Her expression turned serious. "He's involved with your sister, Ti."

Her expression shifted from a restrained frown to a pale face. Her eyes slowly dimmed. Tifa opened her mouth to speak but hesitated for a few moments. "What do you mean? I..." She closed her eyes momentarily. "I understand that he’s a drug dealer and an untrustworthy man, Aerith, but you are making no sense. He couldn’t possibly be involved in my sister’s death. The police claimed that she took her own life, but I refuse to accept that. Cloud is on my list, but..." She bit her upper lip.

Aerith swallowed. "She did take her own life, Ti. I'm sorry." She inhaled deeply, "Cloud was there. It was he who provided me with the answer." Aerith shrugged in despair as Tifa frowned sadly, "It seemed like Cloud is aware of what happened to Mina, but I'm not entirely sure. Reno continuously mentioned the topic of how…"

"What are you saying, Aerith?" Tifa asked, waiting for her response, but Aerith remained motionless. A clap of thunder broke the silence. Unable to contain her frustration and anger, Tifa reached out and shook her shoulder. "Damn it, Aerith! Tell me!" "I—I don’t know, Tifa. Mina goes there every Friday. He made it seem like she was his personal prostitute."

Her arms fell to her sides. Tifa closes her eyes and turns away. She raises her hands to cover her mouth, struggling against the impulse to scream. How could this be real? How could Cloud have been right? Mina had been cheating, just as he had claimed during the first week of her arrival, but how? Throughout their time together as twins, Mina had never committed any wrongdoing. It was always she who caused the problems, while Mina was the one who took the blame. She would never engage in such behavior. Cheating on her husband? No, it was impossible.

Tifa shook her head, still not prepared to accept what she was being told. "Why are you lying to me, Aerith?"

"Ti," she whispered softly. "I would have loved to do that. I don't wish to cause you pain with the things I have heard, but I genuinely want to help you. I don't think Cloud has informed you about your sister's relationship with anyone yet, has he?"

She managed a jerky nod. "Cloud claimed he wasn't the one who cheated on Mina. Instead, he said she was the one who cheated on him, but I found it hard to believe. I simply couldn’t. How could my dear sister do such a thing, Aer? She was the sweetest person I had ever known. She would never commit such an act. She simply doesn’t have it in her. I refuse to believe it. I refuse."

Her body flinched as a hand gently touched her shoulder. "I'm genuinely sorry, Ti. I didn't intend to make you feel this way." She paused, "However, Cloud didn't go there because of Mina. It was you he was worried about. He's trying to protect you from Reno, and in doing so, he nearly got himself killed. Perhaps I may be making you feel worse regarding this issue, but I know he has feelings for you. Your sister's death shouldn't interfere with what you want, Ti. I understand she wishes the best for you."

Tifa shook her head. "I don't know what you are referring to, Aer. There's nothing between Cloud and I. My sole purpose here is to discover the reason behind my sister's death—I'm determined to understand why she took her own life, and nothing will prevent me from pursuing this."

Aerith grimaced. She decided to let the issue go for Tifa’s benefit. "I know. Since the rain has stopped, I will be leaving. Please take care of yourself. Thank you for the clothes." Aerith approached her soaked clothing and gathered it in her arms. After some struggle, she managed to open the window and let the clothes fall out. Just as she was about to swing her leg out of the window, a hand stopped her. She glanced over her shoulder.

"How have things been with Zack lately? I noticed him with another woman right before I went to sleep." Tifa raised an eyebrow as Aerith's face lost its color. "How much time has passed since then?"

"Only two weeks had passed since we became a couple when it all ended."

Her eyes opened wide in astonishment. "But you were just in this house while I was locked in the library. You attended Cloud's wedding."

A faint, sorrowful smile graced her lips. "You know how I am, Ti. I tend to fall for every man when it’s merely a job." She attempted to mask her feelings with a laugh, "I find myself following him everywhere, unable to help myself. He’s just like all the other guys I’ve dated, yet for some reason, I feel drawn to him. Yes, I realize I’m foolish. Don’t worry about me. I’ll move on from him soon enough, just as I have with the others."

