Story background: This is AU! (No surprise there, right? *Chuckle*) The very sketchy backstory... When ShinRa went to war with Wutai, their army was led by General Sephiroth, 1st Lieutenant Angeal Hewley and 2nd Lieutenant Genesis Rhapsodos. The forces of Wutai were commanded by General Cloud Strife, 1st Lieutenant Zack Fair and 2nd Lieutenant Kunsel Moreno. And even though ShinRa won very few of the battles during the protracted siege, Wutai eventually lost the war after four years due to the blockade that kept them from getting supplies. General Strife had to make the decision to either surrender or watch his people starve, basically.

During the peace treaty negotiations, President ShinRa was killed by the insane scientist Hojo when certain details of the treaty came to light. President ShinRa's son Rufus took over at that point and ordered Hojo's execution, which was carried out with dispatch since the scientist's reputation for cruelty and unethical experiments was widely known. While trying to reorganize the company, it didn't take Rufus very long to realize Hojo had turned his father into a monster that used the company's power for whatever perverted purposes he wished. Not wanting to lead such a corrupt business, he appointed Reeve Tuesti as head of the newly created corporation, called the World Regenesis Organization, or the WRO.

However, before any restructuring could begin between the upper and lower Plates, Midgar itself had to be abandoned when a massive explosion nearly leveled the ShinRa Tower and damaged every system of the city beyond repair. So the city of Edge was designed and built just outside of the blast zone, incorporating what it could of the outer infrastructure of the metropolis.

Once the WRO Headquarters were finished, Tuesti made a decision widely regarded as the best one possible. Needing more leaders to help with not only monster patrols and to organize the dismantling the now-defunct mako reactors, but also better moral for the people, Reeve campaigned to have the now-retired General Strife assist them. Reeve knew the people of Edge respected Strife even though he was technically their enemy, for infantrymen captured during skirmishes were never mistreated by the Wutaians and returned to ShinRa promptly and in good health.

Both of his former Lieutenants chose to accompany him to Edge -due to personal reasons that had nothing to do with Reeve's request- which was something Tuesti really hadn't counted on. But after hearing of their exploits during the war, Reeve hired them as well.

It was an interesting situation when the three men were put under the command of the elected head of the WRO forces - which was General Sephiroth.

Somehow, the six diversely different SOLDIERs have become friends, and often spend their evenings off at the Seventh Heaven Bar, owned and operated by Tifa Lockhart. At this point, Cloud and his friends have been in the city of Edge for five months, and have been coming into the bar regularly for about two.

Okay, now onto the story...

Chapter Summary: General Sephiroth of the WRO has quite the reputation for fleecing new personnel when it comes to poker. His opponents tend to leave the table wiser, but sad and much poorer. So when the General challenges Cloud to a poker match, Tifa decides to allow them to play at Seventh Heaven when she learns from Zack that Cloud is also known for a really mean game of poker. She even gives Strife a little something extra for 'luck'...

The Poker Series

Ivy Elise Tanté

Chapter 1: Poker Night at Seventh Heaven

The whole situation started innocently enough on that Friday afternoon at the Seventh Heaven Bar located in Edge, the city build out from the ruins of Midgar. Behind the counter, the owner and bartender Tifa Lockhart prepared drinks while keeping an eye on her adopted children, Denzel and Marlene. They were tucked in the corner nearest to the bar, obstinately doing their homework. As a fit of giggles would occasionally over take them, there was some question about just how much work was actually getting done.

Looking across the bar, she could see General Sephiroth and his cronies -as most of the regulars called them- seated at their usual table in the far corner by the large side window.

Tifa had to smile. When the six first started coming into her establishment, most of her customers fled out the door with considerable haste. There were so many mysteries and misconceptions about SOLDIERs floating around that the unease was understandable. Tifa herself was nervous in their presence. But they were always polite and respectful towards her and the patrons of the bar, and never showed any signs of violence or rowdiness.

In fact, compared to some of her regular customers, they seemed down-right docile.

Now, many would wave and call greetings as they moved through the bar. These men might be 'super-human' -and the glowing mako eyes strengthened that impression- but that didn't stop them from wanting some relaxation after a hard day.

