Battling with his aggravation, Cloud tossed himself onto his right, the bed creaking noisily with the sudden motion.

It's not hard. Just close your eyes. Just do it.

But despite how exhausted he felt, the man could not bring himself to sleep. Two and a half hours had passed and if nothing else, he felt more awake than ever. His mind refused to let him rest.

Too many thoughts, too many fears.

A torrent of rain drummed onto the roof above, the sound mixing with a growing wind as it wailed through the streets outside. Cloud watched as it streamed down his window, hoping the image would help him relax, or at the very least distract him from his growing frustration. He concentrated on the noise, flipping onto his back as he raised a tired hand to his face.

This was ridiculous; he hadn't had a decent night's sleep in over a week. By now his body should be on the verge of unconsciousness. His eyes stared up to the ceiling, a tired sigh muttering past his lips. He could always drink himself into a stupor; it had worked once before, it could work again. Although the act had done anything but amuse Tifa. Despite the constant queue of drunks she put up with everyday, the woman was anything but supportive to the abuse of alcohol.

Cloud smirked as he remembered the morning she had found him passed out over the bar, cringing as he recalled the painful awakening he had been given.

But the idea stuck with him, even though his morals were fighting against it. He could always take a few bottles back to the room, at least then he could pass out on his bed, and with the raging weather battering against the house, it was unlikely he would be heard in the process. But then he remembered her face, the way Tifa had looked at him that morning; the worry and concern etched across her pale features. He couldn't bring himself to see that again, he wouldn't be able to play ignorant to her feelings.

Cloud felt ready to snap; how in hell's name did this make sense? He loved Tifa, he had hurt her, yet now she was hurting him, turning his mind into a pit of chaos, and all he could do was think how to keep her happy? This was beyond thought. He couldn't keep going on like this.

His teeth gritted painfully and, turning over yet again, Cloud buried his face into the pillow, letting the wind drown out his mind's rising turmoil.

Rain cracked threateningly against the window, an overwhelming wave of sound, yet it still had trouble drowning out the woman's voice as she rode yet another wave into ecstasy.

Limbs entwined, fingers tangled, hips grinded feverishly in heated passion. Tifa arched on the bed, pushing her body closer to the man above, craving the contact. An arm wrapped possessively beneath her back, holding her tightly to its wielder. Sephiroth's lips trailed their way to hers, smothering the moans that called from her throat.

This was it, this was happiness. This was everything she had ever wanted, and all she would ever need. The joy was so intense, so unbelievable Tifa could barely describe it. But she didn't need words. Gently, her hands curled into the sleek strands of Sephiroth's hair, pinning him to her mouth, possessively claiming what she had sought for so long. She could never let this go.

Her body trembled as Sephiroth's hips began to slow, easing himself from her body as she reeled in satisfaction. The woman released her hold as he raised his head, his gaze penetrating as he stared down at her.

Tifa shivered. She still hadn't quite overcome the shock of seeing into those depths again, feeling the overwhelming intensity that stirred within his eyes. He grinned wolfishly, causing her stomach to turn with butterflies. God, she adored him. Even now, it still felt like a dream. As if doubting, Tifa casually raised her hands to his chest, her fingers tenderly caressing down to the marbled contours of Sephiroth's stomach, curving round until her arms were entwining beyond the solid curve of his hips. A laugh reverberated from his chest, distracting the woman from the lustful ideas she had begun to conjure in the silence. Tifa glanced up to him, her face leaning into his touch as a hand stroked against her cheek.

"You never answered my question." Sephiroth's voice had taken a husky tone, mixing with the amusement that played in his words. Tifa answered with a smile as equally bemused.

"And what question might that be?"

The man's grin sharpened, his hair framing the girl's face as he leaned closer, the huskiness of his voice deepening. "Are you pleased?"

Tifa felt a bliss-filled laugh escape her throat, a teasing gleam shimmering in her eyes. "Maybe."

Again Sephiroth's laugh sent trembles of nerves throughout the woman, the sensation only heightened as his lips suddenly began to caress her neck.

