The driver navigated Tifa's neighborhood with noticeable caution. It was in a more shady part of town where the fences were chain link and the street lights flickered from time to time, painting the entire street in a muted yellow tone. Tifa's home had a fresh coat of paint on it and a brick fence she and her dad, and a couple of friends from her dad's work, put up the previous summer. It stood out from the rest of the neighborhood and Tifa was happy to see the lights on to welcome her home.
Her dad heard her open and shut the gate behind her and came out to greet her. "Sweet one, you're home," he said. He looked up and saw the sleek, armored car pull out and peel off down the street. "Well, I thought I was going to have to come get you, but I see you've suddenly turned into royalty," he chuckled.
"Oh stop. The Shinra heir insisted he arrange for a ride home," Tifa answered. "What's for dinner?"
"You mean they didn't feed you? Richest people ever and they can't be bothered to feed my little girl?" Tifa shrugged. "Anyway, it's potato and leek soup."
Tifa perked up. She would certainly miss her dad's cooking if she went to Cosmo Canyon for the summer. She put away her books and sat down at the table while her dad served her a bowl.
"So," her dad began as he took a seat across from her, "how was it?"
"How was what? The house?" Tifa asked as she started eating.
"House? You mean mansion. And no, I mean how was the session?"
Tifa shrugged. "Oh, well nothing really happened. Rufus is so stuck up. He didn't even talk much." She briefly entertained the idea of telling her father about her plan to steal back Aerith's Materia, but thought better of it.
"He must be one stressed out kid."
Tifa scoffed. Even her dad had Shinra fever. "Like hell he is! His rich self never has to worry about anything. He has all the money in the world and all of its inhabitants falling at his feet. What on earth would he have to be stressed about?"
Her father laughed quietly. "You're so young."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean you have a lot to learn about the world." He stopped his eating and looked at her. "Just because you have money doesn't mean you have happiness. Can you imagine being in his shoes? Bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders while constantly being under watch by everyone? Heck, the day he was born it was all over the news. His whole life spelled out for everyone. It doesn't seem like a happy life." Tifa didn't think of it that way, but was doubly surprised that her father seemed to have empathy for the heir of the oppressive company. "Besides," he continued, "it's hard going through life with only one parent." Her father resumed eating. "But you already knew that."
Tifa stopped when her spoon was halfway to her mouth. "He only has one parent?" She deduced that it was his mother since it was well known that his father was still alive.
"Oh yes. Madame First Lady Shinra died some time ago. It was all over the news for weeks. Poor kid was just about to see his ninth birthday."
"But Rufus and I are the same age. I don't remember anything about that back then."
Her father took a deep breath. "Well…it was nine years ago…"
Tifa sighed. Nine years ago her mother had passed as well. Tifa didn't remember much from that time, other than that she would spend nights and most of the day in her closet, crying. It was no wonder she couldn't remember something like that. "I guess I never thought of it that way."
"Sweet pea, has he ever done anything to you to warrant such scorn? You've only been in the same school as him for a little over a month."
'Not until recently,' she thought. "I barely talk to him. I guess he hasn't said anything offensive, but I'm sure he thinks lowly of me and the other people from this area."
"You know this for sure?" Tifa didn't respond. "You two may have more in common than you think. Maybe think about that when you see him again. Speaking of, are you going back tomorrow?"
Tifa listlessly skimmed the surface of her soup with her spoon. "Yeah, he asked me for more help."
Her father got up from his chair as he did so. "Well you're going to need this," he said grabbing something from the adjacent laundry room. He came back to show Tifa her spare uniform wrapped in plastic, neatly pressed and folded. "I had it taken in last week. My buddy got me a nice discount. I wasn't going to get it until this weekend, but I rushed over as soon as I heard my daughter was going to the Shinra mansion."
Tifa smiled. "Dad, it's wonderful!" She didn't have her clothes pressed often but relished the opportunity every time they were. "I guess it's a good thing I'm going back. But I really don't see the need to dress up for them."
