Chapter Text
Before Tifa’s lips even touch the rim of the glass cup several of the children flock towards her and Biggs. They seem to have a habit of talking all at once.
“Are you two really going to battle?”
“Tifa, you can fight?”
“Biggs doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Wipe the floor with him Tifa!”
It concerns Biggs about how much his students want him to suffer. His eyes focus on the one responsible for this commotion— Moggie. The boy smugly smiles back at him. Well, no turning back now. Biggs takes a big gulp of his lemonade before putting it aside. “How about it Tifa?” Her big eyes shift to him, still very confused. “Are you gonna wipe the floor with me?” He laughs to mask the dread he really feels inside. He’s seen her fight and her punches are no joke, Tifa had gathered enough energy before to uppercut a Doomrat high into the air that when it fell back down it was already lifeless. She is truly incredible. Admiration almost completely clouds his fear for a moment.
“I— uh.” She never thought Biggs would be the target of her kicks and punches someday. “...No.” The kids all let out disappointed sighs and groans.
Moggie, however, steps up to save the day. “I’ve got potions and phoenix downs at the ready. All we want to see is a friendly spar is all, kupo!” The other kids readily agree. Her expression relaxes a little to Moggie’s relief.
“Only if Biggs is alright with it.”
Moggie shoots his eyes up at the tan young man who only gives an expressionless nod of approval, all the children cheer. Their commotion reaches the Housemother’s ears just as she returned from putting away the art supplies in the classroom. “What’s going on?” As soon as she approaches many of the kids try to explain all at once creating nothing but muddled words, her skilled ears, however, perk up and pick up on the keywords. “Tifa… Biggs… fight? What? Why?”
“It’s just a friendly spar is all,” Biggs explains it better.
She’s confused as to why this is even happening but reluctantly accepts it. “Okay just be careful.”
Biggs turns to Moggie with arms crossed. “So, where is this taking place?”
The young boy smiles and motions for them to follow. “I’ll lead the way.” He begins towards the dirt road next to the Leaf House, then it occurs to Biggs that it is the same road that leads to Mrs. Gainsborough’s house. We have spoken quite a few times, she even mentioned she has a daughter but I’ve never met her. Elmyra did tell me her name once but I don’t recall it. I hope she doesn’t mind me bringing a friend over after this.
It wasn’t long until they all arrived at their destination. There was a wide rustic red metal double gate before them with a chain and lock. Moggie proceeds to dig through his Moogle outfit pockets for the key, he finds it and unlocks the gates pushing them open. Everyone enters into the circular barren location. “Here is where you two will battle, feel free to stretch beforehand.” Moggie specifically directs his attention to Tifa. “I want to see your best moves on the battlefield. We'd learn a lot from you, some of us are aspiring fighters. Give us a fight to remember, kupo!” He grins with a thumbs up before directing everyone else out of the battle arena.
He closes the red gates, some of the children hop onto it while others disappear momentarily only to climb on nearby roofs to get a better view of what’s about to go down.
Tifa and Biggs walk a good distance apart, she looks at him concerned. “Are you sure you’re up for this?” She calls out.
He begins to stretch. “Yeah, definitely. Don’t think I’m an easy target!” He warns.
She chuckles before doing a few stretches of her own. “Ready?!” Moggie shouts from beyond the gate.
“I don’t think you’re that easy.” She emphasizes, even though they are a good few feet away Biggs still caught it.
“Hmph!” He smirks. “Hey, Tifa!” She gives him her full attention. “I’m not going to go easy on you.”
A sly smile appears on her lips. “If that’s the case, neither am I.” Their irises dance as they stare at each other intensely, there is a spark of challenge that excites both of them for this match.
“On my count, the battle begins! ...3!” Biggs pulls out a handgun with a lengthy barrel and metal designs; on the other hand, Tifa gets in her battle stance with both fists up. “2! ...1!” As soon as Moggie finished his countdown Biggs immediately shoots several bullets in Tifa’s direction but her evasion skill is second to none, she does a series of cartwheels and dodge rolls out of the way while still closing in on her target.
“Uh-oh.” Biggs needs time to reload and it's the one thing he doesn’t have. Tifa takes a hasten jab forward at him stunning him before knocking in two-fluid hooks. She aims to do an uppercut but it miraculously fails as Biggs forces himself to do a backflip that simultaneously allows him to land a kick in her abdomen propelling Tifa several feet away into the air. The crowd gasps in shock.