"Do tell me, what is it that restrains your complete satisfaction?" A longing gasp hushed past Tifa's lips at the question. He was teasing her with every word he spoke, every brush of his fingertips against her skin. She could play that game just as well.

"Well, perhaps you're flawed." The room became still. Tifa felt a brush of unease as Sephiroth lifted his head to gaze down at her, his eyes calculating. Had she given him offense? The girl rushed a smile and attempted to reassure the man. Her eyes gleamed teasingly, her fingers playing casually through a strand of his hair. "I haven't had a chance to really see you yet. Perhaps your 'wish-fulfilling' has some hidden fault." Seeing no reaction, the girl trailed away, her apprehension growing. Her gaze slowly lowered to her fingers, still entwined in the silver strands.

Damn it, why did she always have to go and ruin the moment. She should have just answered the question; yes, of course she was bloody pleased, she was damn well ecstatic, she-

"Would you like a different perspective?"

Tifa looked up in surprise, but before she could respond, her words were cut short by a gasp of shock as the room suddenly started to spin. A rush of cold air wrapped around her body as her skin left the warmth of the bed while the firm pull of Sephiroth's arm swung her up.

There was a moment of bewilderment as Tifa waited for recognition to arrive, a confused laugh escaping her throat as it finally settled in.

A sly gleam shimmered in Sephiroth's gaze as he watched Tifa's expression shift, the woman suddenly insecure, not knowing how to react; surprised, relieved, perplexed?

Tifa froze, nervous as she realized she was now lying on top of Sephiroth's chest, pinning his body beneath her weight. An unusual sense of excitement began to rise within her thoughts, her cheeks flushing pink as she toyed with the idea that she had domineered him. But the thoughts were fleeting as a sense of embarrassment began to emerge. She felt so bare, so vulnerable without the security of her bed sheets wrapping across her skin. The idea of his eyes staring up to her, speculative and judging, intimidated her more than she had ever realized. Unmoving, Tifa remained supine against the man's body.

But then Sephiroth's hands were gripping her hips, jerking them forward until she was forced to sit up or risk toppling her balance from the bed.

In seconds, the girl's face was painted crimson, the realization of how naked she was beneath his gaze almost overwhelming. But she couldn't react. If she recoiled, would she insult him, would she give him reason to disapprove of her? That thought, above all, terrified the girl.

Not knowing what to do, Tifa remained silent, her arms instinctively wrapping across her chest as the cool air drifted across her skin. She waited, letting the sound of the growing rain distract her from his scrutiny. Was he judging her now? Could he see her flaws, was he scrutinizing each imperfect detail?

"What is it?"

The girl almost flinched at the sudden break in silence. Sephiroth's eyes remained calculating but a grin of bemusement was lifting the corner of his mouth. "Does this help settle your indecision, or am I as faulted as you might believe?"

Suddenly Tifa felt her nerves dwindle into disbelief. He wasn't judging her; he was waiting for her teasing judgement on himself. For another minute, she remained silent before a stunned laugh hummed from her throat. Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, watching the woman curiously.

Now feeling more embarrassed over her hasty assumption, Tifa took the moment to actually appreciate the new angle in which she could take him in. Her body relaxed above him, her arms less reluctant as she lowered them slowly from around her chest. He took her hand as it brushed his own and pulled the woman back down to his level. "So tell me, am I to your satisfaction?" Sephiroth's lips curled into a puzzled smirk as the woman abruptly shook her head.

"No." Tifa didn't smile, her expression becoming serene. A hand brushed lightly across his face, smoothing over his skin until her fingers were running through his hair. She dipped her head down across the man's throat until her lips hovered lightly against his ear. "You're perfect."

In moments, she had locked her mouth to his, kissing him heatedly, an almost grateful neediness urging her forward. She would never be able to repay him for what he had done for her, but how she wished she could. The passion, the adoration that welled up just from the sound of his voice...how could she explain it? And the desire, the constant hunger for his touch, to feel him stroking across her skin, driving through her body, the mere thought was tormenting her with need.

And he sated her every wish on demand.

