A/n: Ah yes, another chapter. I'm still writing this as I go along, so bear with me, please. As always, I ask you to read and review!!

Disclaimer: My story, Square's characters. 'Nuff sed.

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Rufus lay on his back on his bed, contemplating his latest bold move. It had taken a lot of gumption to do what he'd done. Any man with the feelings he had for her would have taken that moment and ran with it, probably taking it as far as it would go. Heaven knows she was willing. She was waiting for him to sweep her off her feet. Maybe now she'd show a little more respect for him.

"Yeah, right." He thought, and sat up from his bed, not surprised to see her leaning against his doorframe. "Yes, Tifa?" He said slowly, not even looking at her.

"You know, you may think you have me figured out, but you are only a small way into my realm of thinking. You think you know me when in fact, I already know your little plot." She said, smile slowly creeping to her lips.

"You think you're teasing me, when you are really just teasing yourself. Rufus, you don't need manners, you were raised with the utmost courtesy to society, with a small side of finishing school, I might add. The only evil part was the company's practices. You've never been out rightly unkind, unless it was your co-workers. Sure, you are a bastard sometimes with your sarcasm, but it's mainly out of wit for the moment. So, Rufus ShinRa, why am I here? I think I know why. You have an interest in me. And with the way you have acted the whole time I've been here, I think you lied through your teeth when you told me you'd never been with a woman." Her speech made, Tifa stood up straight with her arms folded. "I'm not stupid."

Never even flinching, Rufus stood up also. "I never once said you were. But you're wrong. I've never been with a woman. I swear. Don't think you have me figured out just yet. Now if you'll excuse me," he said, removing his shirt and beater, showing his lean but muscled figure. "I need to change and get ready for bed. Are you just going to stand there and watch me?"

Feeling a flush rising to her cheeks, she refused to lower her eyes in embarrassment. "You act like I've never seen a man's chest before. Do you think I'm impressed?"

It was as if she blinked and he appeared right in front of her, he moved so fast. He lowered his head and put his forehead to hers, glaring into her red wine eyes. "Tifa, stop acting like I'm trying to seduce you. You are only fooling yourself. I could have kissed you earlier, you were extremely willing, but I didn't want to. I think it is you who is teasing yourself." He slowly backed away from her, eyes never leaving hers. The warmth from his bare chest cooled as he moved away.

Only slightly hurt, Tifa managed to grin back at him. "Then why, may I ask, did you even get that close to me then and just now? If you weren't trying to 'tease' me, then there would be no reason for you to come within an inch of my face." She said, her eyes never leaving his. "I'm sure you don't go anywhere near as close to other people like that, especially when you're angry."

Not expecting her to reply so quickly, he stopped to think of something to say. "I'm not angry. In fact, I'm surprised at your continual trust in your instincts. It's very rare when people can tell when I'm lying." My secret is out now. But is she scared of me? "Ok, so what if I do want you? What could you possibly do against me? I'm used to getting what I want. You could say I am a bit... spoiled." Rufus managed to pull the door closed. He was sure she was starting to get frightened of him taking advantage of her. But something confused him.

Tifa kept her confident, smug smile. "Sorry Rufus. That would only intimidate me if I were scared of you. But you aren't scary. In fact Ruffie, you're kind of cute. Now if you excuse me, I need to get ready for bed myself. Goodnight!" She opened the door, leaving Rufus alone, dazed, and thoroughly confused.

"What the hell just happened?" Any other woman in the world would have either been completely frightened and crying or would have jumped at the chance to get in bed with him, but Tifa Lockheart, the strangest female he'd ever met, calmly walked out of the room! Smiling, no less! This was going to be his chance, the final test to see what she truly thought of him. But she'd left him more confused than before! He had no idea what this woman was thinking, and she was the first to ever confuse him like this. Shaking his head, he finished getting ready for bed and lay down. But he couldn't sleep. Curse that woman. I'm not going to be able to sleep thanks to her.

Tifa on the other hand, happily took her shower and walked out into the large bedroom set up for her. He thought he had me figured out. Well not this girl. She walked to the dresser to find some clothes.

"You know, I thought I had you figured out." Rufus said from the doorway.

Tifa squeaked and pulled her towel closer to her. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! I'm trying to get dressed here!"