Before her body could hit the floor Tifa outstretched her hands to the ground forcing her legs over herself in a backflip that ends with her feet and gloves skidding her to a stop, the dust rose around her.
As Tifa takes only a second to recover from the blow, Biggs has already finished reloading but reaches out for his second handgun, turns out he is going to need it. Tifa shifts her weight from foot to foot preparing to dodge all bullets that are about to come her way.
Biggs starts firing a few trigger-happy bullets at her and a special shot that predicts where she’s headed. “Ah!” Tifa appears shocked by the last measly bullet that grazed her but she didn’t let it deter her from proceeding with her next move. Biggs releases the used magazines from his guns while Tifa calmly stands in place with a hand up close to her chest. Her hand begins to spark with a blue aura before she swiftly spins and hurls the magic his way.
“Argh!” Biggs drops his guns as he feels an intense cold burning sensation surround and freeze him in place. The last thing he sees is Tifa come at him in a blur. Her body crouches low then leaps into the air, she flips herself higher before her leg extends and dive kicks him out of his cold enclosure, Biggs’ body tumbles several feet away.
The riled-up cheering from the small spectators ceases as concern washes over their faces including her own. Oh, no… what was I thinking! She darts towards him. Tifa lands on her knees next to his motionless figure. “B-Biggs?!” She can barely say his name as a lump had already formed in her throat. Her hand reaches out to him grabbing his shoulder forcing him to face upwards, she then proceeds to cup his cheek with her hand.
A wide-eyed Moggie goes through the gates with a Phoenix feather at the ready, he too seemed a bit panicked. “HAH!” Biggs’ voice startles Tifa as he swiftly sits up and charges onto her, locking an arm around her waist as he stands with her over his shoulder.
Tifa is in complete and total shock. “Huh? What?” The children pushed past the gates exhilarated by their fight, they cheered for Biggs and Tifa.
He finally puts her down and notices she is still baffled with a red hue covering her entire face. “I— but… How? Did you trick me?” She questions in an indecipherable tone. Did I upset her?
Biggs nervously laughs it off. “Kinda, I was using a Revival Earring near my holster but it already broke. That ice spell will have my muscles aching quite a bit but I should be better by tomorrow.”
“I’m sorry. And the dive kick was just overkill.” She’s still beating herself up for it.
“That was the best part, so don’t worry about it! You impressed everyone, right guys?” He turns to the kids and they didn’t hesitate to agree and chant Tifa’s name, embarrassed by this she hides her face in her hands. “You have fans now.” Biggs laughs.
In the distance, near the gate, he sees Moggie standing with a hand behind his back. Thankfully the children’s many praises demanded Tifa’s attention, he took this opportunity to slip away and meet up with the merchant for the promised goods.
He follows the boy into a more shaded area. “Tifa has shown great potential out there, so did you by the way.” He adds. “Anyway, there is definitely room for improvement and some new moves. She could make good use of this, I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.” Moggie reveals a red cover book titled, Way of the Fist Vol. 1 .
“Wow, sounds perfect.” Biggs reaches for it but Moggie is quick to pull back.
He raises an empty palm out. “Got the medals for it?”
Biggs rolls his eyes. “Here.” He drops five Moogle Medals into Moggie’s little palm.
“Pleasure doing business with ya’.” Their transaction is then complete.
Biggs flips through the pages seeing new moves Tifa has never done before. She’ll be excited to see this, I just know it!
Moggie notices how beaten up Biggs looks but it doesn’t seem to bother him one bit. He beams with so much happiness while skimming through the book he plans to give Tifa. “She’s lucky to have you.” Moggie’s thought slips through his own lips, he clears his throat. “Anyway, good luck with Tifa and all.” He reaches through his pocket taking out a Hi-potion. “Here, you could really use this. Free of charge just this one time!” The boy warns.
Biggs breathlessly chuckles. “Yeah, thanks.” He is just now starting to feel worn out from the fight.
The young merchant begins towards the Leaf House. “Moggie,” He glances back, “I really appreciate your help.” The boy smirks before continuing on, he nonchalantly waves without looking back.
Biggs makes sure to hide his gift in one of the large pockets of his dark green cargo pants, he’ll know when the time feels right to give it to her.
Back at the barren arena all of the kids began to depart and head towards the Leaf House still conversing over their favorite part of the fight. Appearing behind everyone is the raven-haired young woman looking a tad dirty from battling. Now’s my chance.
