Hey hey, this is the real start of the story...I hope it's to your satisfaction! I tried my best sooo...yeah ^.^ Enjoy! I would like to thank sakR9 for pointing out that I needed to put a little something into my story! I changed it so I hope it's slightly betterrrr for ya! =) Thank you once again!

Disclaimer: I don't own it! I wish I did...

Chapter 3. Unwanted Memory & Surprise conversations

Tifa tossed and turned for the umpteenth time that night, an unwanted memory plaguing her mind.

*Flashback*

"Denzel, Marlene, you ready to go?" Tifa asked the children.

"Yeah…" The little girl with the braid and pink ribbon sadly replied, Denzel nodded, taking sudden interest in the floorboards.

"Cheer up guys," the brunette forced a smile. "I'll see you guys soon, OK?"

The kids looked up at her, lightly smiling. Such sad faces…It's for the best right now she sadly thought. A small tug brought her out of her thoughts, she looked down, gazing into her adoptive sons eyes. Tifa kneeled down beside him, her hand lightly clasped around his.

"What is it, Sweetie?" Tifa asked in a motherly tone.

"I don't wanna go; I want to stay here with you and Cloud!" Denzel pleaded.

Tifa slowly shook her head. "Cloud and I had a disagreement honey; we're going through a rough patch right now. Barret will look after you until everything is settled."

Small arms enveloped her neck. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too sweetie."

They pulled apart after hearing a vehicle door shut. The tinker of the bell above the bar door went off; revealing a big, burly black man with a robotic right arm. Marlene's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Daddy!" she yelled, running to him with arms extended.

"Well if it ain't mah little girl!" he picked his daughter up and playfully rubbed his beard against her cheeks.

"Ouch daddy, those hurt!" Marlene squealed.

Barret erupted into a hearty laughter.

"You've grown so much bigger since I've last seen ya baby, what is Tifa feeding you?" Marlene giggled and nuzzled her father's neck.

The large man spied the younger boy seeking shelter behind the barmaid.

"Been keepin' mah little girl outta trouble?" Barret sternly asked the boy. Denzel hastily nodded in agreement.

"That's mah boy! Come 'ere squirt!" Marlene coaxed him over with frantic waving hands. Denzel burst into laughter, running towards the large man. Barret kneeled down, giving him a large welcoming hug. He put Marlene down beside Denzel.

"You guys go get yur bags 'n' meet me in the truck. Tifa 'n' I would like to talk fer a minute."

The children smiled widely, running upstairs in a competition of who can finish first to the truck. Barret tore his eyes away from the stairs, his gaze landed upon Tifa, her face displaying melancholy.

"You gunna be alright 'Teef?" The barmaid turned her head at hearing her name. Barret was asking her a question.

"What? Oh, yes…I'm just sad to see them go, I'm sorry I had to call you to look after them." Tifa tilted her head down in shame.

"Hey, 'Teef…" Barret put his organic hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "Don't blame yourself, ok? You gotta do what you gotta do, eh?"

Tifa numbly nodded.

"But I gotta ask you though, are you sure you wanna work for that arrogant asshole, Shinra?"

"Money is tight right now, Barret…I know for sure that Rufus CAN'T turn me down," Tifa playfully smirked. "Besides…I want a life away from Cloud."

Tifa's fists curled up, tears swelled behind her eyes. Tangy copper filled her mouth; not realizing she bit down with such force to keep said tears behind locked bars.

"I want to start new again, without these chains binding me here. I've…waiting for so long for him to notice me, but my chance has come and gone a long time ago. No more sitting around…" Tifa whispered.

Barret pulled her into a comforting embrace, squeezing her tightly. "Alrigh' hun, if anyone causes you grief 'specially that bastard Rufus OR Cloud, call me 'n' I'll be there faster than ya can say 'Chocobo'."

Tifa smiled warmly. "Ok, you've got yourself a deal."

"Good," he flashed a toothy grin in return.

Soon as Barret finished the kids ran out the door screaming like banshees. Outside, Marlene started to complain that Denzel cheated.

"Guess that's mah cue to head out." He slowly backed away from the brunette. "You take care 'Teef, I mean it." With a wave he headed out.

Tifa moved towards the entrance and started waving her goodbyes to the kids…

*End flashback*

Beep…Beep…Beep…

Tifa rolled onto her side, facing away from the deafening alarm clock, a pillow folded over her ears. Stupid memory… she mentally growled.

Beep…Beep…Beep…

She groggily opened her eyes and moaned. "Sweet Shiva, how do they manage this everyday?" Well, with the exception of Reno of course…Or so I hear Tifa reluctantly faced the offending object, glaring at it with pure resentment. She had an intuition that the box will someday become acquainted with her fist, literally.

