Chapter Text
‘Princess of Midgar’ was a burdensome title most days, but it was especially tedious today. Not a single cloud marred the shockingly blue sky, letting the sun cast a radiant glow on everything it touched. Birds flitted through that open expanse of blue. Flowers, now in full bloom, decorated the gardens in a colorful array.
Another incredible spring day in Midgar. Bright, warm, and brimming with possibilities.
“Aerith.”
Turning away from the window, Aerith found all eyes on her. Some were curious, some were embarrassed on her behalf, and some looked quickly away. The eyes that mattered most, of course, accompanied a disapproving frown.
Everyone claimed that they had the same green eyes, but Aerith didn’t believe it. Her eyes couldn't possibly reprimand without words the way her mother’s could.
“Princess,” the gentleman seated beside her hesitantly said, bowing his head so low that his nose nearly touched the notebook in front of him. “We were discussing the Spring Festival. The Queens -” He gestured to the two women at the end of the table. “- suggested that you be in charge of the opening ceremony.”
“Oh. Lovely.” Inward sigh, outward smile. “Of course. Let me know what to do.”
He nodded, jotted a note in his book, and the meeting moved on. That discerning emerald gaze also moved on, pulled away by another advisor presenting his report. The only attention lingering on her belonged to the woman seated beside her mother - though Elmyra was her mother in every right except genetics.
Elmyra held Aerith’s gaze for a moment longer, then scrunched up her nose and made a brief gesture as if someone was choking her. Aerith nearly laughed, but both of them pulled straight faces when Aerith’s mother glanced at them. Elmyra smiled, set a reassuring hand on Ilfana’s arm, and gave the advisor her attention.
Aerith’s focus lasted only a few minutes before her gaze drifted back to the window. Honestly, who could listen to trade details and financial updates without wishing to be elsewhere? So many responsibilities…and the weather was gorgeous.
Their meeting room overlooked the palace gardens and, beyond that, Midgar. Visitors and workers buzzed along the garden paths like a great many bees. Aerith would trade places with any of them, but she sat up straighter when one in particular caught her eye.
Beautiful women always caught Aerith’s eye, but this one was an absolute stunner. Her long black hair fell loosely down her back before being tied together with a cute red ribbon. A light breeze rustled where her hair draped behind her shoulders, providing a sense of motion even when she stood still. A white halter top and black skirt showed off an enviable amount of skin while thigh-high black stockings and red boots added extra flair. The duffle bag slung effortlessly over one shoulder suggested that she wasn’t from around here but also revealed so many muscles. And her rack…
Her beauty caught Aerith’s attention, but her behavior kept it. Tourists were always in a rush to see everything. Constantly snapping photos. Never sparing a second to stop and smell the very literal roses. This young woman, much to Aerith’s delight, did. The red ones. The white ones. The yellows. The pinks.
They’re all different, aren’t they? Aerith wanted to ask. She smiled when the young woman straightened up and, almost in response, nodded to herself. A featherlight, tender hand brushed the petals before the rest of the gardens were given a long, appreciative gaze.
A soft smile - one Aerith wished to see up close - flitted across her lips before she turned toward the building. Abruptly, their gazes met. Locked, more like. Aerith sat up straighter, smiled, and, as subtle as possible, raised her hand to just below her ear and fluttered her fingers in a silent ‘hello.’
The next smile was for Aerith alone, and it was, she gleefully noted, the type of smile reserved for beautiful strangers. The young woman waved back and then held Aerith’s gaze just long enough before heading towards the palace entryway.
Trying to keep the young woman in sight, Aerith leaned so far over in her seat that she nearly fell out of it. No one noticed, thankfully. And, with no reason to stare outside yet suddenly plenty of reason to want out of the room, she silently cajoled the current speaker to wrap it up.
As fortune had it, he ended his report several minutes later and her moms concluded the meeting with their typical blend of majestic niceties. The advisors collected their papers and shuffled from the room shortly after.
