A/N: As always, without you guys reading and continuing the inspiration I would probably just be annoying my friends with these stories.
Thank you for the reviews everyone!

Special Message:

Akira Red, be careful what you wish for... you just may get it! =P
Kadaj: *tilts head* maybe not…
Reno... what is your boyfriend doing here?
Reno: BOYFRIEND! Just cuz I said he was cute don't mean nuffin, yo!
Righttttt.
Kadaj: Yeah.

Rude pulled his cell phone out of Rufus' death grip and rushed out of the President's office to collect Elena and head over to the sight of the explosion.

"It may not be connected, Rufus. We don't know exactly what has happened yet, it could be something as simple as a gas leak or…"
"Or a bomb that could have killed her," the blonde finished as he moved around his office, "They've finally attacked, but chose her as the target. Why?"
"Rufus," Tseng interrupted, "we don't know yet. We have to investi-"
"Do you honestly believe that Tseng? Seriously, you think that this was just some random event?" Rufus asked while eyeing the Director. "I didn't think so."

Grunting an agreeance, Tseng took out his cell phone to call Reno.

"Reno took her to 7th Heaven, where she'll be safe," Rufus sneered. "I'm going to pick her up and take her back here and no, you will not be escorting me. I need you to get Reeve and take him to the scene. We're going to have to make sure that there is no damage to the nearby structures and if it is a gas leak or some other phenomenon, he knows the city layout better than anyone."
"Reeve is already at 7th Heaven," Tseng said. When Rufus looked at him with a question in his eyes, the Wutain continued, "He went there to meet up with Cloud. You did hire him to do deliveries for Reeve, remember?"
"Fine, call Reno and have him tell Reeve that the deliveries are to be cancelled for now. I don't want all transports on lockdown until further notice. Knowing Strife, he'll jump at the chance to play hero, especially in front of her," Rufus said as they headed out of the office and down to the underground garage.

Reno walked Liss down the back alley to the rear entrance of the bar. It was only 11 o'clock in the morning. He knew from past experiences people would be up in the building but the main entrance would stay locked for normal customers until the noon lunch hour. Reno continually banged on the metal door that he imagined was once a shiny silver color, but now due to the elements had a sort of greenish-brown patina over it.

Reno turned his head to check on Liss, she was standing on her own and her tears seemed to have dried up, but she was unusually quiet. Sensing that the Turk was staring at her, she quietly asked, "you think, I mean is it possible that…"

He knew what she was trying to ask. In the short time they've known each other he gleaned that she was the type to think of others before her. Just look at what she did for the President in Junon.

"I dunno babygirl but if there is anyone we'll find em and take care of em. Okay?" he asked and waited until she nodded that she understood. He quickly pulled her in for a quick hug before he went back to pounding on the door.
"Open the fuckin' door, yo!"

Finally the door opened up to reveal a very pissed off Cloud.

"Reno! I know you like your drinks but we don't open for- LISS! What the hell?"

Reno shoved Cloud out of the way and walked into the kitchen area of the bar, taking Liss with him.

"There's a situation," Reno began but was cut off by his cell phone ringing. He escorted Liss to the main area and sat her down at the bar as he took out his cell phone. Seeing that it was Tseng on the caller ID he answered it as he pulled a bottle of apple flavored vodka and two shot glasses.

"Really wished they still made Banora Apple Vodka, but this will do," he said as he poured the shots for him and Liss. Once he downed his shot he turned back to the call and walked away for some privacy. Liss greedily drank the shot. The sweet and tart taste was good and the slight burning sensation was welcomed but it did nothing to ease her shaking. She quickly grabbed the bottle and poured another shot and downed that. Her hands stilled somewhat.

"Screw it," Liss said as she pulled off the spigot off the bottle and drank straight from it. Feeling the warming sensation from the third shot, she put the bottle back on the counter and just stared at it. Cloud eased onto the stool next to her.

