"For Meiden"
Chapter II
Tseng had already pushed the button to open the elevator when Rufus caught up to them.
"Tseng wait."
The dark-haired Turk turned slightly without loosening his hold on the prisoner's neck. He allowed Rufus to board the elevator first before bringing in the woman. She glared thoughtfully up at the man handling her but there was no trace of anger or frustration in her gaze.
"Tseng," he began in a subdued tone, "you know she doesn't deserve to die."
The older man regarded his superior with a blank expression. "Sir, you must realize that it isn't my place to question whether or not my victims deserve the fate ShinRa bestows upon them."
The elevator gave a little shudder before beginning its descent. Rufus had a pretty good idea where they were headed and he wanted to talk Tseng out of killing the girl before they reached their destination.
Rufus quickly swiped at a few long strands of blonde hair that were tickling his face. "I know that, Tseng. But, this time I really don't feel killing her is necessary. She isn't exactly a terrorist. She's no threat to the company. My old man was just embarrassed that she stood up to him."
"Sir, if you're trying to make me go against the presidents command then I'm sorry. I can't disobey a direct order from him. If you don't agree with his decision you should discuss it with him." There was a short pause. "Although, I can't see why this case in particular bothers you. I've been ordered to kill dozens and you haven't objected."
Tseng's last statement caught Rufus a little off guard. To tell the truth, he really wasn't all that certain what bothered him about this case. The woman wasn't particularly attractive. He didn't know her. He didn't owe her anything. But he really didn't feel like standing by why she was 'disposed of' for standing up to that overweight bastard.
Rufus looked up and was startled to find that both Tseng and the silent prisoner had been expecting an answer. Unfortunately, he didn't have one for the navy-clad man. He was ready to tell him just that when a soft tone signaled their arrival to the Science Department. Rufus followed them off the elevator.
"Tseng, consider it a favor for me then," he suggested, still trying to change the Turk's mind. Tseng didn't even stop.
"Sir, I rarely do favors," was his monotone reply.
They turned a corner and Rufus could see the main entrance to the lab up ahead. "Oh?" he began slyly, "What about the time you wanted to go on that escort mission to Wutai just so you could see your old flame. What was her name? Oh yes, Makanori," he recalled, the corners of his mouth working their way into a grin when Tseng finally stopped. The older man turned slowly to face the vice president but didn't speak. "Rude was assigned to that mission but you wanted so badly to see her again that you came to moi for a," he paused mock thoughtfully, "a favor."
Tseng narrowed his eyes a fraction before Rufus finished up his little tirade. "You know you got to go on that mission because I stepped in. Tseng, do this for me."
Rufus waited for Tseng's reply, the latter sighing in defeat. "Very well, Sir. I won't kill her. But exactly what am I to do with her?"
Rufus hadn't thought of that. He'd been so overcome by the idea of stopping Tseng from killing her. "Well, I'll figure something out later. I'll taker her with me." He glanced at the woman in question reminded that her hands were cuffed. "Please remove her cuffs, Tseng. She isn't a criminal."
"Are you certain, Sir?"
"Quite."
Hands free once more, the girl rubbed her wrists a little. She took a few steps in Rufus' direction. When Tseng didn't object she continued until she stood directly in front of him. Rufus noted offhandedly that she was a full head shorter than he was. She seemed to be studying him carefully, judging the sincerity of his actions. He stood there a bit fidgety the whole time. When she was done she dropped her eyes and waited.
What had he been expecting, for her to spit in his face too?
"Come with me, please," he said. She followed him back to the elevator.
** ** * ** ** *
The girl stood in the middle of the most beautifully furnished room she had ever seen. Rufus had said it was his apartment here at the headquarters but this room itself was bigger than her house back home!
He came in behind her and shut the doors. After turning on a few lights she could see that the room was carpeted wall to wall in the softest cream carpet she had ever felt. The walls were white, decorated with portraits and oil paintings each more expensive than she could imagine. There were two steps to climb before one actually stood in the living room she was staring at it in wonder. She stepped back quickly before her dirty shoes could taint the fluffy pale carpet.
When he realized she wasn't following him through the living room, Rufus asked her what was wrong. She glanced down at her feet then back at Rufus. After a moment of pondering he realized what was ailing her.
"It's alright. Tomorrow Maggie will clean up any mess you make," he assured before disappearing through a door on the right. She hurried after him, stopping in the doorway of this next room. It was similar to the first except there was a black grand piano in the center of the room.
I've seen one of these before. A…a piano…he called it.
She studied it in wonder before hurrying on to a door across the room to the left. She found herself in the largest bedroom she'd ever seen. A king-sized bed dominated the room. There were immaculately carved posts of ebony oak at each corner of it, one of which Rufus was leaning against patiently. Thick quilts and spreads covered it neatly while satin shammed pillows peeked out at the head.
There was a sofa against a far wall, as if the bed wouldn't provide enough comfort. More paintings, all scenic, decorated the white walls. Rectangular light fixtures of misted glass were mounted on each wall. Each emitted a soft creamy glow.
"This…is your room?" she asked him quietly, the room's size swallowing most of her voice.
"Yes. But you're welcome to use it until we figure something out," he replied, glad that she was speaking to him. She'd said next to nothing on their way up here. Not even a 'thank you' for saving her life. He waved a hand towards an opened door near the sofa. "The bathroom's in there if you'd like to freshen up. I'll have some food brought up for when you're done."
She nodded and headed for the door he'd indicated. When she reached it he stopped her with his voice.
"You never told me your name, miss."
She hesitated with the information. "Evelia," she answered so quietly Rufus wasn't so sure he'd heard it.
"Well, you can call me Rufus. I can't stay now. I have a meeting till late," he explained as he made his way to the door. "Help yourself to anything here and please don't leave the apartment. Guards may question you for not having ID or clearance."
She nodded silently and went into the bathroom. A second later the door closed.
* ** ** * ** ** *
Author's Noties:
During my forced vacation from FF.net I sorta got an idea for a story and well…this is it! I'm not too sure if I'll end up completing this one. I want to…don't get me wrong…but I really want to make sure you guys are interested before I write my brains out for nothing (hint hint- reviews?)
And by the way, in the title "Meiden" is pronounced just like maiden. And the name Evelia is a French name meaning hazelnut. I'm not too sure how it's pronounced but if anyone out there speaks French, don't be afraid to drop off the pronunciation in a review! ^_^
That's all for now!
Zaijian!!
~::DrunkpoOdle::~