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A Prince For Sale	By : FaTaLfURy Category: Final Fantasy VII > Het - Male/Female > Cloud/Tifa Views: 4010 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or the characters in it. Nor do I make any profit from writing this story. Everything else is the product of my over-active imagination.

Chapter List
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~*~ Hey. If any of you guys who're reading this story like it so far, feel free to leave me a review. It would be nice to know what I've written so far doesn't suck, you know. ^_^ Oh, and before the CloTi crowd throws rotten tomatoes at me *ducks before getting hit* Aerith won't be in the story. I already killed her off along with Zack, but she'll be an intriguing angle for Cloud and Tifa's relationship, don't you agree? *insert evil grin here*
So I hope you all enjoy and thanx for reading! Jaa ne! ^_^ ~*~
A Prince For Sale

FaTaLfURy
Chapter Three - The Engagement
Yuffie Kisaragi was already waiting for her when Tifa arrived. The princess of Wutai wore a short, slinky number in contrast to her long gown. Yuffie always despaired of her being petite, always saying how she wished she could be a little bit more like Tifa. Tifa could get away with wearing long dresses or skirts, but Yuffie could never pull it off. She always looked like she was shorter than she really was whenever she tried. And so she settled for really short skirts and dresses instead.
They both exchanged air kisses before Yuffie practically yanked Tifa down to her height so she could whisper in her friend's ear.
"What's up with your mother? She's practically glowing tonight. When I arrived earlier, she welcomed me like a prodigal daughter gone home. I tell you, something's definitely going on tonight,"
Tifa rolled her eyes at her friend's exaggeration. True, her mother still didn't quite approve of her friendship with the princess, saying the younger girl influenced her a little bit too much, but she was resigned to the matter now. Besides, no matter how many times she told Tifa not to befriend Yuffie any longer Tifa only disobeyed her openly even more.
"You're imagining things, Yuffie. Mother is just probably glad you came to her charity ball, that's all. And she's definitely lining me up to meet another prospective husband, that you can bet your palace on,"
Yuffie was just about to argue that the invitation never said it was going to be a charity ball, but the butler has spied Tifa and was now taking her to her parents.
"Miss Tifa, your parents are waiting to greet you,"
Tifa laid a hand on the stiff-faced butler's arm and smiled up at him.
"Are they still running you ragged, Hemsworth? You're always welcome to work for me, you know,"
The stiff face of the butler cracked as he smiled at the woman he looked after since she was but a child. Miss Tifa still haven't changed, it seemed.
"I'll be pondering your offer, Miss. For now, your parents are looking for you. This way, if you please,"
Tifa winked at the butler before moving forward before the big double doors of her father's study. The butler opened the doors for her and she turned to thank him. Hemsworth conspiratorically winked back before he closed the doors behind her.
"Tifa, there you are my princess!"
Tifa ran to her father's open arms.
"Papa! How have you been? I missed you so! Where's mama?"
"Right here, darling,"
Tifa moved out of her father's arms to embrace her mother tightly. Mrs. Lockheart returned her daughter's embrace fiercely.
"It looks like your charity ball's a success. There are so many people outside,"
Husband and wife looked at each other for a moment before turning their eyes to their daughter. Tifa must not know anything as of yet.
"Ah yes, many were inclined to give their donations, you see. Enough about the ball though. Let me see your gown,"
Tifa dutifully modelled her outfit for her parents. Mrs. Lockheart was frowning as expected when she finished.
"Tifa, I thought I told you to wear a long gown,"
"And so I did, Mama,"
"Yes, darling, I can see your skirt is long but the rest of you is�["
Mrs. Lockheart stopped as she felt her husband squeeze her hand. Tifa smiled mischievously at her father.
"Never mind. At least you look entirely beautiful,"
"That she does. Looks like her mother, actually,"
Mother and daughter laughed at Mr. Lockheart before each taking his proffered arm to them.
"Tifa, darling, I want you to meet someone important later,"
"But Mama, I have my own escort. Reno's coming,"
"I'm sure he'll be fine on his own, darling. Promise me you'll make time, okay? And don't leave early!"
Tifa sighed in a long drawn-out fashion, making her father chuckle and her mother frown in response.