"Boom," she whispered as a somewhat hysterical laughter bubbled up out of her throat. She turned to look at the blonde. "I guess I don't have to worry about the Turks killing me after all, someone else may beat them to it," she said as she reached for the bottle again.

"Liss. Liss what's wrong? What's going on? You can talk to me."
"This shit is gooood," she slurred slightly. Cloud was about to take the bottle from her hand but backed off when she growled at him. "I'm having a very shitastic day, Delivery Dude. It started out won-wond-great! Then is started sucking. Yer sucha good friend, Cloud," she said as she playfully pinched his cheek. Suddenly realizing what she did she gasped, "Oh no! Mista Shinra is right. I has hand trouble."

Liss turned back to her bottle as she scowled. Cloud still had questions but realized answers weren't going to come from her, he turned towards the Turk just as he got off the phone.

"Boss and Tseng will be here in a few," Reno said as he ran a hand through his hair.
"What's going on Reno?" Cloud asked as he got up and moved towards him.
"Something exploded at Gingah's house. Rude and Elena are already there investigating it and looking for survivors. We were not even two blocks away," Reno said as he looked into Clouds eyes.

Cloud understood immediately, she was in shock.

"Get Reeve, ya orders are being changed and Bossman figures ya might wanna help out," Reno said as he walked towards the back. With one last look at Liss, Cloud followed Reno.

Liss sat there alone at the bar thinking. If she ignored Tseng's text message earlier she would have been home. If Rude didn't call Reno, both he and she would have been at her place. If, then, if, then. She kept running through mental scenarios until she gave herself a slight headache. Figuring what was in front of her was the best medicine; she reached for the bottle again.

"It is unwise to imbibe excessively at such an early hour."

The disembodied voice startled Liss and she yelped in surprise as she turned to where the sound came from. Vincent Valentine looked up from his high cowl and stared at the redhead. When he stood upright from his relaxed pose and flicked his cape away from him, Liss rolled her eyes and went back to scowling at the now half empty bottle.

"Vince, leave tha kid alone. She's having a bad day," Cid said as he sat down a few stools down from her.
"Gahdamn straight," Liss exclaimed as she slapped her palm down on the bar. "I took his gun, shot it, kissed him, smacked him and they won't kill me but then I go home and someone else tries to kill me," she said as she was ticking off the events of the day. "And and and he probably hates me," she finished with a pout before taking another swig of the liquid courage.

Vincent stood there silently attempting to process the bits of misinformation; Cid just sat there chewing on a cigarillo shaking his head.

"Who hates you?" was asked from the doorway into the back area.
"Roofish," she whined as she smacked her hand against her head. "Idiot," she muttered.
"I don't hate you sweetheart," Rufus said as he walked out into the main area.

Liss looked up and was twisting in her chair to keep him in her sights. She gasped as he was walking towards her.

"Hm?"
"You look like an angel," she said in awe.

Rufus ignored the light chuckle that came out from the caped wonder. "Oh hell Vince, she's done got alcohol poisoning!" Cid said before breaking out into a belly shaking laugh.

"Come," Rufus commanded as he extended his right hand out to her. Liss slipped off the stool and took one step towards him, then tripped and landed flush up against him. Rufus quickly corrected her and pulled her up tighter against him as he just held her for a moment. He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head as she started to cry again. Liss had one hand on his chest as she burrowed her head into his body.

Everyone poured into the main bar area to get briefed on the situation. Rufus stood there listening to what the plan of action was going to be. This would be the first public joint task force between WRO and the Turks. Rufus frowned at that thought; he wished it would have been something else, something where no one was in grave danger. Refusing to let her go, he continued to rock her gently back and forth, stroking her back as she calmed down.

Liss took comfort in the arms that held her up, held her world together at that moment. Listening to Rufus' heartbeat underneath her ear was a soothing lullaby to her nerves. Hearing and feeling his smooth voice rumble sent tiny thrills through her system. She felt safe and protected more in that moment than any other in her lifetime and she was grateful for it.