Aerith hopped to her feet along with them, but her mom’s gaze prevented her from rushing away in search of the young woman with dark hair. Instead, she bowed her head and graciously accepted the “Thank you, Princess”s directed her way, then waited for her mother and Elmyra to make their way over.
“Did you learn anything valuable?” her mother asked.
“Of course! That I’ll be in charge of the opening ceremony.”
Aerith’s cheeky smile earned a sigh.
“It’s a big responsibility, so please take it seriously.”
“And try to be on time,” Elmyra teased, smiling as she tapped Aerith’s nose.
“If you’re so worried, why have me do it at all?”
Despite her attempt at lighthearted airiness, they shared a serious look before regarding her with their ‘concerned mom’ gazes. Elmyra, this time, spoke first.
“You aren’t a child anymore, Aerith. You’re a young woman -”
“A beautiful young woman,” Ilfana added.
“Yes,” Elmyra agreed. “You’re a beautiful young woman who the people all love and adore.” She paused as a small smirk flitted across her lips. “Perhaps some of them love you a bit too much,” she joked, earning a small huff from her wife before setting a hand on Aerith’s shoulder. “We know you’ll do wonderfully. We just want to see you…stepping more into your role.”
‘Your role.’ As much as Aerith disliked the term, she took a deep breath and smiled for them.
“I’ll do my best.”
Their warm smiles and loving hugs sent her on her way, with her mother even adding a light, “Now go have fun.” The lavish hallway outside the meeting room, however, was the perfect place to stop and sigh. The funk hardly lifted when a tall young man with spiky black hair and endless muscles sidled up beside her.
Zack, as usual, wore a black suit and tie. Combined with his hair and the sunglasses that never seemed to leave his head, he cut a striking figure amidst the ‘regular’ visitors and palace employees.
“Switch lives with me,” she told him, but he chuckled and shook his head.
“None of your clothes will fit me.”
When he flexed his arms - an unnecessary but still enjoyable experience - Aerith couldn't help but laugh. The levity was short lived, however. It only took one of the staff members stopping to bow and say, “Good afternoon, Princess,” to bring on another sigh.
“I just want to enjoy my life,” she whined as she and Zack set off through the palace together. “Is that too much to ask?”
“I wasn’t aware you did anything but enjoy life.” When she rolled her eyes, he added, “Speaking of that…Jessie was here for some promo shoot the other day - she asked about you.”
“Oh.” An image of Jessie Rasberry popped into Aerith’s mind - perfect ponytail, bright eyes, great smile - but, when nothing else happened, Aerith shrugged and said, “That’s nice.”
“...and?” Zack motioned with both hands. “Are you going to call her?”
“Probably not.”
“Why not?? She’s too much of a big, beautiful movie star for you?”
“She is beautiful. But I don’t know…” Aerith spared a bright smile and wave for a group of tourists, who twittered with excitement and tried to surreptitiously snap photos of her. “The fun’s worn off, I guess,” she continued in a quieter voice. “Besides, it’s not like we were ever official.”
“Then…why don’t you tell her that?”
Aerith scrunched up her nose before forcing a smile back onto her lips.
“Maybe you can clear things up with her?” As soon as he sighed, she hopped in front of him, clasped her hands, and gave him her best pleading look. “Please? For me?”
His resistance lasted all of a second before he grumbled, “It’s Cloud’s turn…” She still beamed and patted his shoulder before searching the wide halls for spiky blonde hair.
“Where is Cloud, anyway?”
“His girlfriend’s visiting.”
“Cloud has a girlfriend?? Wow, he doesn’t tell me any of the good stuff.”
“Get a few drinks in him and he loosens up.” Zack chuckled until Aerith crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “She’s not actually his girlfriend,” he explained. “Supposedly a childhood friend. She’s meeting him here.”
“I didn’t know he had friends either.”
“Do you know anything about him?” Zack teased.
“Of course I do! He’s tall, blonde, constantly broods, and likes beating up people who get too close to me. I didn’t know he was interested in girls though.” Aerith paused and then brightened with an even better thought. “Oh, Zack - there’s an extremely hot girl somewhere in the palace. I need to find her.”