Tifa held her hands over Aerith's as she prepared to climb over the windowsill, saying, "I'm truly sorry, Aer. I didn't intend to put you through this once more."

"I know. You must exercise caution now, Ti. Given that you are aware of our breakup, I will no longer follow him as I have been for the last few weeks to prevent him from approaching you."

A thin grimace crossed her lips as she said, "Thank you. I truly owe you one."

With a downcast smile on her face, Aerith swung her legs over the windowsill and disappeared. Tifa sighed and closed the window as a chilly breeze rushed in. The white lace curtains drifted towards the center as she glanced at her reflection in the glass. She pressed her lips together, walked cautiously over to the lamp, and turned it off. Her feet led her to the bed in the darkness. As she settled under the covers comfortably, her eyes closed, ready for sleep to take over, but it didn't come.

Did he truly care for her? She shook her head in disbelief. It seemed impossible. He was a man who appeared indifferent to the affairs of others. Why would he wish to protect her from Reno when he was physically gripping her tightly? Tifa examined her wrist. She had assumed the marks would fade an hour after he had held it in his hand, but they remained.

Why would the knowledge of his care for her impact her search for the reason behind her sister's true actions? She wasn't here to seek love, nor to engage in intimacy with a man. Her lungs tighten, yet she did, had she not? It was an experience she had never encountered before and one she would never encounter again. It was already challenging for her to feel ashamed and to keep it hidden from her parents. How could she develop feelings for someone who had made her twin's life so difficult? And why would she want to, when all he sees in her is Mina?

"You look fantastic, sweetheart," Zack remarked as he descended the stairs next to her. "I saw you yesterday, but I didn't get the opportunity to speak with you. How have you been?"

Tifa cast a sidelong glance at him before continuing her descent down the stairs, completely disregarding him. She hadn't been able to sleep well the night before, and her mood wasn't any better this morning. She felt exhausted and lifeless, and the thought of walking half a mile to the bus stop made her certain she would collapse. Her father had left early in the morning to visit Mina’s grave, taking her only means of transportation with Biggs.

"Do you need a ride? I learned only yesterday that you work for my brother." Zack spoke up again. Increasing her pace, Tifa waved him off. Just as she was about to take her final step down the stairs, he seized her wrist. She turned her head abruptly to glare at him. He raised an eyebrow in mockery. "What do you think about having lunch this afternoon? I can come to pick you up."

She pulled her wrist back to her side, saying, "No, thank you. I have a ride, and I have already made lunch plans with someone else. It would be a better morning if you would leave me alone." She turned around and proceeded into the living room, with him trailing behind her.

"What do you say to spend tonight with me?"

Tifa stopped in her tracks. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she swallowed and turned around, pointing her index finger at his chest. "How about you just leave me alone? I’m not in the mood, Zack." She clenched her teeth even tighter as he smiled. As always, her fist was balled up at her side.

"What's happening here?"

Her head turned sharply, her eyes narrowing at the grandmother. Lucrecia stood behind the wheelchair, shaking her head with a pouting expression. Tifa took a deep breath through her nose and proceeded towards the front door, wishing to prevent anyone from interrupting her unenthusiastic mood.

"I believe my grandma has just asked you a question."

Stopping abruptly, Tifa pressed her soft pink lips together in frustration. Her body shook as she tried to steady herself, having thought that he had already gone ahead.

"Are you going to answer or not?"

She tilted her head, observing him as he descended the stairs. Her heart pounded against her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. He appeared too handsome to gaze at. She scolded herself. He had always been handsome. She reprimanded herself once more.

"Well?" Cloud ascended the final step and moved forward. Tifa raised her chin as he approached and stopped in front of her. She could feel his breath against her chin and neck. Despite being two inches taller than her, she felt as though she could look down on him. "I will not ask you again, Teef. No one disregards my grandma while I'm around."

