[RL] The Aftermath

[xfinal_heaven]

Tifa was anxious, pacing with anticipation of the knock at the window downstairs. She hadn't seen Rufus--at lea st, not while he was acting himself--for so long. Before the virus, even. She wasn't sure what she would say. The uncertainty of the whole situation weighed heavy on the forefront of her mind

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[xfinal_heaven]

Tifa called down the stairs as calmly as she could, "Just a second!" And tried to leave him in limbo for some time. She hurried down quickly afterward, though, and her expression fell when she saw his.

"...Rufus..." Was all she could manage, taking a few steps toward him, she placed a hand on his arm. "I..."

[xfinal_heaven]

Tifa watched him walk to the bar and, with a sad smile, nodded. She unlocked the hitch closing the bar off from the sitting area, going behind it to find him her strongest liqour.

"90 proof. Think that'll occupy you for now?" She set him out a shot glass as well as the vodka bottle, leaning over the bar to stare up at him. "While we talk?"

[xfinal_heaven]

"That usually requires some kind of actual response, you know." Tifa informed quietly, slouching down a little.

[xfinal_heaven]

"Okay, I get it. You're not talking to me. Will you at least listen?" She asked with an eager look.

[xfinal_heaven]

Tifa chuckled, nodding. "Alright, alright." She propped her chin on her arms, a smile on her lips for the first time in too long.

"You know, I tore Rude and Elena a new one telling them that they sucked at their jobs for losing you," she chimed. "They kept saying for me to stay out the way and let them find you."

[xfinal_heaven]

"Guess they don't know me well enough to know I couldn't just give up." Tifa laughed again, pulling another glass out from under the bar and setting it beside Rufus'. She gave him a look that inquired if he minded, then took the bottle and poured herself some. "I don't usually drink on the job, but, I figure you're a special case. Anyway. So, I up and left. Zack got pissed, but it's none of his business! He just... he was trying to make me feel guilty."

[xfinal_heaven]

"I... before you..." She fumbled for the words, swishing the liquid in her glass around in circles. "Cloud told me he loved me. And... Zack wanted me to go running and accept and reciprocate and just... something and I... couldn't." She felt tears start burning her eyes and she tried to laugh it off.

"I sound silly, don't I? I mean, I've been in love with him since we were kids. Why can't I just tell him and accept that he loves me back?" She knew why. She took a long drink of the vodka, emptying the glass.

"Sometimes. People can only wait for so long, though... you know?"

[xfinal_heaven]

"Shut up!" Tifa threw the glass, letting it break against the back wall. She turned away from Rufus. She wouldn't cry in front of him. Not again.

"He disappeared. I'm not going after him. Not this time. Not again." She shook her head, trying hard not to let the watery tone sneak into her voice. "...It's not the same."