General Sephiroth, tall and fair, with a waterfall of silvery hair flowing nearly to his knees and eyes of pale jade, was a commanding presence whenever he entered the bar. And though he continued to be distant and aloof in manner, even after several months of enjoying the ambiance of the place, he responded when spoken to and was always pleasant.

The others were a bit more approachable.

Genesis Rhapsodos was a green-eyed red-head that had a rather wicked sense of humor, and the constant quotes from LOVELESS were more often than not appropriate to the moment in question. His manner could be high-handed at times, but never quite bad enough to cause offense. He was by far the most colorful of the group, sporting a red leather coat and a rakish earring dangling from his right ear.

Though he was quieter, Angeal Hewley would nonetheless throw out little comments here and there, one-liners that had all his companions rolling with laughter and most of the regulars snickering into their drinks. Unlike his companions his skin was darkly tanned, his hair so black it glimmered blue on occasion. His eyes were nearly as dark; a midnight blue lightened only by the mako staining his irises. He was unique in that he sported a goatee; none of the others had any facial hair to speak of.

Zack Fair had proved time and again to be both a tease and a flirt. Warm, personable and naturally friendly, he would speak to anyone and was ready to talk about anything. His black hair haloed his head in feathery spikes, framing his face in a way that highlighted eyes so blue they appeared violet in certain lighting. His tendency to bounce in his seat while talking had earned him the nickname of Puppy.

Kunsel Moreno wasn't quite as talkative, but had a charming grin and twinkling eyes that let you know he was up for about any mischief available. Another red-head -although his hair leaned more towards brown than Genesis' did- he was graced with velvety brown eyes filled with golden flecks. As the flecks were what glowed because of the mako, it made him look like he had stars in his eyes.

Then there was the former General of Wutai. Cloud Strife had been a shock to Tifa - and to just about everyone else as well. It had been five years since the start of the war, over a year since its ending, and yet most judged Cloud to be no more than twenty-one at most. Even his former Lieutenants appeared older than him.

So there they were, relaxing in the companionable atmosphere of the bar, when Angeal made a passing comment about Sephiroth's tendency to fleece new servicemen. Across the table from him, Cloud raised a blonde eyebrow in Sephiroth's direction, his too-intensely blue eyes demanding an explanation. Genesis started laughing at all the possible meanings for such a term that were probably running through the former General of Wutai's mind right then.

Giving his subordinates a quelling look -that did nothing to stop the snickers in the least- Sephiroth glanced at Cloud and said simply, "Poker."

Genesis somehow managed to gasp out through his mirth, "Cut-throat poker. Anyone foolish enough to play him will be lucky to leave the table with all limbs attached."

"He's cleaned us out often enough I know to bring a spare pair of pants," was Angeal's rueful addition to the conversation. The most interesting thing about his statement was the fact he didn't appear to be joking all that much.

Zack and Kunsel exchanged glances before the former said, "You know, it might just be a requirement for Generals." Zack took a sip of his rum and coke and pointed to Cloud. "In nearly every aspect of life he's a perfect gentleman, but when it comes to poker? All bets are off. I think the last count for first-borne was what? Six? Or is it seven?" He looked to Kunsel for confirmation.

"Eight," Kunsel supplied in a casual tone as he continued flipping through a weapon's magazine. "You've probably forgotten that infantryman that tried to bet his younger sister first. Cloud wouldn't accept because she was already engaged to one of his sergeants. She was really cute, and pretty disappointed, if I recall correctly." Kunsel grinned at the soft grunt from Cloud; whether the sound was a confirmation or denial was debatable. Tossing the magazine onto the tabletop, he picked up his Rob Roy as he reminded his friend, "You were still mooning over your latest letter from Aerith, so I'm not sure how much of the outside world intruded."

Chuckles floated around the table as Zack blushed. They all teased him unmercifully about Aerith, the beautiful green-eyed woman that ran a florist shop in Edge. But deep within each admitted to some envy, since it was very apparent Zack had found his soul-mate.