"Yes, Mama,"
They went down to the ballroom where they greeted all the guests. The dancing has finally started.
The ball was officially on.
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The party was already in full swing when Cloud walked into the crowded ballroom. The 'creme de la creme' of high society were probably all in attendance for the night. Most of the sea of faces were easily recognizable to him.
The butler had probably gone to his masters to inform them that their much-awaited guest has finally arrived. Cloud stood just inside the doorway, alone and drinking the glass of champagne that was thrust in his hand by a passing waiter.
"Don't drink too much, Your Highness,"
Cloud eyed Vincent Valentine drolly.
"Ah, my conscience has finally arrived,"
Vincent returned his gaze with a condescending look of his own.
"Far be it for me to be your conscience. You don't have to do this, you know,"
His friend's quiet voice belied the urgency of his words. Cloud thought the champagne might help him to settle his nerves, so he grabbed another glass from a passing waiter's tray and exchanged his empty one into it. He drained it dry in one long gulp.
"On the contrary. You know how imperative it is that I do this. Costa del Sol is relying on me,"
Vincent shrugged indifferently, knowing Cloud won't change his mind about it. Stubborness has always been a Strife trademark.
"Have you found your bride-to-be yet?"
"Not yet. But I suppose it'll be easy enough. Just look for a totally spoiled little girl still clinging to her mother's skirts and you've probably found her,"
Cloud knew his remarks were inappropriate and totally unfair to the Lockheart heiress since he hadn't met her yet and couldn't confirm his suppositions, but he didn't give a damn. His loathing of being trapped into marriage colored his opinion greatly.
"Cloud, look over there. Two o'clock position. Isn't that Princess Yuffie of Wutai?"
Cloud turned his head to where Vincent thought Yuffie would be. The crowd parted and there she was indeed, looking quite lovely in her green-colored spaghetti strap dress that ended in her mid-thigh. The dress made her more mature than her actual years and a frown found its' way to Cloud's forehead before it was chased away by a small smile he couldn't help reveal as memories of a much-younger Yuffie Kisaragi assailed him.
Their fathers were fast friends, so of course it cannot be helped that they were perpetually in each other's company since they were young. He was five years older than her but that didn't stop the incorrigible princess to tag after him all the time. She fancied herself in love with him when she was just ten, and demanded her father to bethrothe her to him. In which he was completely horrified if it did came to pass, but his father assured him that it would not.
He should've been relieved then, but Yuffie only became more determined after that. She single-mindedly went after him like a heat-seeking missile after its' target, even when Aerith was already present in his life. He could not find the heart to hate her though, so he suffered Yuffie's crush on him magnanimously, thinking it was only a passing phase that would surely end someday.
And he was right. When Yuffie finally realized he won't be giving her any time of any day, she discovered boys who will with a vengeance. She went through boyfriends with the same regularity she did her closet. They moved on to being good friends after Yuffie gave up her pursuit of him.
Deciding to say 'hello' personally, he stepped forward in her direction when the crowd shifted again and revealed she wasn't alone. Yuffie was laughing together with a rather tall brunette dressed in murderous red. The way the gown hugged her voluptuous figure almost left nothing to the imagination, but equally tempted nonetheless. The husky sound of her laughter carried over to him and he acted as though he was punched straight to the guts with it. The sultry siren with Yuffie was really something else. Too bad he was going to get married.
Cloud bit back a curse as reality came crashing down on him. He pivoted stiffly on his heel, walking away from the delectable woman as far as he could. Vincent was saying something to him but he couldn't concentrate on what it was. He really had the most rotten luck in all the universe, it seemed. Just when he found someone who stirred him like no other since Aerith had and he had to be engaged. The gods must really be annoyed with him.
"Your Highness! Cloud, are you alright? Answer me,"
"Hmmm... what?"
Cloud was vaguely aware of Vincent's hand weighing heavily on his shoulder. Some concern was present in his friend's scarlet eyes.
"I said I found your bride,"
That got Cloud's attention. But before he could order Vincent to point her to him, the butler was coincidentally back to tell him the Lockhearts were ready to receive him. He had no choice but to follow the servant back to his future in-laws.
