endless_scrolls (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
endless_scrolls) wrote2009-04-02 08:25 am
endless_scrolls) wrote2009-04-02 08:25 am
For Your Own Good
Title: For Your Own Good
Type: Drabble (although this is bordering on a one-shot ^^:)
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts II
Theme: 075. Opportunity [Word count: 832]
Character(s): Tifa Lockhart
Pairing(s): CloudTifa friendship, possibly a hint of something more
Warning(s): Creative license of events and making use of unknown information in the Kingdom Hearts timeline
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: Short drabble meant to be part of a series based on the events of the Kingdom Hearts Compilation. Theme borrowed from![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
ficlets100.
Dedicated to:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sealedflight, the best Cloud Strife a girl could ever ask for~ ♥♥♥
Normally, she was very careful and professional when it came to her waitress job at Johnny's Heaven Bar. Always addressing the customers by name, engaging in quick and light conversations about their lives, and ever charming them with her cheerful disposition and enchanting smile. The kindness and consideration came easily as it was very much who she had grown up to be, even before arriving in Traverse Town so many years ago. Despite all of the Heartless invasions and all the troubles that everyone faced with the impending Darkness slowly spreading through the worlds, there was still hope. And with her cheerful disposition, others would to be reminded of that as well.
But even Tifa was susceptible to the curse of human nature.
It had been unintentional, merely a coincidence that she had been there to overhear a conversation between two traveling patrons. And usually the young woman would ignore the little snippets of information that drifted in and out of hearing range while she went about her business. But at the mention of a mysterious gladiator with spiky-blond hair and an impossibly large sword, Tifa could not help but pause to listen.
He was a relative unknown and a wild-card in the recent Olympus Coliseum Tournaments, slowly fighting his way through the ranks of warriors with a purpose and boundless determination. Normally not one to really consider or take note of with any real regards as far as she was concerned. They there came mention of the young man's scarlet-red scarf. And that was what had captivated all of Tifa's attention.
It had nearly cost him the match and the Tournament on more than one occasion, they had said, always getting caught or snagging on various objects littered around the battle arena. But yet, he still insisted on wearing it, regardless. A good luck charm they had called it. Or simply something that would keep him connected to his mysterious past.
"...Tifa."
"Sorry..." she muttered softly, shaking clear of her dazed thoughts, "I'll get back to work."
But even as she stepped back into her practiced role as hostess, Tifa felt the owner's hand reach out and still her movements. Curiously, the young woman looked to the older man, eyes blinking with confusion at the light expression on his face. There was almost a fondness in the way he smiled down at her. Like a friend would a comrade. Like a father would a daughter.
"It's him, isn't it?" came his whispered inquiry, "The one you've been looking for."
The question had taken her a bit off guard. Not because of his forwardness in asking. Because after a number of years of service, he had earned such rights as to pry into her life. No. What had shocked Tifa the most was the uncertainty that her own mind still held. Even though the girl's heart already knew the answer. "I... I don't know."
"...Then go find out."
"Bu... but what about here?"
Bordering between confusion, excitement, and loyalty, Tifa could only look to him for an answer to her dilemma. As much as the young woman wanted to go and see if this talented warrior was her lost companion, she still had her obligations here at the bar. Under normal circumstances, it would have been an easy decision. One that left no room for arguments despite her own wants. Tifa's resolve on sticking to her commitments were unfailing. But there was the added anxiety of the Tournament ending before her duties at the bar were done. And by that time, it would have been too late. Much too late.
"Tifa..." he started softly, placing a firm hand on her shoulder to draw in her attention, "You're fired."
Shocked beyond belief, the barmaid's eyes snapped and instantly locked with his, a questioning look written in every wrinkle of surprise and confusion that formed in her young face. But when Tifa opened her mouth -- to protest or ask of his insanity, it did not matter -- he held up his hand as a gesture for her to remain patient until his intent was completed. "Now go."
And despite all of the questions that had been flipping through the young woman's mind before, no words would come to her now, save for three. "...Thank you, Johnny."
With that, she set down her serving tray and gave the man a brief hug of appreciation -- of unbelievable gratitude -- before quickly dashing out the door. There was no need to gather or pack her things. When Tifa had arrived to Traverse Town some odd years ago, it was with little more than the clothes on her back. It would be the same now, needing nothing else but her own resolve and determination for what waited on the horizon. No matter what, she would find Cloud. And so, she left the bar without another word, no other thought but one racing through the dark expanse of her mind.