"So," Sephiroth drawled softly, "want to try out your luck, Strife? If I win, you'll be night-shift for a week."

The General was speaking of the nightly rounds many of the SOLDIERs volunteered to patrol between the ruins of Midgar and Edge. Monsters abounded, preying on those foolish enough to be in that area at night. Many homeless fell into that category, even with Reeve trying everything within his power to better their situations.

The twinkle in the General's eye would have given many a reason to pause even if the comments of his men hadn't.

The soft smile that graced the fair features of Cloud Strife made him look even more angelic than normal; with his pale spiky blonde hair that framed his startlingly innocent-looking face, alabaster skin and intensely too-blue eyes with their unsettling green mako taint around his pupils.

But that smile's appearance had both of his former Lieutenants leaning back in their chairs with wide eyes, heartily glad it wasn't directed at them.

"Of course, Sephiroth. I think it would be quite a challenge. I haven't tested my wits against you in far too long." His voice was low and quiet and ever so slightly husky - the sensual tone sent a shiver down every female spine within hearing range.

But the words reinforced that despite his young age, he was a highly intelligent man.

To see Sephiroth sit back and wince was entertaining. The General of ShinRa had been incensed when told how young his opponent had been during the war. Strife had taken over the armies of Wutai at sixteen, and proceeded to irritate, aggravate and infuriate him for the next four years with some of the most unconventional strategies and tactics ever seen. Even though he despised being outwitted, Sephiroth admitted to grudging admiration of Strife's methods, which so often translated into the loss of only a very few -if any- of either of their troops.

But it raised a question that had haunted the General for all those years, and now was the perfect opportunity to ask it. "You were very careful to keep your age and appearance a secret, Cloud. Why did you do that? If I had known I was fighting a mere teenager at the time..."

Tapping a finger on the tabletop, Cloud leaned forward and told him earnestly, "And that is the reason. If you had known, just how seriously would you have taken the war? I wasn't about to allow you to underestimate me." Chuckles floated around the table as all absorbed the implications.

Rather than take advantage of the situation, Cloud had done what he could to equalize them.

Before more could be said on the subject, soft footfalls warned them of an approach. All looked up in pleasure as Tifa herself arrived with their tray of drinks. Her eyes, a curious mix of red and brown, swept over the elite group. All were very careful not to be caught openly ogling; Tifa was an exceptionally beautiful woman, with a body just as incredible as her face and what had to be the sweetest disposition any of them had ever encountered.

But she was also a martial artist of extraordinary skill who took exception to being stared at too lingeringly - and she was capable of meting out some truly painful reprisals.

"Here we go, gentlemen," she said, working her way around the table as she placed their orders before them. Straightening up, Tifa held out a hand and ordered, "Pay up, and don't be mean!" She graced them with that well-known sweet smile that took the sting out of her comment.

As each handed over the required amount of gil, Zack asked in an off-handed manner, "Do you know where we could start a game of poker, Tifa? Seph just challenged Cloud, and I really want to see his face when Spiky works his magic with the cards." The sudden sharpening of her gaze took him a little aback. "I... said something wrong?" he guessed nervously.

"You can beat Sephiroth?" she queried directly of Cloud, who simply nodded an affirmative, much to Sephiroth's amusement. "Then you can play it right here. I'll allow it if it gives me the chance to see him beaten." At his surprised look, she elaborated in a voice a bit more clipped that usual, "Comeuppance, General. A lot of people would pay good money to see your arrogance taken down a peg... or two." Without another word, she went to the bar and removed two decks of cards from under the counter, then returned to their table and slapped them down.

Zack gave a laughing cheer and snatched them up, breaking the seal on the first box and starting to shuffle the deck "Bad reputation?" he guessed, grinning at Sephiroth as he began dealing out the cards with swift dexterity that showed he played often.

"He's worse," Tifa confirmed. Since Sephiroth still looked stunned that she held him in such low regard, she relented and admitted, "I know you warn everyone that agrees to play that you're really good. I just don't think you should challenge the ones that obviously aren't prepared to deal with a card-shark like you." There was a brief moment of hesitation, as though she intended to say more. But she just shook her head and let out a breath that ruffled her bangs.