Tifa parted her lips from his, her eyes shimmering as she stared down at him. It was strange being able to appreciate his body like this, to watch the fall of his hair cascade away from the features of his face, being able to see his muscles relaxed and still beneath her, waiting for her to take control. And if she could take control...perhaps this was her chance to give back a little of the pleasure he had lavished upon her.

The idea was faint at first, then suddenly began to take form, flying through her mind, growing more and more certain with each passing second. Possibilities, desires, newfound thoughts and emotions. Her own heart began to pulse with excitement, tingling anticipation beginning to burn in her loins.

She wanted him; she had to have him now. Heat emanated through her abdomen, teasing and tantalising the woman's lust.

Sephiroth lay silent, complying readily with her hungry lips; but an unexpected groan reverberated from his throat as she suddenly pushed her body down, her hips grinding suggestively against his own.

His body stiffened in response, primal urges awakening feverishly with the motion. The man grinned approvingly as Tifa straddled his waist, her body rising into a seated position on top of his abdomen.

His eyes wandered along the sumptuous curves of her body, wolfishly devouring the new view in which he could gaze upon the woman. His hands wandered freely, smoothing over Tifa's skin as she continued to tease him, gyrating her body until she felt the solid length of his desire brushing her inner thighs.

Tifa felt her face blaze with heat, her body aching with need. Slowly, the woman pulled back her hips, gently lifting herself above the tip of his throbbing appendage. Sephiroth felt his primal urges soar as the woman tentatively lowered her body, her muscles tightening reflexively as she adjusted to his size. He forced down his yearning desires to move, pleased at her sudden initiative and adamant in giving her the choice of command.

Tifa watched the fight for control elevate on his face and a sense of superiority began to take over her thoughts. A knowing smile lifted the corner of her mouth.

Stiffening and relaxing simultaneously, Tifa manoeuvred herself into a comfortable position, a gasp rushing from her throat as she impaled herself deeply onto him. Pleasure immediately began to pulse through her muscles, instantly coaxing her hips into motion.

Her movement was slow, nervous at first, waiting as she watched Sephiroth's reaction to the act. His hands began to slide across her legs, squeezing and encouraging, helping to guide her actions as she stimulated their pleasure.

Sephiroth's hold tightened suddenly, his teeth grinding in response to the sudden pulse of desire that took hold of his senses. He covered the urge with a slow breath, but Tifa had already realized and a teasing gleam shimmered across her eyes. With her confidence beginning to rise, the young woman began to increase her movements, exaggerating each motion as she thrusted onto him.

The sensation was unbelievable, the excitement that was flooding her mind, the feeling of his body pulsing within her own, deeper, harder than before, knowing he was reciprocating the pleasure that she was bestowing upon him.

A tremble racked through her body as the bliss continued to rise, pulling a moan from her lips. Hungrily, Tifa leaned down, claiming Sephiroth's mouth as he gripped her waist, his hands stroking feverishly against her skin. She lifted her body back into her seat, increasing her speed to the urges of Sephiroth's hands. Her joy couldn't be explained.

There was something very satisfying about taking this lead, a strange reversal in roles. She watched his expression change with each passing second, revelling in the idea that she was causing him such a fight for control, driving his senses mad with ecstasy. He leaned into her rhythm, enjoying, relishing, relaxed as he allowed the sensations to be lavished upon his body without the need to work himself.

His hips bucked abruptly to meet hers, enhancing the force of their pleasure and Tifa suddenly found herself grinning deviously. Withholding her own urges, the woman began to slow her hips, bringing herself to a long drawn out pace that sent her thoughts mad with desire. But she could bear it.

Her smile widened as she felt Sephiroth's body tense fiercely, his muscles cautious as he restrained the urge to thrust. The woman smiled in satisfaction as she watched his jaw begin to clench, his breathing becoming a harsh rasp as she teased and tormented his senses.

The girl succeeded in drawing out the torture for several long, tantalisingly satisfying minutes before Sephiroth's eyes locked to hers, a sense of realization glimmering in their depths. His voice was almost strained and the huskiness of his tone had the woman swooning. Tifa grinned teasingly as he gripped her hips, ceasing the torturous facade.

"You're playing a dangerous game my dear."