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Cloud was shown to the villa's study and was shaking Mr. Lockheart's hand and kisssing Mrs. Lockheart's hands before he knew it. The tension in the room was so thick he could almost taste it.
"So where is your daughter? I would like to have the proposal done right away,"
Husband and wife looked at each other before looking back at him in unison. Worry was evident in their eyes though they tried hard to conceal it. Mrs. Lockheart nodded at her husband and Mr. Lockheart cleared his throat first before addressing him.
"Tifa is currently at the party, Your Highness. You will have the chance to meet her and propose to her later. Is anyone with you tonight?"
Cloud was perplexed at the turn in conversation, but he humored them nonetheless.
"Yes, my personal guard is with me tonight. Vincent Valentine is his name,"
"Aah, yes. The famed Vincent Valentine. I've heard of him,"
Mrs. Lockheart was the one to clear her throat at this point.
"Darling, you're digressing. Let's get on to the heart of the matter, shall we?"
Mr. Lockheart looked sheepish one moment, and uncomfortable and apologetic at the same time in the next.
"The truth is.... Tifa doesn't know of this arrangement, Your Highness,"
Cloud was bewildered.
"Do you mean to say she is not expecting my proposal as of yet?"
Mrs. Lockheart winced.
"No, Your Highness. That is, she is not expecting for us to announce your engagement tonight. She thinks this is a charity ball that we're having here,"
"Do you mean to tell me that your daughter is completely unaware that you approached me with the sole intent of wedding her to me?"
The Lockheart couple had the grace to look ashamed and proud at the same time.
"Make no mistake, Your Majesty. What prompted us to do so is out of love for our only child. We want only what's best for Tifa. Opportunity knocked on our door and we grabbed it, same as you did. Tifa is all we have, and we want her to have a bright and secure future,"
Cloud bristled at the unsaid rebuke. He eyed them with coldly with his gleaming blue eyes.
"How sure are you her future is bright and secure with me?"
The veiled threat didn't escape them. Mr. Lockheart was suddenly on his feet, his palms planted firmly on each side of his desk as he answered.
"We are supporting your whole damn country to make sure Tifa has it. Harm one hair on my daughter's head and you�["
The prince didn't take the outright insult easily. He was also standing with all the pride and haughtiness of his ancestors, glaring back at the man who dared to insult him.
"You insult me greatly by implying I would cause your daughter physical harm. While I cannot ensure her emotions won't be hurt, you can rest assure that I won't hit her. Ever. Mark my word on this. A Strife never raises a hand to a woman,"
Mrs. Lockheart was between them both, smoothing the feathers that have been ruffled with practiced ease.
"Forgive my husband, Your Majesty. Chalk it up to a parent's concern for his child,"
Cloud nodded jerkily at this.
"Then you accept?"
'Accept? Accept what?"
Cloud felt like he was running around in circles.
"I've already accepted, Mrs. Lockheart. I�["
Mrs. Lockheart held her hand up for silence.
"Splendid! Now let's go down to the ballroom so you can finally see our daughter. We are ever so grateful you agreed to do this,"
Before he could say anything, Mrs. Lockheart slipped her hand in the crook of his arm and led him swiftly to the stairs above the ballroom. The view was thorough; you can see everyone in the party where you stand. Mrs. Lockheart's eyes narrowed in concentration as she scanned the room for her daughter. But it was Mr. Lockheart who spotted her first.
"There's my princess. The one in the long, red gown dancing with the red-headed guy,"
Cloud's eyes swiftly perused the crowd and found his mark. The punch to the guts was back again as he recognized her.
"That's your daughter? That's Tifa Lockheart?"
The couple looked at him oddly before they nodded in unison.
"Who's the guy she's dancing with?"
Cloud didn't like the way the red-headed man's hands were all over his soon-to-be wife. He didn't like it one bit.
"Announce it,"
He ordered them coolly as his hands fisted in his sides. That should make the red-headed guy stop.
"Announce what, Your Highness?"
Cloud looked at the couple as though they've lost their minds.
"Our engagement, what else?"
They were back to looking sheepish.
"We'll get around that soon enough. But first�["
"Yes?"