Her father laughed. "I guess not. But your current uniform his been getting a little ratty lately. Plus there's some extra cash in the pocket for some shopping this weekend."
Tifa looked down and saw that her shirt was rather wrinkly and had a few stains, now more visible from the harsher lighting in her house. "Thanks, dad." She hugged him close.
"Anything for you sweet pea."
The next day Tifa came to the school as usual. The buzz from the previous day of Rufus Shinra was still in full swing, but calmed down somewhat when Tifa showed up, then the buzz turned to whispers. "You're back!" Aerith sweetly greeted her with a hug. "How did it go?" The two were in full view of their circle, so Tifa made sure not to mention anything about her Materia.
"Fine I guess. He doesn't talk much," she responded.
"He never talks in our classes either," said Zack, nudging Cloud.
"Yeah, he's usually surrounded by women anyway, but I've hardly said two words to the guy," said Cloud.
"I'll try again tonight," Tifa whispered to Aerith. She merely nodded in response.
"Your clothes look nice," Aerith said aloud. "You look great today."
Her friends all agreed, and they were promptly scattered to their respective classes, including Materia class, where Zangan was briefed on how her study session with Rufus went. "You'll have his homework back tomorrow then?" he asked.
"Yes sir," Tifa responded.
She took her seat and pored over her notes in the few minutes before the lecture began. And well manicured hand slapped down on the table in front of her.
"So…" the voice trailed in her ears, "what did Shinra say to you?"
Tifa glanced up and saw the ever-perfect Scarlet looking at her. "What do you mean?" Tifa asked.
"Don't play dumb! If you can help it. Why the hell would you go to his house? He must have asked for you, otherwise why would he want to talk to you anyway? I never see him talk to you."
Tifa clutched her fist and remembered her conversation she had with him. "Why would he talk to you?!" Scarlet was visibly taken aback by her outburst. "I don't see you talking to him either! Or anyone else! So mind your own damn business and get your head out of your ass!"
Scarlet was silent, obviously trying to find the words for a witty comeback. "Whatever!" was all she managed as she took her seat and the lecture began.
The rest of the day followed as she thought it would. Everyone surrounded her with whispers and the occasional glare. Some of the more bolder girls came up to her, demanding to know what she did for Shinra, or sometimes even Zangan, to warrant her visiting with Rufus. Tifa answered them all the same way: a look of annoyance and silence. By last period, no one bothered her anymore. She had made it clear that she didn't want to talk about it. For some reason, this evolved into rumors spreading that she was sworn to secrecy by the company, and being paid large sums of money for her silence. Tifa could only wish.
In gym class, Tifa and Aerith jogged closely again. "I really hope you don't feel the need to absolutely have to do this for me," Aerith told her.
"It's nothing, I promise!" Tifa huffed. "He shouldn't take what doesn't belong to him."
"Did he open up to you at all? He was so quiet when he was outside. He used to be brought to our community jungle gym when I was little. He stopped before he turned ten though."
Tifa put the clues together. "Yeah that's probably because his mom died around then."
Aerith paused. "Oh yeah I remember that."
"Let's not talk about him. I have to deal enough with him when I see him after school."
Aerith nodded. "Zack can probably take you again tonight. He's off work."
"That's good, thanks."
When the final bell rang, Tifa again hopped into Zack's car after he kissed Aerith goodbye. The two were more chatty this time around. Zack discussed how he and Cloud were planning on joining SOLDIER when they graduated.
"You're going to work for them?" asked Tifa, incredulously.
Zack laughed. "I know it's not ideal, but we want to make something of ourselves, and if they're willing to take us, then yes."
Tifa shook her head slowly. "Shinra this, Shinra that. Everyone loves Shinra. How does Aerith feel about this?"
