Chapter 9.

The next night approached slowly. Red was too excited for his own good. He couldn't wait to see Rupert Feine. To talk to him. To find out if he believed him. He had decided he wanted to go out for a while. So Vincent had Reno go with him. The two walked down the street together looking at stuff and talking.

"So that girl, Yuffie…She's like your sister?" He asked. Red looked at the red head. "Yes. I like think of her like that. Why?" He asked. Reno cleared his throat and shook his head. "Uh, nothing." He said. Red continued to look at him then smirked. "Just admit it. You want to go out with her." He said. Reno groaned. "Yeah, sort of. I mean, she's really cute and all. Never saw a girl that cute before." He said.

Red nodded. "What about Elena? She's kind of cute." He asked. Reno snorted and stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, she's cute but she's always nervous. Always stuttering. And she's too nice. Not to mention, she's engaged to Rude." He said smirking back. Red laughed. "Ah, now I see the problem." He said.

Reno nodded. "Anyway, your friend, Yuffie. What's she like anyway?" He asked. Red shrugged. "She's nice. She's got a major wild streak. She's not like some of the other girls. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty. She can kick butt at wrestling, I'll tell you that." He said smiling. Reno was grinning as he looked forward. "She already sounds like my kind of girl." He said. Red laughed. "Well, I'm going to warn you. Break her heart and I'll……" He was saying. Reno nodded waving a hand. "I know, I know. I've actually heard that line before. Break her heart and I'll break your leg." He said. Red smirked evilly.

"No, actually I was going to say I'll break every bone in your body then feed you to Dark Nation." He said. Reno frowned and paled. "Okay. Now that one has got my attention." He said. Red laughed patting Reno's back.

Later that night they were getting ready. Tifa was standing with Cid out side the house. She was wearing a long over coat over her dress so that no one could see what it looked like. Her hair was up in a elegant bun. Cid was dressed in his original outfit. Reno had a date with Yuffie, with Red's permission of course. Now they were just waiting on Red.

As they waited, Tifa was biting her nails. And Cid noticed. "You must be very nervous tonight." He said. Tifa looked at him. "Huh? Why do you say that?" She asked. Cid grabbed her hand and slowly put away from her mouth. "You only bite your nails when your very nervous or scared, Tifa. Remember, you've been living with me and Shera for eight years. I would know. So what's up?" He asked leaning against the car. Tifa looked away. Cid nodded slowly. "It's about Red, isn't it? You don't think Rupert Feine will believe that he is Rufus Shinra. It's not like he is. But we did such a good job on Red that he will think he is his nephew." He said. Tifa sighed. "He is, Cid." She said.

Cid nodded. "Of course he is. Your right. We can't let anyone ($$$#$ hear us say something like that." He said. Tifa spun around looking at him. "Cid!" The pilot jumped at her yelling. Tifa shook her head again. "He is Rufus Shinra. He's not just Red. He really is Rufus Shinra. The real one. He's the real deal." She said softly. Cid stared at her. "What makes you say that?" He asked. Tifa lowered her head. "There was one other person that night who knew how Rufus and his uncle escaped. That little girl that saved his life." She looked at him.

"I was that little girl, Cid. It was me who saved their lives." She said. Cid stared with wider eyes and his mouth fell open that his lit death stick fell. "Your sure?" He asked. Tifa nodded. "How would I have that music box of Rufus' then?" She asked digging into her pocket and pulled out the little metal box. Cid placed his hands on his head and gripped his hair. "Oh my (#$#$$# Hyne! We found the real Rufus!" He gasped. He turned around and placed his head against the car. Then he spun back to look at Tifa, who was putting the box back into her pocket. "You have to tell him the truth, Tifa. You tell him the truth of what we were doing. If he found out that……" He was saying.

Tifa shook her head quickly. "No! If we told him that we were using him to get that reward money, he would be so mad. He would never want to talk to us again. He would hate us." She said. Cid continued to stare at her. He stepped forward and took her face into his hands softly leaning closer. "You love him, Tifa. You owe him the truth. He loves you too. You have to tell him that." He said. Tifa shook her head with tears filling her eyes. "It doesn't matter anymore, Cid. He's something higher than me. I'm nothing but a commoner. What chance do I have with that? Nothing. I can't tell him the truth." She said. "Tell who the truth?" Someone asked.

Here came Red. He was walking down the porch in his outfit. Tifa and Cid looked over at him and froze. Red was wearing a white outfit. White pants and trench coat. Under it was a black turtleneck shirt. A red rose in the left breast pocket. He looked very good. He was smiling at them. Tifa smiled seeing him. She pulled away from Cid looking at him. Red stepped up to them. He looked at Tifa then gracefully bowed to her. Tifa couldn't help but laugh silently and curtsied. "You look great, Rufus." She said. Red smiled. "So do you, Tifa. Shall we?" He asked offering his arm. Tifa looked at the grinning Cid who opened the door for them. She took Red's arm and they climbed in.