“I think I hear Jessie weeping…”
Zack laughed when Aerith shushed him, but he willingly followed her to the palace entrance. They passed several tour groups on the way, which Aerith typically breezed by with smiles and waves but nothing more. Today, each group earned her lingering presence - the perfect photo op - coupled with a few gracious greetings as she searched for the young woman.
‘How are you?’ ‘Welcome to the palace.’ Have any of you seen a gorgeous girl with long black hair?
The last question remained in her mind, though Zack’s bemused smile suggested that he heard it loud and clear. By the time they reached the entryway, a massive space serving more as a museum lobby than a homey greeting area, Aerith worried that she might have missed her chance to say ‘hello.’
Excited whispers followed her just like Zack did, but ignoring both had become second nature by now. Far more important matters topped her current task list - the most important of which was erasing the foul taste of that meeting with an attractive chaser.
Aerith had to go all the way to the front doors to find her: the should-be model with long black hair and a body sculpted by the gods. She hadn’t joined a tour group. Instead, she leaned against the wall beside the entrance, one knee bent so her foot planted flat on the wall, her duffel bag beside her, and her gaze trained on her phone.
“There,” Aerith breathed out, stopping and subtly nodding in the young woman’s direction.
“Wow. You weren’t kidding.”
“Hands off, Fair,” she teased before straightening the red jacket thrown over her dress and considering her next move. “I should say ‘hi,’” she decided. “She probably wants to meet me.”
Even though Zack huffed, he trailed further behind as Aerith crossed the room. The smidgen of privacy put even more pep in her step as she prepared to meet her runaway hottie.
Up close, the young woman was an absolute stunner. Silky smooth hair…the most perfect, kissable lips…a cute little nose…and her shirt hardly contained her majestic chest. If given the opportunity, Aerith knew just what area she would lavish with attention first. Before any of that could happen though, she needed an introduction.
Aerith loved the uncertainty and excitement of a first meeting so much that she could hardly temper her smile as she stopped in front of the young woman, leaned to one side, and waved a hand for her attention.
Auburn eyes - a color so uniquely pretty that she would see them in her dreams - dashed to hers, then widened ever so slightly. The phone no longer held her interest; Aerith did. And Aerith relished in it.
“Hi,” she said simply, beaming like a fool.
“Uh…hi?”
Surprise morphed into confusion, which morphed into interest - a look Aerith would recognize anywhere. The slow, studious perusal of Aerith’s form, head to toe and back again, tracing her curves as if imagining what it would feel like to touch them. Aerith brushed her long, brown curls behind one shoulder and grinned when those eyes tracked the motion before lingering on her purposefully displayed neck.
Yes, she knew that look very, very well.
“Aerith Gainsborough.” Aerith extended a hand and noted Tifa’s long, elegant fingers as they folded into hers. She beamed at her newest beauty and added, “But please call me Aerith. ‘Princess’ gets old fast.”
“Tifa. Tifa Lockhart.”
“Lockhart…” Aerith mused. She slowly released Tifa’s hand and smiled. “Are you planning to lock up my heart, Tifa?”
She batted her eyes at Tifa, who blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear before quietly saying, “Only if that’s what you want…”
When Aerith laughed, a smile tugged at Tifa’s lips.
“I suppose we’ll see,” she quipped before leveling Tifa with another smile. “Did you enjoy the gardens?”
“Oh.” Tifa turned in that direction before nodding. “They’re beautiful. I thought they were the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen until I met you.” Tifa motioned both hands to Aerith, whose heart double-thumped in her chest. Tifa immediately paused and shook her head. “Sorry, that was really forward -”
“Don’t apologize.” Aerith moved closer, so that she could set a hand on the crook of Tifa’s arm and stare deep into those beautiful eyes. “The world could use more honesty. I’m all for us being the ones adding to it.”