Zack sighed. "We haven't told her yet. I don't think she'll take it well. But if I can at least explain that making the elite rank will allow us to live together, then maybe she'll be more acceptable. You won't say anything will you?"
"No. But if you two are in it for the long haul, then you should let her know as soon as possible."
Zack nodded. He went on to excited tell Tifa what Zack and Cloud were planning when they would room together at training. Tifa enjoyed the planned antics and wished them both the best. After all, the end of the year would be coming up soon and it was good to have a plan. She wondered about Yuffie now: would she stay here or go to Wutai? Would any of them return to Nibelheim when they left? It was a chilling thought. Tifa didn't want to let go of her friends.
Before she could dwell on it too much, Zack had pulled into the front of Shinra Manor once again. She stepped out and Zack waved her goodbye. She felt more confident going in this time. Maybe it was the familiarity or perhaps her fresh pressed clothes, but she belonged here now. It was her mission, her goal. She wouldn't be intimidated now.
Tifa rang the doorbell and was greeted by the same woman as before. There was a noticeably more muted tone when she entered. She remembered that President Shinra was probably back now. With few words, she was led to Rufus' room once again to begin his tutoring. When she entered his room, he didn't greet her as he did the day before. He was at the table, rubbing his face and staying silent, as if he was agitated. She was hesitant at first, but set her books down beside him after a considerable pause. "Mr. Zangan wants your work turned in tomorrow," she said.
Rufus sighed. "Oh does he?" he said.
Tifa huffed slightly. Any disrespect to her, she could handle, but her favorite professor, not at all. "Yes!" she shouted.
Rufus looked up at her. With his hands away from his face, she saw that he was tired; like he hadn't slept since she saw him last. He had dark circles under his slightly blood-shot eyes. His expression was fatigued and he wore a simple long black sleeved shirt and slacks, a far cry from the couture clothing she was used to seeing him in. "Aren't you feisty today?" he said wryly.
"Look, you asked me to be here and I came. If you really take this stuff seriously, so will I! I don't want to play games now."
"Nice clothes," he said, flatly.
"They were pressed yesterday," she said through clenched teeth. She was confused that he would notice such things. She roughly flipped open their books. "Let's get started."
Rufus gave her a hard glare but conceded when he saw that Tifa wasn't backing down from her no-nonsense attitude. Tifa reviewed his work and asked him how he got certain answers. He responded and Tifa helped him get to the correct conclusion after some explanation. He didn't seem too interested, but Tifa did her best to stay professional. After an hour, he seemed to relax a bit. Tifa tried her best to remember that their problems probably weren't too different, but it was increasingly difficult when she was faced with his indifference.
"Thus, the Materia is neutralized when faced with a separate element," Tifa finished.
"Huh, how interesting."
"Is it? You've sounded unenthused since I got here." The stiff silence between got to her, and she felt the walls closing in.
"It is." Rufus stood up and shook his head slightly. "Excuse me, I'll be right back."
Rufus stood up and walked to the bathroom, passing by his bed and end table that no longer housed Aerith's Materia and his picture frame. Tifa surmised that he probably moved it by now. She watched Rufus close the door behind him and heard the faint sounds of rushing water behind the closed door. 'He's taking a shower while I'm here? How rude!' she thought.
She wanted to pound on the door and tell him she was leaving, but she thought this might be a good opportunity to look around while he was distracted. She started by the looking in the drawers of the end table first and, to her luck, she found the picture frame and the Materia. She lifted the frame and saw that the glass was shattered, as if it had been thrown in the drawer. The chain on which the Materia hung looked tangled as if it was hastily discarded as well.
Tifa bit her lip. She still heard the rushing water. She threw the Materia in her pocket and shut the drawer as quietly as she could. She heard the water stop from behind the door and ran back to the table just in time to see Rufus come back from the bathroom. His face was wet and a few loose strands on his forehead clung to his skin.
Tifa wondered what he was doing, but didn't bother to ask him. Now that she had her bounty, she wanted to leave as fast as she could.