Tifa leaned down close to his face, drinking in her moment of superiority. She smiled seductively, bemused at the strange mix of frustration and amusement in his voice. Her lips traced a whisper of a kiss along his cheek. "Would you like to end it?"

"With pleasure."

Before the last word had left his throat, Sephiroth had thrown an arm around her waist and swung her body to the mattress. She squealed in pleasure as the man abruptly picked up where she had left off, only this time, there was no holding back.

Sephiroth's hips drove fiercely to meet hers, his restrained urges unleashed as he gratefully reclaimed the control.

Tifa clung to his chest, her hands clawing feverishly at his skin. Wave after wave of pleasure quickly began to swallow her mind, each one more potent, more maddeningly euphoric than the last.

Her moans became a muffled gasp as the man rejoined their lips, passionately claiming her mouth before assaulting her throat with a barrage of nips and kisses, dragging keening whimpers from the girl as she felt the desire in her loins erupt to new heights.

The atmosphere was intoxicating; the rush of heat, the musky scent of their sweat, the sound of breathless gasps racing in time with each other.

Tifa's muscles tensed around him, urging a constricted groan from his throat. Sephiroth pulled her hips to his, his control dangerously strained as he neared his release. He drove her over the edge, relentless as he brought them both to climax. She cried out breathlessly, her body racking with euphoria as she hit the peak of pleasure, her fingers curving half moons into his shoulders as the ecstasy enveloped her senses. The sensation was overwhelming, leaving her floating in a sea of bliss.

She had never felt joy like this before, so unbearably intense. She didn't want it to end. Minutes of bliss rushed by in what seemed like mere seconds. Her thoughts clawed desperately to hold onto the moment, but were left bereft with only the memories.

There was a shift in motion as Sephiroth gently slid from between the woman's legs, his body falling to the mattress alongside her. Despite the ferocity of his actions, the man still managed to maintain enough stamina to pull Tifa tightly into the groove of his body, pinning her possessively as she fought to catch her breath.

He amazed her; so perfect, so beautiful. Even as drained of strength as she felt, the girl could only think of him. She didn't feel tired; nothing else distracted her but the image of her body in his arms. It was all too perfect to believe.

The next three days passed by as the most blissful the woman had ever lived. Tifa's life had finally taken flight, with the day's hours seeing the girl working devotedly for her business as she awaited the night's eagerly craved events.

Each waking moment was as surreal as the last, with the woman's gaze turning to see the empty crease on the bed where Sephiroth had lain. She didn't know where he went or even when he had left, knowing only that he would be gone by morning. But so long as he returned to her arms by night, Tifa didn't need to go into the details.

But today was not going to be as smooth.

Her sleep had been fitful, and despite Sephiroth's soothing touch, the early morning hours found the girl waking tired and stiff, with her body aching at every joint. She stared, bewildered at the darkness around her, her confusion quickly becoming annoyance as she turned to the clock at her left.

4:45 a.m.

She felt strange and irrevocably wide awake. A smirk creased the girl's face as she lay still, the notion that the week's escapades had finally caught up to her subtly drifting through her thoughts. She contemplated returning to sleep, yet after several failed attempts and, seeing nothing better to do, the woman threw her legs from the bed.

But as she tried to stand, the room abruptly spun and the girl was forced to sit back down or risk greeting the floor.

Tifa cupped her face in a shaky hand, expecting the sickening sensation to subside. But after a long couple of minutes, the turning in her head had barely settled. Despite this, the woman tried again. Slowly she rose onto her feet, her hands leaning against the frame of the bed and the nearest wall. It was like the ground was tipping beneath her, almost like a sea-sickness effect. But then to be sea-sick you had to feel...

With a painful twist, Tifa felt her stomach revolt and, dizzy or not, the girl dashed blindly for the bathroom. Her knees hit the floor before the toilet, her body retching abruptly.

She waited, confusion and aggravation welling up us the last of her belly's content's spilled into the white basin. How could she be sick? Not now, not when everything was taking such a turn for the better, or maybe this was nature's way of telling the girl not to get so cocky.

