His hair just refuses to cooperate today. Rufus actually has beautiful hair, but for some reason today it's just so difficult to groom. I comb the light, natural golden strands back, leaving a few face framing pieces. Staring at our reflection in the mirror, I once again notice how similar we look – well in terms of hair coloring and style. But unlike me, his honey blonde mane glistens in the light. Also, unlike me, his hair feels like silk between my fingers. My texture is more comparable to straw. If it weren't for my duties to the Vice President of the Shinra Electric Power Company, I might actually have some time to care for my physical appearance, but I don't have that luxury. Given the option, I'm not even sure I'd give up my responsibilities. I've been rather comfortable with our 'extended assignment' here in Junon.

"Changing your attire might be appropriate, sir." I remarked hesitantly to Rufus, standing behind him as I continue to brush his hair.

"Don't be ridiculous, Elena."

Still staring at our reflection in the mirror, I realized that it's quite a rarity for anyone to see Rufus out of that white business suit. Not to say that it doesn't suit him, it actually says a lot about him. The material was obviously expensive and cut to exact precision for the contours of his body, accentuating his height and the boldness of his shoulders. Just like his demeanor, the suit radiated an aura of quiet confidence and understated elegance.

"I refuse to go out of my way to exhaust any effort into this," Rufus chuckled, a bit pretentiously. "It is just a social obligation. I intend to do what is expected of me, nothing more."

"Sir, this is a little more important than a mere social obligation," I replied. "This is a military matter. You know as well as I do that the tension after the Wutai War is still present. Forming a marital alliance with the Kisaragi family will reduce the potential for future conflict."

Through the reflection in the mirror, the icy stare of his blue eyes met with my own. His disapproval of my words was evident. The gaze was cold, yet those dark blue circles always had a way of enticing me. The shine was identical to glass and it always seemed to pierce through me.

"I am wearing this suit and I refuse to hear any further argument about it."

Rolling my eyes in defeat, I signaled my surrender with a small nod. I suppose his attire wasn't a horrible choice. It was sharp-looking, well-kept, fit well and it made him look handsome. Since we'd been in Junon, I had noticed many female eyes stray to him regardless of the suit. All female eyes must have at one time or another strayed to him, even my own.