"I will take your suggestion under consideration, Tifa," Sephiroth promised solemnly, tapping his cards with one finger. "However, I don't think Strife falls anywhere within the gullible category, and neither do his men. Are there any objections, gentlemen?" He eyed the four others at the table and waited for their answer.

Zack just chuckled, finished dealing out the hands, and picked up his cards. "Since I didn't bring my Buster Sword, I'm safe. Kunsel? You're not wearing your best pair of boots, are you?"

"Nope," Kunsel replied after double-checking first just to be sure. After all, he'd played against his former commander many times and knew the penalties of not paying strict attention to the circumstances. "I'm good. Ante up, everybody."

Angeal just waved his consent while Genesis tossed a gil into the pot to express his agreement.

"Satisfied?" Sephiroth asked Tifa, and there was no mockery in his tone as he picked up the hand dealt to him.

Feeling a bit daring because of the General's easy acceptance of her criticism, Tifa nodded and started to walk away. But something made her turn back to the table. Circling around, she came to stand beside Strife. Curious, he looked up at her, those intensely blue eyes questioning.

For a brief moment it seemed no one else existed in the world but the two of them, so intimate was their stare.

Tifa then stunned everyone as she leaned over Cloud and pressed a soft but lingering kiss on the startled man's lips. "For good luck," she breathed, then calmly strolled back to the bar and accepted a drink order from a waitress.

For just a second he remained frozen in place, his eyes wide and obviously stunned by Tifa's unexpected gesture. Then Strife cleared his throat, one hand rising to rub the back of his neck - a nervous mannerism all at the table recognized. "Well," he finally said, his bright blue gaze latching onto Sephiroth.

Something about the wicked gleam in those eyes had Zack and Kunsel exchanging that uneasy glance again, but neither man said anything about leaving the game. They did, however, slide their chairs slightly away from his.

If he noticed their apprehension -and how could he not have?- he gave no sign. Picking up his cards, Cloud fanned them out in a casual manner and suddenly grinned mischievously. "Shall we?"


Six hours, Tifa thought, sparing another glance at the table. Never had she seen a poker game last so long. Hand after hand was dealt, gil flashed and cards were tossed to waiting players. Very few words were spoken as the game continued, most of them reverting to Cloud's tendency to use gestures instead of speaking. And despite the late hour the bar was still packed by those fascinated with the match.

Or rather the opponents, she thought with a smile.

It was the only way any of them could witness a battle between Sephiroth and Strife. And this was proving to be one heck of a battle!

Sliding a Cosmopolitan down the bar, she took a slight break, letting her gaze linger on General Strife. Tifa knew he no longer held that rank but it was how she always thought of him.

He was leaning back comfortably in his seat, relaxed and quiet as his eyes flickered around the table, studying his opponents. Something in that too-vivid blue gaze let her know he was analyzing each one, looking for tension, nervousness, glee. Though he wasn't dominating the table with his wins, the neat pile of gil in front of him was considerably larger than the one before Sephiroth.

A customer nodded towards her, gesturing for another beer. Tifa popped the top and handed it over, accepting the gil in return. Though she tried to keep focused on scrubbing down the counter, her thoughts kept returning to the kiss she impulsively pressed on Cloud. It was the first time she had gotten really close to him, and the scent emanating from his body haunted her. He smelled like a wild summer storm, the kind that knocked down trees and shattered windows.

The kiss itself had rocked her even more. A dangerous man, she thought, for what he can make me feel.

She had studied all she could find on the war with Wutai, and the exploits of Cloud Strife were legendary. But she knew little of the man himself except for the few facts garnered by his visits to her bar. And though it was nice to know that he preferred an ale brewed locally and a particular brand of sake, the knowledge did little to further her understanding of the man.

Grudgingly she admitted she wanted to learn more.

A growled voice cut through the din, making heads turn all over the bar. Genesis, Angeal, Zack and Kunsel were leaning forward eagerly, eyes on Sephiroth as the General threw the last of his gil into the pile at the center of the table. "I call," he said firmly, and waited to see what Cloud would do.