The interaction between Rufus and the redhead didn't go unnoticed by anyone. The orders were stand procedure but the undertone and the look in the eyes of Shinra and the Turks made it clear that this was personal, Very personal to Rufus. Cloud watched Rufus the entire time, the motions and contact that Rufus allowed his assistant wasn't the normal employer/employee kind. Cloud sat there for a reconsidering his opinion of Rufus.

"When the person or persons are found, I want then brought in alive, understood? The Turks will handle the apprehension, detention and interrogation. I already have something in mind," Rufus said with a sinister grin as he hugged Liss tighter to him causing her to gasp. Cloud smirked, same ruthless Shinra but the familiarity in this situation was welcomed.

As the impromptu meeting broke up and people went started to break off go ahead with their tasks, Reno walked over to Rufus informing him that he would be driving them back to the tower.

"You're needed here, Reno."
"True, but Rude asked me to grab a few supplies before I joined up with him," Reno answered.

Not having an argument for that Rufus loosened his grip on Liss to look down at her.

"We're going home now, okay?"
"Home? I don't have a home anymore," she whispered.
"Yes you do," he said fiercely, "our home."

Several pairs of eyes looked at Rufus in a mix of shock and amusement. Reno turned around to scowl at everyone as he ushered his boss and the girl out the back and into the waiting car. Reno didn't say anything as he drove away from the bar. Rufus was more concerned with the woman in his arms, murmuring what he hoped were words of comfort to her.

As the trio made their way to the elevator it was evident that Liss' intoxication was becoming more apparent.

"You gonna be able to handle her yo?"
"I think I can take care of a tipsy redhead, Reno. I happen to have a lot of practice," Rufus said with a smirk.
"Get hammered at one Christmas Party and ya not able to live it down," Reno said with a self deprecating laugh. "Okay boss, one of us will be here at all times and the lower ranks are all on guard on the other floors. The building is on lock down. No one can get in, even regular employees."
"Thank you, Reno" Rufus said as he turned to see Liss stumble out of the elevator. Quickly grabbing her, he lifted her easily into his arms and carried her towards his suite.

Shifting her slightly, Rufus punched in his access code and let the scanner run over his finger and palm print. The adjustment in her position allowed her to bury her face into his neck.

"Mm. You smell nice," she breathed into his warm skin.

The feel of her lips brushing against his skin sent delightful shivers down his spine. He quickly got open the front door and violently kicked it closed. Ignoring all the possible places to dump the burden in his arms he moved straight to the guest bedroom. Her breath on his skin quickly turned into her placing small kisses on his neck as he maneuvered around the apartment. When she reached up to latch on his earlobe, a spark of lust so strong shot down his spine it caused him to almost drop her.

"M-Melissa, you need to stop this," he said with no force behind the words.
"Dun wanna," she said in between nibbling on his ear and swiping her tongue around the shell of his ear.

Seeking of an obscene amount of willpower to resist the temptation, Rufus made it into the bedroom. He gently lowered Liss to her feet.

"I need you to stand up for a moment sweetheart," he said as he leaned her against the wall and held a palm against her clavicle.

He waited a moment for her to gain some balance before he turned to the bed to pull down the covers. He turned in time to see Liss sliding down the wall.

"Weeeeee!" she squealed.

Rufus couldn't help but laugh at her actions. A giggling drunk was better than having her crying again. Seeing her tears made his chest ache. He never wanted to see them again. He silently vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to make sure she never cried again, in his lifetime.

Squatting down he places his arms under Liss' and slowly pulled her up. The redhead had other plans though. When Rufus was face to face with her, she reached out and pulled him close and zeroed in on his lips for a devastating kiss. She speared her fingers through his blonde hair as she tilted her head to get better access. Rufus was taken by surprise by her actions. He tried to pull back from the kiss, but she just lowered her hands to his suit jacket and pulled him closer to her. Her tongue sliding into his warm mouth, dueling with his set him off. He let her be in control this long but she woke up something dark in him with her actions.