"You have to tell her first, Your Majesty. Tifa has to agree before we make the announcement. We thank you for doing it in our stead,"
That was all Mrs. Lockheart said before she pushed a very shocked prince to the bottom of the stairs.
There was no going back now.
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Tifa was feeling really annoyed with Reno as they danced. He kept on pulling her closer than was necessary, and his damn hands were all over her. They were in public, for God's sake! And her parents could see them if they were in the ballroom.
'This has got to stop,'
Tifa thought to herself as she gritted her teeth to keep herself from screaming at him. Instead, she kept her voice low and cool for the sake of appearances.
"If you don't stop mauling me in public right this very minute, Reno, I'm going to have to break your arm,"
That was no idle threat. Tifa could thoroughly deliver what she said, and more. But it seemed her 'boyfriend' was a little too slow in the head. Instead of putting more space between them, he held her even tighter and subtly grinded his erection on her butt. That made Tifa's temper flare even higher.
"What's wrong, babe? I know you like this. Let's skip this shindig and go to my place instead so I can 'dance' with you more,"
'That's it!'
Tifa thought darkly to herself, thoroughly incensed by the jerk that was her boyfriend. Whatever she liked about him was all but forgotten in that moment. Just as she was about to unleash hell on him, propriety be damned, a hand caught hers and smoothly tugged her into well-muscled arms. She looked up in surprise to see that a blond man with an unusual hairstyle and incredibly blue eyes held her in his arms. He looked vaguely familiar.
"Forgive me if I cut in, but Miss Lockheart already promised this dance to me,"
That was all he said to Reno before twirling her away with him, leaving Reno totally dumbstruck and looking awkward without a partner in the middle of the dance floor. He stalked off angrily after a moment and Tifa couldn't help the very amused laughter that bubbled up her throat.
"Now THAT was priceless! That maniac deserved it. Thanks for rescuing me, by the way,"
Her 'hero' was looking at her strangely.
"So you didn't want his advances?"
"No! Whatever gave you that idea?"
Now he was looking at her like she was delusional.
"Well, you were dancing with him, for one thing,"
Tifa's scowl could have split a mighty tree into two with its' fierceness.
"Yeah, but I didn't ask to be mauled in public like that! Dancing's all well and good but it's another matter when all Reno wants to do some 'dirty' dancing. I was just about to break his hand when you interrupted. So you probably saved him more than you did me,"
A small smile played on his decidedly sensual lips as she said that. He probably thought she wasn't up to snuff with her threat.
"Who are you by the way? You look familiar, but I don't think we've met before,"
Cloud couldn't bow, so he inclined his head instead.
"Cloud Strife, at your service, Tifa Lockheart,"
Now it was her turn to stare open-mouthedly at him. He actually had to tilt her jaw up to close them. He thought it was cute of her.
"THE Cloud Strife? The Prince of Costa del Sol?"
It was his turn to look surprised.
"In the flesh. How do you know me?"
Tifa flashed him a condescending look.
"Who doesn't? You've been in the covers of various 'rich and famous' magazines already. Besides, I'm friends with Princess Yuffie Kisaragi of Wutai. I bet you know her,"
There was a teasing glint in her wine-colored eyes and he groaned as he realized she knew of Yuffie's obsession with him.
"She's definitely hard to forget,"
Tifa laughed her sexy, throaty laugh once more. Cloud felt his loins tighten in response to it. She had such a sexy laugh.
"Well, I'll take pity on you and steer her clear of your path. It's the least I can do for you. It's been fun, Your Highness, but I really got to go,"
Cloud tightened his arms on her, refusing to relinquish his hold. Tifa eyed him suspiciously.
"Do I have to break your arm too?"
That made him throw his head back in laughter. The rich sound of it attracted the attention of many around them. They became the focus in the ballroom without their noticing it.
They made a striking couple, with Tifa's dark hair contrasting beautifully with Cloud's blonde one. Their height difference was just right; he was neither too tall for her or she too short for him. His somber all-black ensemble was also the perfect foil for her dramatic blood-red gown. The guests were soon exclaiming to one another of their being the perfect pair. They were oblivious to all of it as they danced their way through the crowd.