Tifa's forehead rested on the edge of the porcelain bowl, the cool touch helpful as she attempted to regain her composure. She took a deep breath to steady her thoughts, then, still slightly nauseous, the girl managed to rise back to her feet.

The room wasn't spinning just as much, but the undeniable urge to vomit hadn't fully left her, so she took her time in leaving the bathroom.

Yet the day still lay ahead and, like it or not, it had to go on, and Tifa never had been one for being sick. With grim determination, the woman made a fragile attempt at getting dressed, hoping that her unpleasant symptoms were only temporary. At the very least, things could only get better.

Cloud's footsteps echoed throughout the hallway, his boots thumping heavily on every step as he descended the stairs. He felt like screaming with frustration, thoughts and ideas flooding his head to the point of madness. And his mood was made only blacker by the fact he was now being called into the Shinra Headquarters once again. Not only that, but rather than have the freedom to travel of his own accord, Rufus had become adamant that the blond was to be escorted at every opportunity by his own personal pick of consorts. Cloud grimaced.

It was Reno's turn today.

Sighing, the blond pushed through the entrance to the bar, and stopped abruptly.

Tifa sat, head in hand against the counter, hardly aware of his presence. He stared on in bewilderment, then hurriedly began to approach. Concern overrode the man's thoughts as he neared the girl, his eyes turning uncertainly to the clock above the door.

5:15 a.m.

What was she doing up so early? And why did she look so...?

Cloud circled behind the bar to see her face, but regretted his silence as the young woman jerked in fright as he came into sudden view. He apologised quickly, letting her settle before instantly voicing his concern. "You okay?"

Tifa cast him a wry glance, before turning her attention back to a glass of water curled in her free hand. "Do I look okay?"

Cloud ignored the tone, distracting himself in making a mug of coffee before continuing. "Why are you up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep."

He paused, hoping Tifa would develop her response. She didn't. "You should get back to bed, you look awful."

"Thanks."

"I mean it, you look like death warmed over. Do you want me to call a Doctor or-"

"No. I'm fine." Tifa regretted her attitude as she watched Cloud recoil. Yes, she felt awful, but he was only trying to help, there was no need to unleash her frustration on him. She sighed through her fingers, trailing them stiffly through her hair as she spoke. "Sorry...I just don't want to make a fuss. It's probably...food poisoning or something like that."

"Food poisoning? Well don't you think that deserves a little bit of 'fuss'?"

Tifa shook her head and a slight smile curled onto her mouth. Cloud watched her speculatively, taking a mouthful of coffee as he considered what he could do to help, although the chances were there was nothing she would let him help with. Namely, because it was him. Knowing this, the blond knew he couldn't just coax and hope with her, he'd have to be decisive. "You won't open the bar tonight will you?" Tifa shot him a sarcastic stare. He knew the question had been a stupid one before he'd even asked. Cloud leaned back heavily onto the wine cabinet, his fingers turning the mug awkwardly in his hands. "You aren't fit to work tonight Tifa. Look at yourself, you can't even hold your own head up."

"I'm fine, I just need a few minutes-"

"No, you need rest. You're overworked anyway, that's what's wrong here."

For a moment Tifa considered the truth of what he may be saying. But before she could respond, a heavy knock on the door erupted in the silence, nearly scaring the woman from her chair and sending Cloud's expression into an aggravated scowl.

Tifa adjusted herself back into her seat as Cloud moved to the door, her thoughts only just beginning to register the absurdity of a call at this time. Panic began to dawn in her thoughts. But before the fear became a compulsion, the lock was clicked open and the tall red-headed figure of Reno sauntered into the bar. Seeing the familiar face, the woman relaxed.

"You're early." Cloud shut the door in annoyance and followed the Turk over to the counter. Reno sighed in mock aggravation, casually swinging himself into a chair.

"You get pissed when I'm late and now you're pissed that I'm early. Geez, make up your mind, I can only do one!" The Turk reclined back as he gazed around the room, lazily nodding a greeting Tifa's way as he noticed the girl. She stared, confused and yet relieved at the Turk's presence. Better him than some drunk, back alley creep lurking through the streets. She smiled half heartedly in response before turning her attention back to the glass in her hand.