"Do you mind if I take a quick walk real quick? I just…need some fresh air."
"Sure. Just hurry back so we can finish up, you don't want your dad to worry."
'Weird' Tifa thought. 'Why is he bringing my dad up?' She walked through the doors and wanted nothing more than to bolt out of the foyer and run straight home. But she couldn't, she realized after she was able to gather her thoughts. She left her books and his homework. She was agitated with the thought of having to go back but took the time to walk through the enormous halls. She knew she was lucky to be here, especially after all of the feedback she got from school mates and her dad. She aimlessly wandered around until she saw dim yellow light and quiet voices coming down the hall. She heard the unmistakable voice of the President entertaining.
She didn't want to intrude, but couldn't help but feel curious when Rufus' name came up in the conversation. Cautiously, she walked as close as she could to the slightly ajar door.
"And then the boy tried to use Materia on me! Can you believe it?" the President slurred. "On me!"
"What for?" Came a voice.
"Who knows? He tried to say the recent drillings were a bad idea, tried to use it on me, but left in a huff." There was a pause and Tifa could smell tobacco permeate the air. "The boy has always been out of sorts since his mother's passing. It's such a trouble. So any news on the Chocobo races?"
Tifa rolled her eyes and turned heel, hearing the conversation drone on about gambling. As she walked back the way she came, she thought a bit more about Rufus and his situation. She hated him, she knew it. But perhaps her father had a point. Maybe the two of them did have more in common than she thought. In her musings, she was surprised that she easily made her way back to the double doors of Rufus' room. She took a deep breath, knowing she had to at least say goodbye.
She opened the door and saw Rufus sitting on his bed near the drawer where the Materia was. He was slumped over, his head leaning into one of his open palm. Tifa moved slowly toward him and saw that the drawer was open. "You came back?" asked Rufus, not bothering to look at her.
Tifa bit her lip. "I forgot my books," she said flatly.
"You didn't forget the Materia." He slammed the drawer shut so loudly, Tifa jumped slightly.
She quickly regained her composure, instead letting anger take the wheel. "No, I didn't." There was a long pause. "Why did you do it, Rufus?"
Rufus stared straight ahead of him, leaning on his legs. "When the kidnapping threats starting coming in after the Holy Land drilling plans became public, my father didn't do anything. I still had to go to school and move about as freely as always. One time I was gone for six days, hiding, and he didn't even notice. So I've been here, not going to school for my own safety."
Tifa pieced it together. Rufus had tried to use the Materia to change his father's mind. She knew that it didn't work that way, and she had an inkling that he did too. But what other choice did he have? "I get that, but…you really shouldn't take things that don't belong to you."
"Don't you have somewhere to be? Won't your dad worry?" Rufus slumped further and his shoulders began shaking. She heard him sniffle.
'He's crying?' she thought. She wanted more than ever to run away now, to get away from him before she felt sympathy for someone she disliked so passionately up until now. Tifa sighed and let her more warm personality get the better of her. She sat beside him and gently rubbed his back. "Look, I want to say I know what you're going through, I lost my mother too. But my dad will always be there for me. I'm sorry yours doesn't do the same. But you have a lot to be thankful for, don't forget that."
Rufus stilled, and then turned and hugged her. Tifa stiffened at the contact, but relaxed when she felt his warmth. All of the times she saw him, he had so many walls around him, he was so untouchable, yet here he was now, vulnerable and human. Tifa wasn't sure what to do next, so she just rubbed his back so more, feeling awkward as she did it. "It's okay. Everything will be okay."
Rufus leaned back and Tifa could see into his glassy, blue eyes, stained red from his sobbing. She gave him a faint smile to reassure him. Then, in an instant, he grabbed her face and kissed her. Tifa squealed behind her closed mouth as her eyes flew open. Rufus was holding onto her so tight as Tifa desperately tried wiggled away from him. She finally gained enough leverage to shove him off and then bolted upright and ran towards the door.