Biggs approaches her with a smile. “You look a bit dusty.” Why did I say that?
She laughs. “I can say the same to you.”
Then came the perfect opportunity. “How about we go wash off? I’m sure Mrs. Gainsborough wouldn’t mind.”
“Mrs. Gainsborough?”
He nods grinning. “She is a kind older woman who lives further down the path in a nice cottage. Come on.” Biggs takes a hold of Tifa’s hand without thinking and gently pulls her along. Her mouth parts at his sudden boldness but she doesn’t mind.
They head deeper down into dark areas that seem a bit ominous but it’s because of all the junk lying nearby and the tin and metal walls adorning either side of the path. The closer they get to their destination the more the light shined at the end of the makeshift tunnel, soon the light became harsh on the eyes. Tifa closes her eyes and holds a hand up to block the powerful rays while trusting Biggs to continue guiding her safely. “The beams are harsher around these areas but our eyes will adjust soon.” She slowly opens them to see a blur before her red-brown eyes adjust just a few seconds after. Tifa can see large boulders decorate either side of the path with some vegetation and a wooden bridge ahead. “Shouldn’t be long now.” She can feel the loss of his warmth as he releases her hand and continues ahead of her.
A sound she hasn’t heard in so long fills her ears. The bridge turned at an angle and no longer did the boulder hide the beautiful view that awaited her. “Oh,” she gasps in wonder as a running waterfall has a small rainbow form in the mist. An abundance of flowers grow over a short cliff and near the river below. The bridge splits in two just ahead, one leads to a cottage meanwhile the other heads towards a pebbled passage into the flower fields.
Biggs heads toward the Gainsborough residence, Tifa reluctantly follows despite her innate desire to be amongst the flowers. They appear serene and soothing to the eyes as they gently sway back and forth in the breeze, it gives her a sense of calmness just looking at the blue, red, white, and pink colors. Is this what Biggs meant?
I would like to color the entirety of the slums if I could, but there aren’t enough flowers.
So this is the place he wanted me to see. The place where the flowers grow. A warm smile and blush grace her soft and light complexion.
Biggs heads up the staircase and knocks on Mrs. Gainsborough's door. I hope she’s home. “Coming!” He could hear a muffled voice answer before feet approached the door.
The knob turns as it creaks open. Appearing before him is an older woman with blonde hair tied in a bun with a few loose strands framing her face, she wears a green dress with a white apron that’s somewhat dirty from the housekeeping she’s been doing. “If you’re looking for Ae-” As soon as her baby blue eyes recognize the red headband she brightens up. “Ah, Biggs.”
“Mrs. Gainsborough I thought I’d stop by.” He grins. “Uh, is this a bad time?”
She immediately shakes her head. “No, not at all. I’m so glad you decided to visit me. Please come in.” She opens the door wider.
Biggs turns to Tifa who sheepishly steps up onto the porch. “I brought a friend if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Elmyra notices the young woman behind him.
“Nice to meet you.” Tifa and Elmyra extend their hands to each other at the same time. “I’m Tifa Lockhart.”
“Elmyra Gainsborough. Please make yourself at home.” She closes the door behind her and begins towards the kitchen. “Would you two like some tea?”
“Of course! But can we wash up first?”
“Sure, you can use the kitchen sink.” Biggs signals Tifa to follow him into the kitchen. He lets her wash up first.
Afterward, Biggs didn’t hesitate to take a seat at the table, he even pats the seat next to him. Tifa slowly makes her way over still feeling like a complete stranger. “Mrs. Gainsborough is very nice. Once you get comfortable you won’t wanna leave.” He whispers with a chuckle.
“Are you gossiping about me, Biggs?” Elmyra raises a brow as she sets two teacups on the table.
“Only praises.” He gives her a cheeky smile, she sticks her tongue out at him playfully before heading back into the kitchen for her own cup of tea. Tifa giggles at their interaction. “See? You’re getting comfortable already.” Biggs points out.
He blows the steam away trying to cool off his tea meanwhile Mrs. Gainsborough returns to sit across from them. “What brings you two here?” Elmyra begins the conversation. “Did you want to impress your girlfriend with my flowers?” He almost chokes up on his tea. A sly smile forms on her lips as she takes a sip.
“We-we are just friends.” Tifa nervously chuckles.
“Hmm… what a shame. You two look good together.” Elmyra sets her cup down. “How did you two meet?”