"Fortunately for me, you don't have to break my arm. I only wanted to talk to you more. Your parents sent me,"
That erased the playful smile that was on her lips. Now she eyed him warily.
"Let me guess: my mother wanted for us to meet each other,"
"Well, yes but�—"
"Well, now we have. And I'm sorry, Your Highness, if my parents are a little bit too presumptuous. I'll tell them you won't do, of course. Or rather, I won't do,"
"Won't do for what?"
Tifa thought it was such a pity. The prince was extraordinarily handsome, but was extraordinarily obtuse as well. She let out a sigh of regret. Just when she was beginning to like him, he proved he wasn't her type. She rarely went for the 'handsome but brainless' type.
"My mother is obviously matchmaking. She's also obviously wrong in our case. Princes don't marry commoners, even if the commoner is an heiress. It simply isn't done. Besides, I have no wish to be a princess, even if it can be done,"
What she said surprised him a lot. Most women would kill to be a princess. Cloud supposed she wasn't like 'most' women. Tifa probably misread his chagrined look because she hastily tried to back-peddle.
"It's not that I don't find you attractive or anything, of course I do. I mean�— God, what am I saying?"
Her being flustered amused him a great deal so he remained silent and allowed her to continue.
"Look, we're obviously a mismatch. You should really start looking for a REAL princess. Take Yuffie, for example,"
Tifa could feel him shudder and she smiled wickedly.
"Okay, so she won't do too. Didn't you have a girlfriend that was a princess? Aeris or something?"
Cloud practically stiffened at the sound of Aerith's name.
"Aerith. Her name was Aerith. You're very well informed about me,"
Tifa only rolled her eyes at him.
"Well, duh. My bestfriend happens to be your number one stalker... excuse me, your number one fan, I meant. That and we did go to the same university, you know,"
The prince's look of surprise was priceless.
"You went to Shinra University, too?"
"The Shinra University For Very Privileged Youth. Yup, the one and the same,"
"Why didn't I see you there?"
"Actually, you did. You just didn't have eyes for us mortal girls but Aerith. How is she, by the way? Is she here with you?"
"No. She's dead,"
The flatness in his voice made her feel guilty.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pried. I'm such a magpie. I'll leave you alone now. Thank you for the dance, and for indulging my mother's fantasy. That was very kind of you. Good luck,"
Tifa tried to move out of his arms but he resisted. He tipped up her chin instead. He was looking quite intently at her mouth.
"Tifa, I�—"
Tifa couldn't resist the temptation. At least she could say she was kissed by a prince once, right? And she didn't turn into a frog either. She pulled his head down to hers and their lips met, moving of their own accord. Lord, but he kissed just the way she thought princes really might.
When her parents saw them kiss (just as the five hundred or so people who were invited to the ball did), they instantly assumed their daughter accepted the prince's proposal. Mr. Lockheart hastily went to make the announcement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and thank you for gracing us with your presence. My lovely wife and I have a very important announcement to make tonight,"
Tifa broke the kiss reluctantly as she heard her father's voice over the roar of blood in her ears. She was still held captive by his arms and his glorious eyes as well. She felt she could drown in the glowing blue depths forever.
Cloud was listening with half an ear to the announcement, content to hold Tifa in his arms for the moment. She was a puzzle to him. One that he will enjoy unravelling slowly. He couldn't wait to start.
But when he realized her parents intended to announce their betrothal, he mentally cursed and tightened his hold on her, instinctively blocking her escape. And she would bolt, he was sure of it.
"Tifa, I forgot to tell you something,"
"Hmm?"
She was still looking at him dreamily. Cloud groaned, wanting nothing else but to kiss her again. He promised himself he'll do that later.
"Tifa we�—"
But her father beat him to it, drowning his explanation.
"We are pleased to announce the engagement of our lovely daughter, Tifa, to the Crown Prince of Costa del Sol, His Royal Highness Cloud of House Strife,"
The crowd erupted into applauses and wishes of best wishes were showered upon them. Tifa has yet to react. Cloud braced his self for it. She didn't disappoint him.
"WE'RE WHAT???"
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A Prince For Sale