When Tifa studied Aerith’s gaze and, eventually, let a smile slip onto her lips, Aerith’s excitement reached all-time highs. This was going so well that she glanced at the bag by Tifa’s feet and decided to be presumptuous.
“Looks a bit hefty for an overnight bag, but I’m not one to tell a girl how to pack.”
In case that wasn’t forward enough, she winked and watched a soft blush rush to Tifa’s cheeks.
“Actually, I -”
“Tifa?”
Both of them turned toward the voice, but only one of them brightened like the sun upon spotting the young man with spiky blonde hair.
“Cloud!” Tifa exclaimed before leaping into his strong arms for a hug. He twirled her once before setting her back down and, in an event so uncharacteristic that Aerith’s brow rose even higher, smiled.
The smile disappeared when he noticed Aerith staring at him as if he had two heads.
“Oh. Hey, Aerith. You met Tifa?”
Aerith’s gaze flitted to Tifa, who blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear, before checking in with Zack, who looked just as shell-shocked as she felt.
“Um, yes. I did.” Okay, so her newest muse and Cloud’s ‘childhood friend’ were one and the same. That was…unexpected…but didn’t change the fact that Tifa was sending her all the right signals. Rather than abort, she smiled and clutched her hands behind her back. “I just wanted to say hello,” she told Cloud. “Since, you know, I’m kind of your boss.”
Cloud’s brow slightly furrowed, likely wondering how Aerith had known Tifa’s identity, but someone unexpected came to Aerith’s rescue: Tifa herself.
“He’s told me a lot of great things about you.”
“Oh, he talks about me, does he?” Aerith shot Cloud an amused look but brushed off his slight grimace. “I wish I could say the same about you, but he talks about his personal life…basically never.”
Tifa’s joyful laughter lifted Aerith’s smile right along with it.
“Sounds like him.” Tifa smiled and nudged Cloud’s elbow. “Keeping me a secret?”
When he shied away, muttering, “Not really…,” Aerith’s smile fell. She glanced at Zack, who meaningfully arched one brow, before turning back. A pleasant warmth spread through her chest when she caught Tifa sneaking a glance at her rather than cozying up to Cloud. Cloud, meanwhile, gestured to the doors and asked, “Ready?”
Tifa glanced at Aerith before saying, “Sure.” Tifa then grabbed her bag and swung it over her shoulder as if lifting a sheet of paper, sending warmth rushing onto Aerith’s cheeks just as easily. She gave Aerith one last regretful glance before walking away with Cloud.
Despite being equally disappointed by the missed opportunity, Aerith tilted her head and bit her bottom lip while watching Tifa walk away.
“Her ass looks good in that skirt…” she mused as Zack joined her.
“Okay, before you get all…Aerith-y…she’s Cloud’s friend. Close friend.”
“And I’m just admiring his very close and very beautiful friend. Besides…” She grinned and waved her fingers when Tifa glanced back. “I’m not the only one doing a little admiring.”
Zack muttered “Oh boy…” but had little else to say as Tifa and Cloud paused for a brief conversation near the exit. Eventually, Cloud nodded and returned to Aerith and Zack alone. Aerith’s gaze shot to Tifa, who looked too nonchalant waiting by the door, before locking onto Cloud.
“We’re grabbing dinner.” Cloud swept a hand through his spiky hair and then glanced over his shoulder. “She asked if you wanted to come,” he told Aerith. Aerith’s smile couldn't get any wider.
“I’d love to.”
“Cool.” He raised one fist to Zack and added, “You want in?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Zack tapped Cloud’s fist with his own before chuckling to himself.
“It’s a date!” Aerith added, beaming as Cloud faintly scoffed but went to deliver the news. Tifa brightened upon hearing it and Aerith’s heart blossomed like a rose in spring.
Tifa asked for her. Tifa wanted her - at dinner, at least. Though Aerith certainly hoped Tifa wanted her for more than that.
“I need to change,” she suddenly said, already heading to her room as Zack turned after her.
“What’s wrong with what you’re wearing?”