“Uh, we have a common friend.”
She may have an idea of which friend Tifa is referring to. “Did Jessie introduce you two?”
She knows Jessie? Tifa begins to dwell on it. Has she been here before? Hmm, Biggs and Jessie’s history goes further back than I thought. That feeling she isn’t very fond of begins to weigh on her chest again.
“Kind of… Tifa runs a bar in Sector 7 and Jessie recommended it so it became our usual spot and naturally we all became friends.”
Elmyra smiles warmly. “How nice. I bet you help Tifa a lot.”
“Not really.” Biggs rubs the back of his head.
Tifa immediately shakes her head. “He practically works there. He can handle the bar better than me.” Both women laugh.
“Not surprising, Biggs has always been such a big help to any and everyone.”
“Yeah,” Tifa agrees, “he has always been there when I need him.” He attempts to hide his blushing cheeks from all the admiration he’s receiving right now.
Tifa hasn’t seen him react like that before, she boldly leans close to him. “Is that a blush I spy?” She teases as he brings a hand over his face. Both women chuckled at his cute behavior.
The three of them had a long conversation as time seemed to slip away quickly. Soon the large artificial lights above them begin to dim and eventually shut down meanwhile the light posts begin to brighten the dirt paths. “It’s nighttime already?” Elmyra notices a bit displeased, she clearly enjoyed the company. “Would you two like to stay the night?”
Tifa hastily stands. “I-I wouldn’t want to intrude. Besides, I have to prepare to open the bar for tomorrow night.”
Biggs stands as well. “Yeah, unfortunately, I have work to do Sunday too.”
“I understand. It was a pleasure meeting you Tifa.”
“Oh, likewise Mrs. Gainsborough.”
Biggs begins to grab their used teacups. “Let me help you clean up before we go.”
Elmyra was about to protest but Tifa beat her to it. “It’s okay Biggs, I can help her with these dishes. It’s the least I can do for the hospitality, Mrs. Gainsborough.”
“That’s really thoughtful of you, thank you. You two are very much alike.” She adds making Tifa’s cheeks redden again before she heads into the kitchen to wash the dirty dishes. “It is awfully late, I’m worried about Aerith.”
“Aerith? Your daughter?” Elmyra nods while peeking behind a curtain hoping to see her daughter appear at any moment. “If you want I can go find her and escort her home.” Biggs offers.
“Would you?”
He smiles. “It’s the least I can do.” Elmyra was just about to describe her to him but the door creaking open gets their attention.
“Mom, I’m home!” Her voice almost sings.
“Aerith, I was worried about you.” Elmyra receives the empty wicker basket from her daughter.
The young woman laughs. “I figured you would. I almost didn’t catch the last train back home.” Her eyes then turn to the tan young man in their home. “I didn’t know you had company today.” She whispers to her mother.
“A surprise visit from Biggs, he’s the one I always talked about.”
“Ah, the teacher the kids tell me all about too. Hello, I’m Aerith. Nice to meet you.” She gives him her hand.
“Nice to finally meet you too.” Compared to her docile mother Aerith is peppy.
“Are you going to stay the night?” She asks so suddenly. “If so I can tidy up our extra room.”
Biggs is quick to raise his hands. “Not necessary we were just leaving. Thanks for offering though.”
“We?” She repeats somewhat confused but just then Tifa appears from the kitchen.
“All done Mrs. Gainsborough.” Both girls pause, staring at each other.
“Hi.” They both say in unison. Aerith laughs cheerfully. “You must be Biggs’ girlfriend.” Tifa’s eyes widen at Biggs while he nervously steps in to straighten things out.
“She’s my friend, Tifa.”
Aerith frowns. “Hmm… what a shame.” She stretches her limbs. “It was nice meeting you two, but I’m going to turn in now. Feel free to stop by again to see me.” She waves at both of them as she heads upstairs.
Elmyra chuckles. “Aerith is always carefree with everyone. Don’t hesitate to visit us soon, we’d love the company.”
“Will do.” Biggs gives her a short salute before stepping out onto the porch.
Tifa turns to Elmyra one last time. “Thanks again for everything.”
“Anytime Tifa. You are always welcomed here.” Mrs. Gainsborough leans close to whisper in her ear. “Biggs seems to care so much about you. He’s very selfless, just remember to be there for him as much as he is there for you.” Her words resonate with Tifa, it arose a very heavy feeling deep in her chest out of realization. I haven’t been there for him like he has for me. “Be careful on your way back.” Elmyra waves them off before closing the door.