"How do I get to the Coliseum?"
Type: Drabble (although this is bordering on a one-shot ^^:)
Fandom: Kingdom Hearts II
Theme: 075. Opportunity [Word count: 832]
Character(s): Tifa Lockhart
Pairing(s): CloudTifa friendship, possibly a hint of something more
Warning(s): Creative license of events and making use of unknown information in the Kingdom Hearts timeline
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: Short drabble meant to be part of a series based on the events of the Kingdom Hearts Compilation. Theme borrowed from
ficlets100. Dedicated to:
sealedflight, the best Cloud Strife a girl could ever ask for~ ♥♥♥Normally, she was very careful and professional when it came to her waitress job at Johnny's Heaven Bar. Always addressing the customers by name, engaging in quick and light conversations about their lives, and ever charming them with her cheerful disposition and enchanting smile. The kindness and consideration came easily as it was very much who she had grown up to be, even before arriving in Traverse Town so many years ago. Despite all of the Heartless invasions and all the troubles that everyone faced with the impending Darkness slowly spreading through the worlds, there was still hope. And with her cheerful disposition, others would to be reminded of that as well.
But even Tifa was susceptible to the curse of human nature.
It had been unintentional, merely a coincidence that she had been there to overhear a conversation between two traveling patrons. And usually the young woman would ignore the little snippets of information that drifted in and out of hearing range while she went about her business. But at the mention of a mysterious gladiator with spiky-blond hair and an impossibly large sword, Tifa could not help but pause to listen.
He was a relative unknown and a wild-card in the recent Olympus Coliseum Tournaments, slowly fighting his way through the ranks of warriors with a purpose and boundless determination. Normally not one to really consider or take note of with any real regards as far as she was concerned. They there came mention of the young man's scarlet-red scarf. And that was what had captivated all of Tifa's attention.
It had nearly cost him the match and the Tournament on more than one occasion, they had said, always getting caught or snagging on various objects littered around the battle arena. But yet, he still insisted on wearing it, regardless. A good luck charm they had called it. Or simply something that would keep him connected to his mysterious past.
"...Tifa."
"Sorry..." she muttered softly, shaking clear of her dazed thoughts, "I'll get back to work."
But even as she stepped back into her practiced role as hostess, Tifa felt the owner's hand reach out and still her movements. Curiously, the young woman looked to the older man, eyes blinking with confusion at the light expression on his face. There was almost a fondness in the way he smiled down at her. Like a friend would a comrade. Like a father would a daughter.
"It's him, isn't it?" came his whispered inquiry, "The one you've been looking for."
The question had taken her a bit off guard. Not because of his forwardness in asking. Because after a number of years of service, he had earned such rights as to pry into her life. No. What had shocked Tifa the most was the uncertainty that her own mind still held. Even though the girl's heart already knew the answer. "I... I don't know."
"...Then go find out."
"Bu... but what about here?"
Bordering between confusion, excitement, and loyalty, Tifa could only look to him for an answer to her dilemma. As much as the young woman wanted to go and see if this talented warrior was her lost companion, she still had her obligations here at the bar. Under normal circumstances, it would have been an easy decision. One that left no room for arguments despite her own wants. Tifa's resolve on sticking to her commitments were unfailing. But there was the added anxiety of the Tournament ending before her duties at the bar were done. And by that time, it would have been too late. Much too late.
"Tifa..." he started softly, placing a firm hand on her shoulder to draw in her attention, "You're fired."
Shocked beyond belief, the barmaid's eyes snapped and instantly locked with his, a questioning look written in every wrinkle of surprise and confusion that formed in her young face. But when Tifa opened her mouth -- to protest or ask of his insanity, it did not matter -- he held up his hand as a gesture for her to remain patient until his intent was completed. "Now go."
And despite all of the questions that had been flipping through the young woman's mind before, no words would come to her now, save for three. "...Thank you, Johnny."
With that, she set down her serving tray and gave the man a brief hug of appreciation -- of unbelievable gratitude -- before quickly dashing out the door. There was no need to gather or pack her things. When Tifa had arrived to Traverse Town some odd years ago, it was with little more than the clothes on her back. It would be the same now, needing nothing else but her own resolve and determination for what waited on the horizon. No matter what, she would find Cloud. And so, she left the bar without another word, no other thought but one racing through the dark expanse of her mind.
"How do I get to the Coliseum?"