“It’s not…” She glanced at Tifa and then shook her head. “Just tell them we’ll catch up?”
He sighed while she raced to her room to find something more eye-catching. Not that she seemed to have any issue catching Tifa’s eye. If anything, Tifa was making so much eye contact that Aerith already felt fidgety with desire. She could be misreading the situation, but no one stared that much without a reason.
Aerith gave Tifa another reason by changing into a low-cut top and skintight jeans. She might not be as impressive in the chest area, but she was no slouch. Leaving the palace meant pulling her hair up and hiding it under a ballcap, unfortunately, but the cap quasi-masked her identity as she and Zack met Cloud and Tifa at one of Cloud’s favorite restaurants - a laidback dive that catered towards locals.
Cloud - or Tifa, perhaps - had smartly requested a booth in the back, away from prying eyes. As Aerith slid into her seat, Tifa fully checked her out for the second time that day, eyes roving along her pronounced curves before moving to Aerith’s eyes as Aerith sat across from her.
“Like what you see?” Aerith asked, keeping her voice light but soft enough that Cloud and Zack couldn't overhear. A blush rose on Tifa’s cheeks, yet she didn’t look away. She simply swallowed and, as a smile tugged at her lips, nodded.
The honest response delighted Aerith so whole-heartedly that she laughed, drawing Cloud and Zack’s attention at last.
Something was there, she thought to herself as they ordered a collection of food and drinks, but was it worth pursuing? She was determined to find an answer. Fortunately, dinner provided the perfect opportunity to learn more about the alluring young woman who had appeared in her life at the perfect time.
Tifa and Cloud’s relationship began as Aerith’s biggest concern, but they hardly started their drinks before she wrote them off as nothing more than friends. They conducted themselves with the ease of an old married couple, comfortable enough to casually share food and drinks, but lacked a spark. They hadn’t seen each other in months, yet nothing suggested they wanted to tear each other’s clothes off.
“Have you two ever had sex?” Aerith asked without thinking. The conversation screeched to a halt as Zack choked back a laugh, Tifa blushed and looked down at the table, and Cloud stared at her as if she just spoke in a foreign language.
“No…why?”
“Just curious.” Aerith swirled the straw in her drink and, noticing Zack snickering behind his glass, shrugged. “Things like that happen when people are friends for so long. Late nights…too many drinks…one thing leads to another…”
Tifa’s gaze returned to her - to her lips, specifically - with a glazed look suggesting she saw the picture Aerith was painting. So Aerith, in all her wisdom, kept painting.
“It’s natural, you know. We all have those desires, and if you find someone you’re comfortable with…someone you click with…why wouldn't you give it a go? I’m sure it’d be…enjoyable.”
Tifa held Aerith’s gaze for one blistering second before taking shelter in her drink. Cloud, on the other hand, scrunched up his face, but Aerith couldn't for a second believe that he’d never thought about fucking Tifa. Because honestly. Aerith had only just met her and was already wondering how private the restaurant’s restrooms were.
“We’re friends,” Cloud stated, so Aerith raised her hands and backed off.
“It’s never been more than that,” Tifa added, her voice as sweet as honey, compelling Aerith to believe her. “And it’s good that way. We’ve been there for each other through everything.”
Before Aerith wondered what ‘everything’ entailed, Zack piped up.
“Then do you have a boyfriend?” All eyes flashed to Zack as he grinned and added, “Or do you want a boyfriend?”
When he set his elbows on the table and flexed his arms, Aerith shot him an incredulous look.
“I’m not seeing anyone,” Tifa answered slowly. “But I’m not interested in a boyfriend right now, thank you.”
The subtle emphasis on boyfriend combined with another stolen glance had Aerith grinning in no time. Zack, while risking his employment, had just done her a favor. Boyfriends were out, but girlfriends were definitely in.
“And chill, man,” Cloud added. “She’s not here looking for a boyfriend.”
“What did bring you to Midgar?” Aerith asked, leaning forward in anticipation.