In her mind, her inner voice kept saying 'Get out, get out, get out.' In her haste, she realized that she left her books in his room as she was crossing the lawn, but didn't bother to turn back. She had made it to the bus stop and sighed with relief when she remembered her father had slipped cash to her the night before. Paying the fee, Tifa sat on the empty bus, thinking about what had just happened. She hadn't kissed a boy before. First Shinra robs her family of money with the large electricity bills and now their kid robs her of her first kiss. She would have some explaining to do with Professor Zangan. She left her books as well as Rufus' homework.
When she arrived home, she made a beeline to through the gate and into the home. When she burst into the house, her dad was at the kitchen stove, making dinner. She ran past him and into the bathroom.
"Welcome home, sweet pea," he called after her.
Tifa slammed the door and locked herself in the bathroom and immediately ran the hot water in the bathroom tub. She heard her father knocking at the door. "Tifa, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, dad!" she called back, over the rushing water. "I just…fell into some dirt. Wanted to wash off. Be out in a minute!"
"Okay, dinner in five!"
Tifa stripped off her clothes and stepped into the hot shower, making sure she didn't lose Aerith's Materia. She began scrubbing herself furiously, replaying the day's events in her mind. 'Why did he do that?' she thought to herself. 'Him of all people.'
After a considerable amount of time, Tifa left the bathroom and put on her pajamas. She went to the dining room like this and saw her father had finished already. She heard him tinkering in the other room and kept to herself, not wanting to say anything about Rufus. When she was almost done with her work, she heard the doorbell ring. She kept eating as she heard her father answer.
"Oh, my….what an unexpected pleasure," she heard her father say. "Tifa! There's someone here to see you!" Tifa froze. She didn't have to ask who it was. She bit her lip and stood up, walking to the door. Her father pulled her aside before she could open the front door fully. "Do you know who's here? How does he know where you live?"
Tifa shrugged. "I guess nothing is out of reach for his family," Tifa answered. "I'll take care of him, just go."
Her father looked hesitant but nodded and went into the other room.
When Tifa opened the front door, she saw Rufus Shinra there, decked out in his most luxurious white clothing and hair, his face blank and stern, as she had always seen it at school. He held some sort of bundle in his arms. "Hello, Miss Lockhart," he said.
"What do you want?" Tifa answered impatiently.
"You left your books. And I'm sure Zangan would want my homework as well."
Rufus handed the bundle to her and she took it, albeit hesitantly. "Th-thank you." Atop the bundle, she saw a neat envelope addressed to her. "What is this?" she said, opening it. Inside she found a check for a substantial amount of gil. More than she would ever see in ten years working at the shop. "What is this for?"
"That should help you through college."
"I don't want your money," she said flatly, making a motion to tear the paper in half.
"It's not a handout. You have a real passion for this, Tifa. I want you to pursue it. It's not a bribe, or a payoff. I just…want you to do well."
"What's going to happen when we return to school then? When it gets out that you gave me money?"
"You don't have to worry about that. I'll be moving to Junon this week. I won't be finishing up at Nibelheim High. I'll take private tutoring to finish up. You won't have to be seeing me again."
Tifa was stunned. She wanted to throw the money back in his face, but she knew this opportunity would never come again, even if it was from the person she hated the most. Tifa didn't say anything, merely started at him. Rufus pursed his lips and nodded and turned to leave. "Rufus…" she shakily said. Rufus stopped and turned to face her again. His eyebrows were raised in question. "Some time I am going to want to talk to you about everything… it's just not going to be today."
Rufus was silent for a moment, but finally said, "Okay then." He turned heel and entered the car the was waiting for him on the street. Tifa watched him drive off and wondered when she would ever see him again. As fate would have it, Tifa, in her later years, would join a resistance group and find herself face to face with Rufus Shinra once more three years later; only this time, the two had even more to talk about….