But seeing the Turk answered everything she needed to know of Cloud's early morning 'business'. It bemused her at first, then there was the undeniable touch of disappointment. Strangely she had hoped Cloud had got up solely to see if she was okay, but then it was only a small hope. The thought bypassed her in seconds and she moved on to other matters, absorbing herself in her own concerns as the world continued around her.

Across the room, the blond had wasted no time in removing the Turk from his seat and, with a little 'encouragement', had him exiting the bar before he'd managed a single complaint.

Cloud turned a final concerned glance Tifa's way. He wondered whether leaving her alone was a good idea, but in truth, his presence could hardly make things better. Hoping she would heed his advice, the man stepped through the door, quickly catching her eye before he left. "No work, okay? Just rest. You need it."

With a meek smile, Tifa watched him leave, pondering his words as the door closed and locked behind him. From outside, she could hear Reno's distinctive voice echoing obscenities before the van doors slammed shut and the screech of tires subsided into the street.

Alone in the silence, Tifa actually began to consider Cloud's words. Maybe she was just overworked. Could one night off really be that bad? Slowly but surely, Tifa soon found herself admitting that a night off could only be more of a good thing, and in truth, she really didn't see herself feeling fit enough to face up to six hours of drunk men yelling for more alcohol.

Becoming steadily more resolute in her decision, Tifa reached across the counter to refill her empty glass, hoping that, if nothing else, the break would leave her better rested for the more eagerly awaited night ahead.

The office was a mess of discarded paper; documents and files littering the floor surrounding Rufus's desk. The worktop's surface was stacked with sheets, practically shielding the young leader from view.

The President was currently engrossed in a large manila file, not even glancing up as he waved his guest into a seat. Cloud sat with growing impatience, waiting for the man to cease his sole focus from his work. The sooner he got this meeting over and done with, the sooner he could get home.

Finally Rufus closed the file with a satisfying 'slap'. He positioned it precariously on a stack of other similar notes, then turned his gaze to Cloud.

The blond greeted him with a none-too-pleasant glare, hoping his obvious annoyance would encourage his host to move along. Rufus smiled half heartedly.

"I see you're in no mood for pleasantries."

Cloud smirked but said nothing.

"Very well. Then I'll just get straight to the point." The young leader reached down and slid open a drawer, fingering his way casually through the layers of documents therein. After a moment, he found what he was looking for.

Cloud looked on as the President pulled out a dark green folder, only half listening as his host scanned its pages before finding his required data.

"We seem to be having some 'technical' difficulties in our attempts to regain the Junon Reactor."

Cloud leaned back in his chair, knowing the true implications of what these 'technical' difficulties implied. "Did you expect anything less?"

Rufus ignored the man, his chin resting on interlaced fingers as he turned his full attention onto the blond. "Yes, well...it seems I underestimated the consequences of trying to manually fix this problem. Never the less, we've been forced to run with a new plan, one that should eradicate the issue irrevocably."

Cloud felt his body stiffen and he forced himself onto the edge of his seat. He cast a wary glance at the Shinra President, his stomach clenching with anxiety. This did not sound good. "You're referring to Sephiroth."

Rufus nodded grimly. "I also refer to the means in which we can stem the flow if his power before it becomes too great. I intend to attack this problem at the source."

The blond paused, his thoughts piecing together the information. Rufus watched with growing interest as he saw his guest slowly begin to understand.

"The source...you mean-"

"The reactor itself. Starting tomorrow morning I will have issued a command for the eradication of the Junon Reactor. It will solve both the problem of the mako leak and the affliction it has managed to spew forth. Personally I don't know why we didn't consider this option in the first place, but..." He held out his hands nonchalantly, as if what he had just suggested to the blond was an everyday occurrence.

Cloud sat in stunned silence, letting his mind digest the new information. It seemed strangely surreal, the plan was an obvious choice, yet it immediately flashed warning bells. He was in no mood to argue, wanting nothing more to get out of the building as soon as he could. So knowing a dispute would hinder such a hope, Cloud resided into his thoughts, hoping he could work the idea over in his own head.