“I wanted to visit Cloud.” Tifa motioned to Cloud before meeting Aerith’s gaze. “But I’m also thinking about moving here.”
“Really? That’s wonderful.”
“It’s still up in the air,” Tifa clarified before Aerith got too excited. “But I figured I’d try it out for a month and see how I like it.”
“I can think of a few things you should try while you’re here, if you need suggestions…”
“I made a list of places,” Cloud replied as Aerith winked at Tifa. “Wall Market, Shinra HQ, the Expressway -”
“What about the armory?” Zack asked. Cloud nodded.
While the two of them went through Cloud’s list, debating the ‘coolness’ of each location, Aerith caught Tifa’s gaze and playfully rolled her eyes. Tifa smiled and, as if that wasn’t enough to make Aerith’s heart jump, nudged Aerith’s foot under the table.
In a more-private setting, that small touch might have set off a chain reaction. In the midst of the crowded restaurant, Aerith set both elbows in front of her and leaned forward.
“So, you’re from Nibelheim?” she asked while lightly sliding her foot over Tifa’s.
“We both are,” Cloud answered. Aerith nearly sighed but merely glanced at him before waiting for Tifa’s response.
“We grew up there,” Tifa elaborated, her gaze slipping to him while her shoe slid across Aerith’s. “He got out earlier than I did.”
“How’d you two meet?”
“We trained together.”
“She’s the best fighter in town,” Cloud added.
“You mean second best, don’t you?” Aerith teased, but he stared back at her.
“No.”
The no-nonsense response set Aerith back in her seat, giving Tifa’s muscles another appreciative look, while Zack whistled.
“So my parents hired the second best fighter in Nibelheim to protect me?” Aerith playfully clicked her tongue before beaming at Tifa. “You can have Cloud’s job if you want it. Apparently, you’re an upgrade.”
Cloud huffed while Zack jumped on the opportunity to tease, but Aerith lifted her drink to her lips and perused Tifa’s athletic form like a trainer searching for a new champion. Tifa might not be as overtly bulky as either of the boys, but Aerith didn’t doubt Cloud’s judgment. She would love to see those muscles in action though…preferably in a very private setting and without any fabric obscuring the view.
Realizing that she had chewed her straw into an unusable mess, she set the glass aside and softly cleared her throat. Tifa straightened up as if she knew Aerith’s next question would come to her, which was both flattering and charming.
“You’re here for a month?” Aerith asked nonchalantly before adding the most important part: “Where are you staying?” As soon as Tifa’s gaze dashed to Cloud, she chuckled. “With Cloud? Please tell me you aren’t making her sleep on your couch for a month.”
“I’m taking the couch,” he answered.
“So chivalrous.” Aerith glanced between them, imagining Cloud sleeping on the couch while Tifa slept in his bed, before lightly clapping her hands. “I have an idea - why don’t you stay at the palace? We have plenty of guest rooms, and that way no one has to risk severe back pain.”
She felt Zack’s disbelieving gaze but stared across the table as Tifa and Cloud exchanged looks.
“It would be more comfortable…” Cloud admitted.
“Are you sure?” Once Cloud shrugged, Tifa looked at Aerith. “I don’t want to impose -”
“You won’t be.” Aerith waved away the concern. “Besides, the palace is so big that you won’t even see me if you don’t want to.”
If Tifa did want to see her, however…
“But your - the, uh, Queens?”
“I’ll let them know, but they’re usually so busy that you probably won’t run into them either.”
This was one of the easiest decisions Aerith had ever made, but Tifa lightly chewed her bottom lip before nodding.
“Okay…then, thank you, Aerith. That would be nice.”
‘Nice’ barely described Aerith’s thoughts on the new living situation. Her bright smile remained unsullied for the rest of their dinner, during which she joyfully engaged in all the silly small-talk and banter. Her mind, however, raced ahead - she took a moment to call ahead, too, and tell the head of staff to prepare a guest room.