Pulling off the covers, she shivered at the cool brisk air kissing her skin. Ignoring the notion to wrap herself back in a blanket cocoon, she swung her legs over the edge and turned off the alarm. The former barmaid stumbled towards the bathroom, turning on both the bedroom and bathroom lights. Tifa yawned as she examined herself in the mirror, dark rings formed beneath her eyes; they made themselves painstakingly present for the world to see. I look like I should belong with the undead Tifa groaned. She turned on the sink faucet and began to do her business.

Tifa exited the bathroom, got on her knees and aimlessly reached around beneath the bed. I swore I put it somewhere…Aha! There it is She pulled out her suitcase, placed it on her bed and opened it up. She walked towards her oak wardrobe, pulling out a few suits and other belongings she might need. The brunette neatly folded up her suits and placed them in the suitcase, along with a few elixirs' she saved, one mastered cure materia and one mastered added effect and lightning materia. She closed the suitcase and proceeded to put on her own suit for the day. She travelled back into the bathroom to examine her visage once again. Life certainly is twisted…but it's a fresh start. Tifa adjusted her tie to a cozier position. Pleased with her appearance, she slipped on her Premium heart, grabbed her keys and suitcase. She went down the stairs and slowly made her way to the exit. I wonder how Marlene and Denzel are doing...I'll have to phone Barret later The brunette softly smiled.

Taking a deep breath she exited the former bar and began her hike to the Shin-Ra complex. Today's the big day, I'm Rufus' bodyguard Tifa beamed.


Rufus awoke to a rude shrilling alarm on his phone, his limbs hanging haphazardly on the couch. "Insistent noise" He grumbled. Rufus rose from his make-shift bed, his limbs protested the movement after being molded to the couch. Paying no heed to his body needs, he followed the noise to where he threw his jacket, upon picking it up; he reached for the phone inside one of his many pockets and turned off the alarm. He threw his jacket back down the ground, pinching the bridge of his nose; in dire need of a coffee.

The president trudged to the elevator and pressed the forty-eighth floor. A soft ping announced his arrival, stepping out; he immediately headed to the Turks lobby. The coffee pot stood out, like a fire attracting a moth, Rufus made his way over and started up a brew. The rich aroma of coffee filled the room, the president inhaled slowly, savoring the bittersweet sin. He pulled a mug from the rack, slowly pouring the black liquid into his cup; he sat down in the nearest chair and took a sip. Hmmm, I'm curious if Tifa is willing to keep up her end of the bargain Rufus mused. Well, we'll see if her word is trusted…he cradled his cup of coffee. He didn't notice a figure standing behind him until it cleared its voice.

He slightly turned his head to see the intruder, it was Tifa.


The brunette arrived at her designated floor; she made a quick stop at her desk and headed towards the Turks personal lobby. By Ramuh's name she was getting some damn coffee if she is to survive the day.

As Tifa entered the lobby, the strong smell of coffee wafted in the air, she looked around and was met with a surprise. Rufus sat at the table, his back to her cradling a cup of coffee like a lifeline. Tifa cleared her throat.

"Good morning, President Rufus."

Rufus turned his head slightly, nodding in acknowledgement. Tifa headed straight to the coffee pot and poured herself some of the bitter tasting sin, adding cream and sugar to the mix. She brought her gaze up from the brown liquid and examined Rufus. Gaia, he looks more sleep deprived than me she thought, sipping her coffee. Dark rings marred his face, his sandy blond hair lay in total chaos and his suit was wrinkled beyond belief.

"It appears like you travelled to the life stream and back again. I take it you didn't sleep very well, sir?" Tifa mentally slapped herself. Me and my big mouth! This is a one way ticket to get reprimanded

Rufus gruffly replied. "As president I can't indulge in such a thing, there are more important priorities than sleep." He raised his mug to his lips, lightly sipping the liquid. Tifa frowned at this piece of information.

"If I may, sir-"

"Rufus," he cut in.

"What?" Tifa blinked at the man in confusion.

"Just call me Rufus." He flashed Tifa his trademark smirk.

"Understood, Rufus," she echoed. "As I was saying, you work yourself past your limits. If you keep it up like this you're only going to continue hurting your well being." Wow, how much weirder can it get? Wait, I'm working for Rufus Shinra. I'm sure it can get A LOT more twisted than this Tifa reminded herself. The young president glanced at her form the corner of his crystal blue eye, a small playful grin planted upon his lips.

"I can get used to this amusing, twisted fate of events, Lockheart."

Tifa returned the gesture. "So can I, Shinra."

Rufus' eyes flickered with brief amusement, a rumble of a hum in agreement. They both fell into a comfortable silence, only the sipping of coffee echoed within the room. Tifa polished off her coffee, gently placing it in the sink. She snuck a quick glance at her cell phone, reading five forty-five A.M. Oh, I have to meet Tseng in his office.

"Rufus sir, um…the departure to Junon is shortly; I'll go talk to Tseng and take it from there."

