~Rufas~

~By: Aeris Gainsborough~

~Chapter 4~

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Then next morning Rufas drove over to Bethany's house. She was waiting for him on the front step with her bags packed. As he drove up, she waived to him. The driver came out and put Bethany's bags in the back then opened the door for her. Again Bethany had neglected to put her contacts in so Rufas saw her bright blue eyes.

"So Bethany, where did you grow up?" Rufas asked wanting to be sure this was his Koishii.

"Well until I was fifteen I lived in Costa Del Sol. Then I moved off in search of that friend of mine. I went to Kalm, then Junon, then Corel, and finally made my way to Midgar." Bethany said, "I'm beginning to think I won't find him again."

Rufas knew for sure now," Well, I bet you find him in Junon at that party I told you about. Everyone goes to those things."

"Maybe," she said as they pulled up to the helicopter.

"Junon looks so different from up here." Bethany said as she glanced out the window. Then the helicopter lurched. Bethany grabbed onto the arm of the chair.

"You okay Bethany?" Rufas asked slightly amused.

"Y-yes I'm f-fine…" Bethany said.

"Reno could you learn to drive the damn helicopter?!" Rufas yelled.

Reno laughed and headed into Junon to land the helicopter. Bethany paled and Rufas hid a chuckle behind a cough.

When they finally reached the ground, Rufas helped Bethany to her room, "I'll see you tonight at the party."

"Um yes…" Bethany said in a shaky voice.

"Don't tell me you're thinking of skipping the party now." Rufas said, "What about finding your friend?"

"That was just a foolish hope and I can't find him. He's gone…" Bethany said as her eyes filled with tears.

"Then please come as my guest. I- I- well I can't bear the thought of you being all alone here. And… well… I-" he smiled, "If I have to go to this stupid thing, I'm not going to let you be comfy on a couch in here."

She smiled, "Fair enough, I mean, after all, I did steal that nap from you didn't I?"

"Yup so you owe me this- um-" Rufas found himself at a loss for words.

Bethany grinned, "Date?"

"It's only a date if you promise not to beat me up." Rufas said.

"Agreed." She said, "Now if you excuse me I have a party to get ready for."

"Well then I'll see you in about an hour." Rufas said as Bethany closed the door.

She ran to her bag and pulled out a dress she'd brought just for such an occasion. Then she ran for the bathroom and hopped in the shower.

An hour later, Bethany stood in front of the mirror. She'd decided to leave her hair down for a change. It's color shone brighter than normal. Then she smoothed down her dark blue dress. Suddenly she heard a knock at the door. After one last glance in the mirror she ran to open the door.

Rufas grabbed a little corsage he'd gotten for Bethany. He hoped she liked roses…

He headed up to her hotel room and knocked on the door. After some scurrying, Bethany opened the door.

"Hi Rufas," she said shyly.

"H-hi Bethany," said shakily, "You look marvelous!"

And she did. She wore a dark blue sleeveless dress that molded to her body. There was a little silver glitter here and there. Her coppery, shoulder length hair hung in ringlets that halloed her head.

Rufas handed her the corsage and smiled as she led him inside. He straightened his dark blue sports coat and white shirt. He ran a hand through his blonde hair.

"You just about ready," he asked nervously.

Bethany gave him a funny look, "Um, yeah, just about." She quickly grabbed her wrap and headed out, "Let's go and here's to hoping."

This made Rufas smile. He knew his Koishii would find that friend she's been looking for.

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