By the time Zack drove her home, everything had fallen perfectly into place. Not only had she fit a month’s worth of non-verbal flirting into one dinner, but she’d secured a stunning housemate for the next few weeks. There was no better way to ease the weight of responsibility than by being buoyed with excitement at what could be.
“So…” Zack began on the way back, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. “Letting her stay in the palace…that’s generous of you. I’m sure it has nothing to do with how hot she is.”
“Of course not. She’s Cloud’s friend, and she’s sweet. I want to make sure she’s comfortable while she’s here.”
“Uh huh…”
Zack didn’t have to believe her. She really did want to give Tifa the best experience during her visit, and what better experience than staying in a literal palace?
If she dug a little deeper, she might admit that the idea of Tifa and Cloud sharing a small apartment for a month bothered her a tiny bit. They would practically be living together, where that ‘just friends’ label could be tested. After Aerith’s remarks at dinner, a few too many new thoughts might’ve been planted in Cloud’s head.
Although Tifa doesn’t seem interested… she reminded herself as she and Zack walked to the main living areas of the palace, where visitors weren’t allowed. “Alright, I’m heading out,” he said once they reached the guarded entryway to the guest suites. “Be good, okay?”
“Aren’t I always?”
“You’re never,” he replied, laughing. “That’s why me and Cloud have to chase you around.”
“Admit it, Zack. I’m just too much for you to handle.”
When she leaned close and batted her eyes, he playfully pushed her away.
“You’re too much for any one man to handle.” He paused a beat and then shot her a teasing look. “I’ve yet to see one woman manage it either.”
“There’s a first time for everything,” she quipped, but he just shook his head and patted her shoulder on his way home for the night. Her night, however, was just beginning.
Voices preceded Tifa and Cloud’s arrival, this time with Cloud carrying the duffel bag in one hand. Butterflies fluttered through Aerith’s chest as Tifa walked toward her, prompting yet another big smile and wave.
“You made it.” A silly comment considering they were just at dinner together, but Aerith motioned them after her. “This way,” she added, brushing past the security guards towards the room readied for Tifa’s stay.
‘Room’ might be a bit of a misnomer as Aerith led them into what could be better described as an elaborate suite. It lacked a kitchen but had a spacious living room, a sitting area, and a large bedroom fitted with an ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. Lavishly decorated and stocked with amenities, it likely beat the most expensive hotels in Midgar.
“I hope you find it comfortable,” Aerith said, trailing Tifa into the bedroom and watching her look around in awe.
“This is so much…”
“It’s nothing. Don’t worry.”
Tifa’s eyes suggested that she would worry, but Cloud dropped her bag on the bedspread and then brushed off his hands.
“You good?”
“Yeah…I guess so.” Tifa’s gaze moved to Aerith, so Cloud’s followed.
“Don’t worry, Cloud,” Aerith assured him. “I’ll take care of her.”
His brow briefly furrowed, but he eventually nodded. “I’ll be back first thing in the morning,” he told Tifa before moving to the door, only briefly pausing beside Aerith. “Thanks for letting her stay here, Aerith.”
“Of course. I’m happy to help.”
Aerith smiled at him as he headed out. Then she waited, hands clasped behind her back and eyes glued to Tifa, until the door closed behind him.
Finally, they were alone.
“Big change for a girl from Nibelheim?” she asked, idling closer.
“You could say that.” Tifa sat on the edge of the bed, hands pressed into the covers beside her, and looked around. Eventually, that dark auburn gaze fell upon Aerith. “Didn’t expect to be staying in a palace. Or spending time with a princess.”
“I didn’t expect Cloud to have friends,” Aerith joked, sitting near Tifa while Tifa laughed. “Certainly not such beautiful friends,” she added in a softer voice. She looked at Tifa’s hand, an inch away from hers, and wondered if she should reach for it.
She didn’t have to. Tifa’s pinky snuck over and curled around hers, so she took it a step further and laced their fingers together. Her heart pounded now, drowning in a rush of thoughts, feelings, and butterflies.