"Cloud, it's fine. I was questioning Zack," the elderly Mrs. Strife remarked.

Tifa's lips quiver with irritation. "I recall being told that I'm not obligated to respond to inquiries made in this residence. You are once again going back on your word, Mr. Strife."

His eyebrows came together at the center. "Yes, I am. Therefore, Miss Lockhart, answer my grandma."

"Don't be so hard on the lady, Cloud. I understand that you have never been gentle with them but allow me to handle this." Zack said, stepping forward. Cloud cast a brief look at him before returning his deadly glare to Tifa. "Save your words for another time, Zack; you are the one who created this issue. Grandma requires her breakfast. Take her to the kitchen."

"Whatever." He muttered, approached, and gently placed a good morning kiss on the forehead of the elderly Mrs. Strife.

Once he was certain they had left, Cloud abruptly lifted Tifa's chin. She grunted and slapped his hand away. He growled, "You will follow my order in my home, Teef. Even with your father around, don't assume that I will hesitate to take necessary actions. Follow or leave."

Tifa raised an eyebrow in challenge. "If you possess the courage to throw my dad and me out of your home right now, then proceed. It's not as though we are homeless."

He let out a hiss, his breath warm against her face. "You're clever for a woman—but not clever enough to challenge me. I'm not sure why you're still here, but I'll figure it out soon enough. You have already got the folder and your father, Teef. What more do you want?"

“If you were smart, you would've figured it out by now. For the time being, I'm staying because of my job.”

"Bullshit!" Cloud retorted, leaning in closer, "You are merely using that as an excuse to remain here and convince your father that you have something significant to accomplish. Perhaps I'm just a bit too smart for that, after all." He paused, "The next time my grandma asks a question, you will respond. Whether I'm there or not. Mina knows her respect, but I suspect you are the one who disobeys them."

Her heart raced at his painful remarks, "Say what you want, Cloud, but if you truly hate me, just come out and say it."

A slight muscle twitched at his jaw. "I truly wish I could hate you, but fortunately, Teef, I don't. You are fortunate this time."

Tifa slowly shook her head, maintaining a steady gaze into his eyes. "You are the one who is fortunate." She grunted as she walked by him.

"And where do you think you are going?"

She ignored his question and proceeded to walk more quickly.

If he believes she was fleeing from the argument, he's mistaken. She wasn't the type of woman to surrender so easily.

"I ask you a question." He turned her around, causing her to collide with his chest, eliciting a soft gasp, "And you will answer."

"To hell with you. Why don’t you just rot—"

Tifa's breath hitched as her next words stumbled into his mouth, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. She struggled, her body tense against Cloud's unyielding grip as his arm guided her head forward. His lips were firm, demanding, as they moved against hers, unwelcome. She could taste the metallic tang of blood where their teeth had clashed. Her hands, trapped between them, balled into fists, but they were no match for his strength.

Cloud's tongue pushed past her lips, exploring her mouth with hunger that sent a shiver down her spine. She tried to turn her head away, to break the kiss, but he held her fast. His arm around her delicate waist tightened, pulling her flush against him. She could feel every hard line of his body, the unyielding evidence of his desire pressing into her stomach.

She let out a grunt, fully aware that she couldn't resist him any longer if he continued the kiss.

Tifa kicked out, catching Cloud's leg, provoking a grunt of anger from him. This only served to make him kiss her more forcefully.

In the heat of the moment, Cloud slowed his pace, his lips still pressed against hers. His eyes fluttered open, mere slits, but they held a depth of intensity as they locked onto Tifa's. Abruptly, he pulled back, his breath coming in rapid, shallow gasps. Tifa's hand flew to her mouth, wiping away the remnants of the kiss, her eyes flashing with a mix of confusion and accusation. Cloud's head hung low, his gaze fixed on his shoes, a silent storm brewing within him.

"I will not apologize. I miss her, Teef, and I confess that I'm using you as her model."