What were the dangers here, what future issues could such an act entail? The blond stared hard at the President, his stern gaze calculating. The problem that had first kicked off the entire issue was the flow of mako from the reactor's pipeline. If that ceased, then theoretically Sephiroth's hold in this world would cease to exist. The lifestream would settle and he would be forced back into its flow once more. That seemed to make sense. But to eradicate the entire Junon reactor...?

He could see why Rufus had come to this decision. In attempting to fix the leak, he had earned more than enough casualties than he could afford, and by now, it was unlikely even the most devoted employee would set foot inside the place. Sephiroth was not taking any attempts on his existence lightly! Cloud smirked, almost bemused at the thought.

"You seem uncertain."

The blond looked up. "That's because I'm not."

Rufus sighed and rose from his seat, making his way around to the front of the desk to stand before his guest. "This isn't optional." His voice was colder, his eyes taking on a steely glare. "I intend to have this finished and cleaned up by tomorrow evening."

"Wait, you've already moved to take action-"

" You're only here now because I need an extra hand in the security involved for the operation. You're also the most experienced hand in combat should the situation turn..." The President smiled, an unsettling amusement playing on his lips. "Well, let's just hope the situation doesn't turn."

"But what of the remaining citizens? Junon's people can't-"

"I have already sent teams to evacuate anyone still inhabiting the city. Tonight preparations will be made to secure the area and the explosives will be-"

"Explosives?"

The smile widened and a muffled laugh reverberated from the President's throat. "I don't see any other way around it Cloud. Unless you have some valiant idea-"

"But an underwater explosion would be magnified. The results could be-"

"Catastrophic. Yes." Rufus fixed the blond with a chilling stare. "The containment of the detonation is our highest priority, but I cannot guarantee the extent of the damage to the surrounding area. I have requested custom-made explosives to be designed for the task; my labs are already adding the final few pieces to ensure there is a minimum effect from a maximum result."

Cloud stared blankly, not sure how he should be reacting. Too much information in too little time.

It was hard to accept that such an act was the best thing in order to save people from an even greater threat. He had to admit, if something wasn't done soon, if Sephiroth's power grew more than they could control, his wrath upon the world would be catastrophic. Many already knew of the strengths and cruelties he was capable of; not many survived to tell of it.

A shiver of resolve slowly crept its way down Cloud's spine as he realized the necessity of Rufus's plan. Was there really no other way around this?

With an insecure yet undeniable certainty, the man knew the answer was 'no'.

Rufus saw the conclusion spread coldly across his guest's face, his smile lifting in satisfaction. "Can I trust you to be there tomorrow?"

The blond paused, then nodded stiffly, his mind deep in thought as he stared at the floor. Rufus returned a nod of approval and returned back to his seat. He shuffled carelessly through a pile of notes, his gaze wandering casually over their data. "Don't think too much on it Cloud. Provided tomorrow proves a success, I intend to have all remaining functioning reactors treated as such. I don't think the world can risk another 'Meteor' epidemic."

"It couldn't afford the first." Rufus didn't miss the point at which Cloud's words were aimed and a long silence settled between the men. But eventually the blonde's mind became restless with his concern and he shifted from his thoughts.

"Are we done here?"

The President glanced up from his desk, hardly surprised that the man was already rising to his feet. He tilted his head complacently and watched as the blond wasted no time in exiting the room.

"Cloud."

He froze in the doorway, not bothering to look as Rufus called out abruptly.

"I forgot to commend you. My men haven't had a single complaint to say concerning your other...'priorities'." He smirked knowingly, returning to the documents on his desk. "Keep up the good work."

For a moment Cloud felt a rage flood through his mind, searing as he remembered the conditions that had bound him to protect the black materia. But his control persevered and, without a word, the blond retreated from the office, the door slamming in his wake.

In the darkened hallway of the bar, Tifa had just barely managed to drag herself onto the stairs. Her legs quivered with every step, her head swimming sickeningly. What the hell was wrong with her?