The blonde merely nodded, added to the pot, and motioned towards Sephiroth's cards.

Sephiroth turned them over one at a time; four Nines and an Ace of Hearts. Smiling, he leaned back, relaxed and patient. Whatever Cloud's hand, he felt it could hardly beat four of a kind.

Cloud quietly contemplated Sephiroth before laying his hand face-up on the table. Stunned silence followed as all gazed at them in disbelief; he had the Ace through Ten of Spades, a royal flush. But only for a moment, then voices started to babble in amazement.

Letting out a war-like whoop, Zack leaped to his feet and threw his cards into the air with the shout of, "He did it! Chocobo-head won!" The glare he got in response should have fried him on the spot, causing Zack to realize he'd just confirmed Cloud's much-hated code-name during the war. "Oops!" he muttered, hastily stepping out of arm's reach of his former commander.

The resounding -thump- followed by a pained, "Ow!" let everyone know Kunsel had actually managed to laugh himself right out of his chair. Rising, he rubbed the afflicted spot, much to the amusement of those around him. "Congratulations, Cloud. Even though it cost me more of my pay than I'm willing to admit, I enjoyed every minute of it."

Back-slapping followed as Cloud calmly gathered his money into a neat pile.

Sephiroth asked while smiling softly to himself, "Will it be satisfactory to begin the night-shift tomorrow at midnight?" He was puzzled when Cloud shook his head. "Do you wish me to start tonight, then?"

"You neglected to ask your forfeit before we began playing, Sephiroth," Cloud reminded, head tilted to the side as he contemplated the General.

Who seemed very surprised by his omission. "I... did, didn't I?" he said slowly. "Well then, state your terms, Strife. You won fairly and I will not attempt to finagle my way out."

What came out of Cloud's mouth was about the last thing he expected, though.

"The orphanage always needs help with the children. Spend the week doing so." This was said in a challenging manner, with Cloud's intensely blue eyes staring straight into Sephiroth's frost green.

Granted, he was greatly surprised. It was such a habit to control his reactions to all shocks, however, that all he did at first was blink. "As you wish," he acquiesced, and then hesitated. "Although I have no intentions of breaking my given word, I do wish to add that I have no experience working with children and am not comfortable around them."

And Cloud simply nodded to this admission and leaned forward to say intently, "Then learn, General. Despite everything done to us, we are the ones that decide if we are more human than monster - Hojo's determinations be damned. I realized long ago that I am not obligated to follow the designs of the madman that tortured and twisted me. You have that same choice."

With this said he rose, pocketed his money, and headed for the bathroom.

Hushed whispers floated around the room as her patrons started to leave; it was nearly two o'clock in the morning and they knew Tifa would soon make last call. So when Cloud exited the bathroom, he found he was the only one left in the room other than the bartender.

Smiling, he sat on the stool at the end of the bar, watching as she deposited glasses into the soapy dishwater. "Thank you for allowing us to play. I know you normally do not do so."

Scrubbing the lip of the low-ball she held, Tifa admitted, "Like Kunsel, I enjoyed it very much. But what did you mean about someone twisting you?" At the silence that followed, she looked up to find him grimacing. "I'm sorry. If that question is too personal..."

"It's not. But the story is long and it's late, so perhaps another day." Rising, he pulled the gil out of his pocket and put it on the bar. When she started to refuse, he shook his head and stated, "I know you cook several meals a week for the orphanage, as well as take care of two children of your own. I'm sure there are always repairs to be made on this building as well as breakables that must be replaced. Think of it as our contribution to your efforts."

And with that he walked calmly out of the bar, the door closing behind him with a gentle click that seemed to echo about the room.

It was really the first conversation she had had with him. His words reinforced yet again his intelligence, but his actions hinted at the gentleness that lurked beneath the normally silent exterior. Tifa's curiosity towards the man deepened.

Looking at the gil he had placed on her counter, thinking of all the extra business netted this night due to the poker game, Tifa found herself smiling. When she gave him that kiss for good luck, it never occurred to her she might be the recipient of some as well...