Rufus immediately took charge of the kiss. He spun her around and started walking her backwards towards the bed as she was tugging on his coat.

"Offffffffffffff," she moaned.

Rufus laughed slightly as her legs connected with the side of the bed and she fell back into a seated position. He seized the opportunity to take his coat off, slowly.

He was taking it off too slowly for Liss' liking. She immediately bounded up from the bed and latched her fingers onto his leather vest. Staring up into the topaz blue eyes she cursed his many layers of clothing.

"Problem?" he asked sweetly.

Liss stuck her tongue out at him as she undid the buckles on his vest. Rufus swooped his head down and captured her tongue, sucking it into his mouth to initiate another round of kissing. Her responses to his kisses was an intoxicating drug. He couldn't get enough of her taste, her scent, and her touch.

"You wear," she moaned, "too many clothes."

Rufus' hands that were cradling her backside slowly grazed up her sides, causing her to shiver in his arms. He dragged his fingers down her arms, attempting to grab onto her wrists but it was of no use. Liss grabbed both of his button down shirts that he wore and tore it open. She spread the sides of the shirt wide and leaned flush up against him.

Her dominant nature was too much for him. He pushed her down on the bed and watched as she squirmed back towards the head board. He took in every motion she made as he stripped off his shirts and kicked off his shoes. He grabbed her by her feet and dragged her down slightly so he could take off her boots.

Slowly he crawled up the bed, her jean clad legs spread open. His hands running up the outside of her legs as he inched higher. At her waist, he painstakingly pushed her t-shirt up, inch by agonizing inch, kissing the pale flesh that was revealed to him. He kissed and dipped his tongue into her belly button which caused her to squirm underneath him. He took his time discovering her body. He learned that if he kissed and laved on her rib cage, underneath her left breast, she would moan his name. Kissing the valley between her breasts gained him a moan and her hips to come off the bed to connect with his very evident arousal.

Finally pushing her shirt over her head, Rufus laid his body down directly on top of her. Even through the few remaining layers of clothing both had on, the feel of his hardness sent jolts of pleasure through her, as she hooked a leg around his waist, her other tangle around his ankle. Liss kissed him will all she had in her, and he answered back. She gave herself over to the feel of him, surrounded completely by the passion.

Rufus broke off the kiss as he slide slightly down her body, her hands dragged upwards to latch onto his skull. Slowly he started kissing the top of her chest as he pulled down her bra straps. Liss opened her eyes on a sigh and immediately frowned.

"Roofish," she breathed.
"Mmm," he moaned as he continued to place open mouth kisses along her collar bone and lower.
"Rufus," again as she tugged on his hair.

Rufus looked up from where he was happily playing to see Liss' frown.

"What's wrong baby?"
"Since when do you have a twin?"
"A… twin," he repeated.
"Ya. There's two of you," she said as she held up three fingers in his face.

Rufus groaned and laid his forehead against her chest. He was a man of many things, but he quickly remembered that she was in fact plastered and it would be wrong. It took all of his will to get up off of her willing body, but he did. He placed a quick kiss on her lips and ordered her to sleep. She didn't bother arguing as she turned on her side and closed her eyes.

He adjusted his painful arousal as he picked up his ruined and discarded clothing. Rufus shook his head and laughed as he walked out of the bedroom.

"I need a drink…"

A/N #2: i r teh evil? bwahaha.

Next chapter will be in a few days time. I want to get working on some of my other projects, but have no fear! Nothing shall forestall… my return.
Genesis: bout time you got to my story.
It's Cloud and Sephy's… not yours.
Genesis: but I'm in it and that's all that matters. If I'm in it, then it's worth reading.