She felt her strength quake with every move she made, her skin pale and clammy as she finally reached the landing. The woman's eyes stared around, trying to orientate herself as she began to walk forward. She needed to get to bed, or at the very least sit down. She should have taken Cloud's advice, but no, she had to be stubborn, she had to try and keep on going. Now the girl felt twice as sick and her strength was all but obliterated.

Then the nausea returned.

Tifa reeled as her stomach clenched painfully. Her gut tensed and she stiffened in stunned aggravation. How could she keep doing this? After hours of constant retching there should have been nothing left to throw up. But her body disagreed and, in a panic, the girl dashed for the nearest bathroom. She swung through the door on her left, shakily catching the wall as she reached the ensuite within.

Her stomach rejected all and anything left that it could, leaving the woman pale and quaking on the bathroom floor. But she couldn't lie there; if she did she knew she wouldn't find the strength to get up again.

Miserable, Tifa clambered her way up the sink and stumbled through the doorway, only to be hit by a sudden realization. The woman stared, curious yet partly uncaring at the area around her; this was Cloud's room.

Tifa surveyed her surroundings with a tinge of bemusement, supporting her body with the door's frame as she waited to regain some composure. She had never really been in here before, not that it really mattered, but still...

The room was very much like her own, if not a little smaller. Though it seemed a bit darker somehow, maybe because it was Cloud's, or maybe because it just was, she couldn't say.

As her interest dwindled, Tifa stepped away from her support and began to leave. Then something caught her attention. She paused, debating with her curiosity, before tentatively approaching Cloud's bedside table. A small frame sat idly by his night lamp, the photo angled out of her view. She picked it up curiously and a small, unrestrained smile found her lips. The frame held a picture of herself, standing happily beneath the newly opened sign of 'Seventh Heaven'. It was at least four years old, but the smile on her face was so genuine...she hadn't smiled like that for a long time.

Not until Sephiroth had come to her.

The smile disappeared, the realization putting an instant shadow over her thoughts. Not wanting to think on it, the girl hastily set the frame aside, but her fingers missed the desk's edge and the picture fell to the ground. She groaned aloud and bent to retrieve the object, suddenly confused as she noticed the numerous flecks of white littering the ground beneath it. She leaned closer for inspection, baffled as she recognized the scraps to be pieces of plaster. Bewildered, Tifa brushed a sample into her hand, quickly matching it to the colour of the bedroom wall. Puzzled, the woman knelt, her fingers sliding across the ground, following a trail beneath the bed only to pull out further, larger pieces of the broken wall. She looked up, scanning its surface for such a breakage, but seeing none, the girl only managed to heighten her confusion. Her head swam, stoking the pain of an oncoming headache as she stretched out to the floor and glanced beneath the bed. Several boxes and discarded boots blocked her view, but the girl persisted, too curious to let the interest go. She reached a hand through the debris, brushing it aside and a surprised gasp hushed from her throat.

She found the source.

Despite the darkening shadow, Tifa stared at a small hole, raggedly punched through the plaster of the wall beneath the bed's headboard.

What in hell's name did Cloud think he was doing to the place?

Angry and bewildered, Tifa pulled her torso across the floor and stretched a hand through the gap, her fingers gliding across something hard and cold. Curiosity growing with every minute, Tifa dragged it out into the room. Dust and plaster crumbled around the object as she pulled it into view, her body instinctively shuffling back from the bed to get a better look.

Her hand was clutching the edge of a metal container, strangely light despite its initial appearance. The woman felt her interest spike into withheld excitement. What was Cloud hiding in here?

She placed the object gingerly on her lap, fingering the numerous hinges pinning the lid. The Shinra logo was stamped on two sides, answering some of the growing questions rising in her thoughts. Was it important? Maybe some of Shinra's vital project information was concealed inside. But would Cloud notice if she had a quick look? Her eagerness to find out began to draw her in, overriding the doubt. Honestly not caring what he would think, Tifa rotated the box and flicked open its locks.

There was a moment of nervous suspense as the lid fell open, her gaze closing in on the container's prized contents.

The world froze in place.

Tifa 's thoughts went into melt down, shocked horror etching itself irrevocably across her face.

The container fell from the girl's trembling hands, her body reeling as the black materia rolled gently into her lap.