He walked closer to her, pale silk robe flowing much like the trench coat he wore before ShinRa fell. All he was wearing beneath that was white silk boxers. He had a strange look on his face, like he was confused, but trying to hide it. "Why are you so different, Tifa?" His voice was unusual too; it was much gentler, less harsh in sarcasm.

She was still shocked by the fact that he walked in while she was just in a towel. "What do you mean? Can you ask me this later?" She wasn't afraid, just surprised by his entrance.

He neared her still, almost as close as the last time. He reached out a hand and gently caressed her cheek. When she didn't withdraw, he put his finger under her chin to lift her face toward his. "I've got to know Tifa. What have you done to me? Why do I feel like I have to be gentle around you? It's hard to act around you. I can't put my defense up around you, because even if I do, you find a way to break through it."

Oh my God, I must have slipped in the shower. I'm dead, and this is Heaven. No way on earth would Rufus ShinRa be this gentle toward anyone. He's too cold. Or have I tapped into something he's never really felt before? Dazed, Tifa looked into Rufus' ice blue eyes. "Because Rufus, I think you might have feelings for me." Her senses were tingling. This wasn't like the time he pulled away right as they were about to kiss. This was real, and it felt like her insides were melting with the heat of his bare chest.

"Maybe so. I've never been able to tell a person how I feel so freely, and its as though you draw it out of me. You intrigue me because you are like no woman I've ever talked to. Its as though I can be my true self around you because I can't fool you. And... you are so incredibly beautiful." Rufus shook his head, chuckling. "Damn, do I sound corny."

Tifa grinned. That was the Rufus she knew. For a moment, she really did believe she was dreaming. And she was so lost in the moment; she forgot she was in just a towel. "No, that's what every girl wants to hear. Just, hearing it from you is like... hearing Sephiroth talk about how soft kittens are." She grinned.

Rufus laughed. "Am I that horrible? Wait... don't answer that." With the conversation becoming more real, the reality of their situation grew more apparent. "My, my, Tifa, you don't seem as intimidating without your... fighting gear." He said tenderly, avoiding coming right out and saying that she had no clothes on. He advanced closer toward her slowly, hoping she wouldn't withdraw. His hunger for her was almost unbearable now, especially with her in this circumstance.

Instead of backing up, she leaned into him, absorbing his body heat. She shivered; it was quite cold in her room. "Well, I guess I can't be an intimidating woman all the time." She smiled slyly.

He felt her shiver and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her ever nearer, warming her with a gentle embrace. He lowered his head to hers, barely centimeters between their lips. He couldn't resist the dire need to kiss her, to hold her. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he got up to the nerve to place his lips upon hers, exploring her mouth with his own.

When he finally did kiss her, it felt like a jolt of electricity between them. She'd kissed men before, but never did it feel like this. It was as if time stopped, and it felt so right. A warm feeling grew from inside her chest down into her stomach. She urged him on, gently pulling his head toward her, deepening the kiss. She suddenly felt very stupid for chasing Cloud all those years and wasting her time on some naïve country boy. Rufus was all she wanted, Cloud forgotten in an instant. Tifa slid Rufus' robe off his shoulders; her fingers were aching to explore the muscles in his chest and arms. It was only when Rufus started to undo her towel did she realize that the whole of their relationship was based on three short days. Not wanting him to stop, but knowing they had to stop, she put her hand on his. She looked up at him with a bit of guilt. "Not yet. I don't want you to stop, but it's too soon. Let's not be too hasty with this. We need to really see if this can work." She frowned. "Because... I don't want this to be a 'fling'. Three days is too short to tell if this is love or lust. Please tell me you understand." She put a hand to his face, longing for his kiss again.

Nothing else she could have said would have brought his spirits down like that, but he knew the reason why. She didn't want to be hurt, and if it were him that hurt her, it would be all the worse, knowing she should have trusted her instincts. Rufus sighed, but smiled. "I understand. But I want you to know that I meant everything I said. I've never felt this way about anyone, and I doubt I ever will again. I can be patient, especially for you." He pushed his fingers through her damp hair, shifting it out of her face.

Tifa smiled and stood tall to kiss him again. "Thank you Rufus."

He brought her to him again, giving a gentle embrace and kissing the top of her head. He took in the sweet scent of her hair and instantly memorized it. "You do realize though, I won't be able to sleep tonight, thanks to you." He smirked at her.