Instead of heading back to the main bridge Biggs makes his way towards the flower fields, Tifa silently and curiously follows. How can I be there for him? What can I do? What can I even say? She ponders eventually stopping a few feet away from where he stands. What kind of a friend am I if I can’t even be there for him? Tifa, you’re so pathetic. Her self-deprecating thoughts eat away at her.
Biggs closes his eyes and inhales as the sounds of the waterfall drowns his ears in his blissful state. “This is what it must be like outside of Midgar. Of course, you would know.” His lashes flutter open and his bright brown eyes turn to her, but he is then shocked at Tifa’s remorseful expression as her deep red eyes burrow into him. Did I say something wrong?
She can see it in his face that he feels at fault. “No, it’s never you. It’s me. I’m what’s wrong.” Her tearing eyes shift to the waterfall. “When are you not there for me Biggs? I really don’t know how you do it. Whenever I feel the worst you always happen to be there.” She exhales harshly as her hands become fists. “Why can’t I do the same for you?”
To him the answer was easy. “It’s because you don’t believe you have what it takes.” Biggs deeply sighs. “Tifa, you undermine yourself so much when really I’m just happy to know you. I don’t expect you to give me anything for the kindness and attention I’m glad to give you every day.” He closes the gap between them placing his hands on her arms, her glistening red wine eyes look up at him with tears threatening to come out. “I love you for who you are now and the woman you’re going to become in the future. You still have some growing up to do, but promise me one thing… learn to love yourself. There is a beauty deep inside that I want you to see.” He grins while his hand pets her head gently. He can see tears run from her eyes as she softly cries. Without hesitation, Biggs brings Tifa into his arms and lets her take all the time she needs to release the heavy feelings she has been carrying around for so long.
After a while fireflies rejoice amongst the flowers and brighten up the entire field. “Look.” He whispers into her ear, Tifa opens her eyes to see thousands of tiny lights float around them.
“So beautiful…” Her voice whispers almost silently. “It’s like a secluded paradise.”
“Midgar can look like this again.” Biggs bends down next to a bed of yellow flowers running his fingers under the petals of one. “Our planet continues to fight for survival even in these parts. And we’re going to keep helping her.”
Tifa bends down next to him recognizing the flower. “This is… Cloud.” She mumbles. Biggs pretends he didn’t hear a thing and begins to stand.
He clears his throat. “Tifa, there is something I want to give you.” She slowly gets out of her crouched position. Biggs reaches in his pocket taking out a red book titled Way of the Fist Vol.1 , Tifa smiles gratefully. “It’s a gift I got earlier. I hope you like—”
“I love it!” She sounds very enthusiastic to his surprise. “Thank you for always thinking of me Biggs. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.” Inevitably her last words pain him but that’s all he’ll ever be to her. He knows that now.
He hands it to her, almost immediately Tifa begins to skim through it. Thanks to the fireflies she can make out some words and images. “Incredible. I’ve never seen most of these techniques before.”
“Once you master them Zangan would be proud.”
Her smile becomes one of longing. “I wonder if he’ll ever return to Midgar.”
“He hasn’t forgotten about you, I’m positive of it.”
“Yeah,” she laughs, “he’s done nothing but praise me ever since I became his pupil years ago.” Tifa glances over at him. “I had so much fun today Biggs. I feel so much better now.” Her heavy heart feels lighter now although not entirely but it’s a start.
“Ready to head home?” He asks. Tifa nods before following close behind him. She holds her new book close to her chest. “Since it’s night time now it’s going to be harder to see.” His hand opens up. “Hold onto me when you need me.” Biggs offers.
Tifa willingly accepts his hand. Her lips part in astonishment as that feeling begins to stir in her heart again. Her heartbeats speed up and the butterflies in her stomach rise up once more. I’m so happy to know that Biggs and I have grown closer as friends. It’s going to take some getting used to voice how I feel. I’m glad he is going to be there listening when I need him, but I want to be there for him too. I want him to know that. “Hey, Biggs.”
“Hm?” He gives her his ears while continuing through the path filled with scrap and old machinery.
“I want to be there for you too. You know, when you need someone to talk to.”
He couldn’t help but smile to himself. “Okay, just don’t regret becoming my therapist later on.”
She chuckles. “Never.”