Rufus wordlessly got up and placed his empty mug beside Tifa's, she looked up at him. He stands a good head and a half taller than me…he's kind of handsome too. Wait, did I just call my boss handsome? Tifa mentally groaned. No way! NO WAY! A cool cut voice awakened her from her thoughts, his warm breath faintly kissing the shell of her ear. Tifa shivered from the butterfly touch.

"As much as you like staring at me because I'm handsome, Turk, but we both have priorities to sort out at the moment." he whispered, pulling back he casually grinned; silently pleased with himself. Tifa blushed at the close encounter; she bowed her head and grumbled.

"Arrogant prick…"

Rufus let out quiet, amused chuckle as he briskly walked to the elevator, Tifa followed closely behind him. Approaching the elevator, the slick silver doors opened up, revealing the stoic Turk director.

"Rufus sir," He nodded. Tseng tilted his head slightly to the left, catching a glimpse of Tifa standing behind the president.

"You're here early, Tifa."

"I just wanted to make sure I was on time sir." Tifa said shyly, Rufus shook his head slightly. He snuck around Tseng, entering the elevator.

"I expect both of you on the rooftop in ten minutes, no excuses." As the doors closed shut he flashed a quick smirk in Tifa's direction. Tifa sighed, a soft blush covering her cheeks.

"Are you alright?" Tseng asked.

"Yeah, just a little bit nervous."

"The conference has tight security; there should be no issue." The Wutian Turk reassured her.

"Right…Anyways, time is a wasting. Is there any last minute details you wish to discuss with me, sir?" Tifa wanted to make sure she didn't miss anything, last thing she needed on her mind is something embarrassing.

"No, just stick close to the president and it will all go as planned. Grab your belongings and make haste to the rooftop." Tifa did as she was told, trailing after Tseng.

They reached the helicopter; she put her belongings in the back, she noticed there was no pilot. She shrugged, guessing it was because he is having a cigarette somewhere. Rufus appeared shortly after, his luggage joining hers. She noted that his messy appearance was replaced with his casual attire. His hair was slicked back, making his eyes appear icier and more dominating. His suit was no longer riddled with wrinkles, it was perfect, immaculate; Rufus' entire aura oozed authority.

"Be careful sir." Tseng said, directly looking at him.

"I will be, I have Tifa at my side," Tifa blushed lightly at the notion. Gaia, everytime Rufus says my name I start blushing like a school girl

"Remember the protocol Tifa, and you will do just fine."

"Yes sir!" she saluted.

"Good luck," Tseng nodded, he started to leave when he heard Tifa.

"Wait, who's the pilot then?" she looked confused.

"I believe you are, Tifa." Rufus pointed out.

"WHAT!" she shrieked. "I don't even know how to fly one of those things! I'll get us killed!"

"Surprise," Rufus grinned. "You're in for a crash course. Now close the doors and make yourself useful in the cockpit." He demanded.

"Yes sir" Tifa couldn't disobey her boss, she definately did not want to find out the hardway if she did.

Tseng looked over at Rufus, a sly grin gracing his lips. " Trying to chase her away already, sir?"

"Learning how to fly a helicopter is mandatory. Don't worry; I'll point her in the right direction." He teased, walking away. Tseng shook his head, feeling sorry for the poor woman.

Rufus joined her in the passenger side; she was geared up and secured. "Good so far," he noted "Now, those dials and gauges are for altitude, gas, oil and those ones there," Rufus pointed above her. "Start up the helicopter, those are the most important to you right now. The other controls you don't need to know just yet…" he continued. "That stick in the middle is your movement control, I'm sure you know how to use it." Rufus qipped. He leaned over, his warm breath faintly tickling the shell of her ear and put his hand over Tifa's. She recoiled at the touch, it was like she felf a jolt of electricity flowing through her nerves. "Relax Tifa, I won't bite," he huskily whispered. "Unless asked."

"Right…" Tifa shakily replied.

After a couple minutes of explaining, Tifa still wasn't grasping the information as fast as he would like. "Hmm, this won't do. Let's attempt this approach instead." Before Tifa could object; Rufus undid her buckles and placed her on his lap. Tifa's eyes widened with shock, a maddening blush blossoming on her face. She squirmed restlessly until firm arms held her completely still, Rufus' deep voice echoing within the walls her ears. "Don't make this more difficult than it has to be, I'm just simply instructing you how to fly a helicopter in the simplest way possible. Instead of showing you as I intended, I'm going to guide you." He insisted. The brunette Turk nodded, taking a deep breath in as she shadowed his movements.

Oh Aerith, if you're out there right now, protect me along the way Tifa prayed as the helicopter purred to life. It's going to be one long trip to Junon.


Yup, thats right...Rufus is a cold-hearted, arrogant bastard! He's making Tifa fly a helicopter...on his lap! May Aerith be with her. Review plz =)