“Can I make one request?” she asked quietly. Tifa gently tilted her chin down. “Please don’t treat me like a princess.”
“But…you are a princess.”
“Believe me, no one lets me forget it.” Aerith blew a breath through her lips and slightly shook her head. “But with people I like…with you…I want to…forget it, I guess.”
Tifa’s eyes burned into hers before she nodded again. “Okay,” she whispered. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is.”
Tifa’s acceptance flowed like relief through Aerith’s veins, leaving her briefly free from the weight she typically carried. Maybe Tifa would honor the request, maybe she wouldn't. All Aerith knew was that, for at least right now, she didn’t need to act like a princess.
“So where were we before Cloud interrupted…” she mused, glancing up at the ceiling before turning her gaze to Tifa. “Oh, right. We were being forward.”
She leaned closer, smiling when Tifa leaned towards her too, but stopped short of rushing in for a kiss.
“You and Cloud…?” she asked, slowly inching closer.
“Just friends,” Tifa quickly answered.
“And you’re sure he doesn’t…like you?”
“Not like that. I’m sure.”
Their lips were maddeningly close. Aerith could feel Tifa’s breathing dusting across her mouth and see every little speck in those gorgeous eyes. If Tifa was certain that this wouldn't result in any hurt feelings from Cloud, then Aerith was absolutely certain of what she wanted to happen next.
“I want to kiss you,” she whispered. Tifa’s eyes briefly widened, but then she snuck even closer, whispering a faint, “Okay…”
Aerith smiled before closing the distance between them.
Tifa’s lips were as soft as they looked, and they sent sparks bursting through Aerith’s veins. She pressed closer, unthreading their fingers so that she could brush her hand through Tifa’s hair, then across Tifa’s cheek, before sliding behind Tifa’s neck and pulling her closer. A soft gasp left Tifa’s lips as the kiss deepened - the sound spurred Aerith on, giving her a preview of what other sounds Tifa might make.
The awkward angle, seated beside each other as they were, vaguely chafed at Aerith as she sought out as much of Tifa as possible. Feeling Tifa’s chest pressed against hers, she reached down and squeezed one of Tifa’s breasts, prompting another breathy moan that swept like wildfire across Aerith’s skin. The wildfire became a tempest when Tifa ran her hand up Aerith’s inner thigh and squeezed.
Aerith’s moan was so hopelessly lewd that Tifa actually broke away from her lips to look at her. In the sudden loss of contact, and with Tifa’s burning red eyes taking her in, she opened her mouth to explain herself only to burst into giggles. Tifa joined her, and soon the both of them were trying to quiet their laughter as much as calm their heartbeats.
“Sorry,” Aerith eventually said before another small giggle escaped. “That was - yeah, really great.”
“Sounded like it.”
Tifa’s eyes danced as Aerith laughed. The oddly enchanting effect replaced Aerith’s smoldering desires with something softer yet equally compelling. She could stoke the flames back into a roar if she wanted to. She pecked Tifa on the lips and stood up instead.
“I should let you get some rest. You had a long day of travel, and tomorrow will be here before you know it.”
Aerith motioned outside, where darkness had fallen, before lightly heading out of the room.
“Thank you again,” Tifa added while following Aerith to the door. “For letting me stay here and, um -”
Tifa’s blush replaced the need for words.
“If you need anything…” Aerith began. “Obviously, I live here, so you can always find me.” Once Tifa nodded, Aerith opened the door, stepped into the hall, then shot a flirty smile back over her shoulder.
“Welcome to Midgar, Tifa.”
With that, Aerith headed to her own room. Treading through familiar halls, she clasped her hands behind her back and smiled to herself despite the night guards’ frequent demures of “Goodnight, Princess.”
Sure, her ‘role’ came with responsibilities that she’d rather not carry, but she had ways to alleviate the pressure. A beautiful distraction always helped. A beautiful distraction staying with her for a month would be a new level of interesting. A beautiful distraction who also happened to be a great kisser might be the best part of her whole year.