She smiled slyly back at him. That was the biting wit she knew. "Well, think of it this way: You wouldn't have slept if I didn't stop you, either." She winked at him playfully and pushed him out the door. "I need my sleep, Rufus ShinRa, now go!"

Needless to say, Tifa did not sleep either. Her mind would not settle. It was racing and all the thoughts were centered on Rufus. When her heavy eyelids finally closed out of sleep deprivation, her alarm clock went off. Tifa groaned pitifully and hit the snooze. "Ten more minutes..."

Rufus drug himself out of bed, dressed, and shuffled to the kitchen for some much needed caffeine. Surprised at not seeing a chipper Tifa, Rufus started to wonder where she was. After finishing his second cup, Rufus began to worry. Tifa was always up, even before Rufus himself. Maybe she was sick? He slowly wandered to the stairs, wondering if he should go up and check on her. Maybe I should just peek in, make sure she doesn't need anything.

He advanced up the stairs. Coming to the door, he knocked softly. When she didn't answer, he knocked harder, knowing she'd be able to hear it. When she still didn't answer, he opened the door slowly, peered in the door. He didn't see her walking around the room, so he tiptoed inside. "Tifa?" He whispered, just in case she was sleeping still. And still, no answer. Rufus looked toward the bed; sure enough, she was curled into a small ball in the middle of the huge sleeping area. Her long silky tresses were spilling over the pillow and over the edge of the bed. Rufus smiled at her adorable facial expressions when the light from the window hit her eyes.

She scrunched tighter into her secure ball and rolled over, whispering something incoherently in her sleep. Her face relaxed when cool comfortable darkness shadowed her eyelids. Tifa pulled the covers closer to her and smiled at the warmth.

Rufus walked toward her, chuckling quietly to himself. Tifa Lockheart: by day, intimidating kick-ass ex-terrorist, by night, sizzling sexy temptress, and by morning, cute sleeping beauty. Lord, if ever a woman to break down Rufus' defenses, even in sleep, this was the one. He wanted so bad to run his fingers through her hair again, touch her soft skin. Satisfied at knowing her whereabouts, he retreated through the door. He still had much work to do with the city, and needed to get it finished quickly. He didn't want to wake her up now and spoil any sweet dreams she may be seeing.

When Tifa did awake, she looked at the clock. To her surprise, it read twelve thirty. "Oh my God, I slept half the day away. Why didn't he wake me up?" Looking around the room, she realized that her door was opened, just slightly. "He must have peeked in on me. Geez, my day is almost ruined." She suddenly remembered her steamy encounter with the president of ShinRa and blushed profusely. She never felt that way around Cloud, and was sure she never would. Cloud made her feel like a silly schoolgirl. Rufus made her feel like a womanly goddess, in a sexy kind of way.

Tifa swung her feet from the bed. She walked to the door and closed it so she could dress, barely noticing the new item on her nightstand. It was a PHS, and it had a number on it, signed Rufus. She smiled; he was probably out working on the reconstruction of the city. She dressed and picked up the phone, dialing the number in the process.

"Rufus speaking." His voice was monotone; she could tell he was probably working on something.

"What's the idea of letting me sleep the day away, huh? I know you were here. I can still smell your morning after-shave. And why do I have this whole place to myself?"

"Good morning to you too, Miss Tifa. Did you sleep well? By the look of you this morning, it would seem that you got even less sleep than me. Was there something you were thinking about?" His voice had a sly grin to it. Satisfied with her answerless silence, he gathered that she had been thinking about something. "I guess so. Oh, I've sent Reno to pick you up. He should be arriving..."

On Tifa's end, the doorbell rang. "He's here. Where are we going?" She asked as she opened the door.

"Hey Teef!" Reno started, but was silenced as Tifa awaited Rufus' answer.

The president merely chuckled and said, "You'll see."

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A/n: After a long hiatus, I should be getting more done soon. I've been working! (bows) Sorry! I know some of you are waiting for more on Beauty, Love, Trust, and it IS coming. Its gonna be there, slowly but surely! I don't give up!! Anywhoo, just give me a little time, my computer and the internet are both crap for me right now, and I'm trying to fix it! Someone kill the hacker that implanted this stuff into my poor compie!! (cry) (Sniff) More soon, love ya!

Kage