They arrived at the Midgar Opera House where the Loveless was playing. Cid opened the door for Red and Tifa. They stepped out together and started for the door, all three of them. Inside the doors, a man took their coats and Red got to see what Tifa was wearing. It was a midnight blue gown with a white shawl. She looked so beautiful. He smiled.

"You are so beautiful, Tifa. Did you know that?" he asked offering his arm. Tifa blushed and took his arm. "Thank you, Red. You look very handsome yourself." She said. Cid was grinning behind them. 'This is so nice.' He thought.

They found their seats in one of the top boxes where the richest folks usually sat. It was a full house that night too. There were so many people in the Opera House. As the three began to sit down, they did catch some attention. Some people were looking at Red. "Who is that?" Some whispered. "He's so handsome." Others said. "Doesn't he look familiar?"

But the three ignored the stares and sat down in the top box. The play began and everyone's attention went to the stage. Red was watching with awe. He had always wanted to see the Loveless Play. He had heard it was a great play. Tifa was busy looking through opera glasses in the audience when she touched Red's arm getting his attention.

"Take a look. There's your uncle." She said. Red took the glasses and looked through them where she was pointing. Through the glasses he saw the strawberry blonde man wearing a dark outfit and a white handkerchief in the breast pocket. Behind him was Vincent who was looking towards Red's box. When he noticed that Red was looking towards them he smiled and gave a quick wave. Red smiled breathlessly. Seeing Rupert Feine brought memories. He knew him alright. He remembered seeing a smile on the man's face. "He looks just like me." He said bringing down the glasses. Tifa smiled with a nod. "Yes. He does." She said softly and took his hand. He looked at her then smiled. They intertwined their hands together and watched the play go on.

Finally the intermission came and the lights turned on. People all around them stood to stretch or go use the restroom. Tifa stood dragging Red with. "Come on. It's time to go see your uncle." She said. Red nodded smiled and followed her. Cid followed behind. The three of them walked down the hall right to Rupert's private box. There were two unknown Turks standing guard. They both held up hands for them to stop. "Excuse me. But can we help you?" One asked. Cid stepped forward. "We wish to speak to Rupert Feine." He said formally. Tifa and Red were a little surprised that he could speak so formally like that. The guards looked at each other then spoke into a hidden comlink in their collars.

After a small minute, the first Turk nodded. "One may enter at the moment." He said. Tifa nodded taking her arm from Red's. "I will." She said softly. She looked at Red. "Wait here. I think it's best if I told Rupert about you. Most likely he'll be shocked." She said. Red nodded with Cid. The two guards escorted her in.

Red took a deep breath. Cid looked at him. "You nervous?" He asked. Red nodded. "Yeah. Scared more like it." He admitted. Cid smiled. "Don't be, Red. Your Rufus Shinra. The real Rufus Shinra. Your uncle will know who you are once he sees you." He said. Red smiled. "I'm really grateful. To you and Tifa. If it wasn't for you both, I wouldn't know who I was." He said. Cid smiled. "I know." He said softly.

Tifa stepped into the room with the two guards standing behind her. Vincent turned around and smiled. "Hello, miss. What can I do for you?" He asked as if he didn't know who she was. Tifa's eyes were on Rupert. She was breathing uneasily. Vincent could see her fear and smiled warmly at her to let her know she was doing fine. Tifa smiled and stood taller. "I wish for an audience with Mr. Rupert Feine." She said softly. Rupert's head turned a little but he didn't turn completely around. Vincent kept on smiling. "I see. And may I ask why do you seek an audience with my good friend, Mr. Feine?" He asked casually. Tifa smiled and took a deep breath. "I wish to inform him that I have found the heir of Shinra Inc., Rufus Shinra. Rupert Feine's loving nephew." She said softly. Vincent placed a surprised look on his face. "Rufus Shinra?" He asked. Tifa nodded. "Yes." She said smiling.

There was a short harsh laugh from Rupert and he stood. He slowly turned around and faced Tifa. Tifa had to hold in her gasp. Rupert looked exactly like Red. Only older. He had a little gray in his hair. "Miss, what is your name?" He asked. He even sounded like Red. Tifa returned to her proper look.

"My name is Tifa Lockhart, sir." She said. Rupert stepped around the chairs and up to Tifa looking straight at her. He looked very serious. "Miss Lockhart, I am grateful for your find. But your Rufus Shinra is not mine. My nephew is dead. I saw him die. I watched my nephew die on the railroad tracks. He was caught in those mobs years ago." He said his voice turning hard. Tifa's mouth fell a little but she tried to keep her composure. "Sir, I swear to you that this is Rufus Shinra. The real Rufus Shinra. He as so much knowledge of you and his family." She said. Rupert nodded. "I believe that. That is because I know who you are, Tifa Lockhart." He said.

Tifa blinked. "What do you mean?" She asked. Rupert's eyes sparkled with angry tears. "I had heard a great deal about you and Cid Highwind. I have heard word of what you did. Having try outs of Rufus Shinras. Teaching them everything about my nephew. Telling them what to say or do. Just for the money I had offered. One Million Gil., Miss Lockhart. That is all you want. You are like every other con artist I have met. Your Rufus Shinra is not my nephew." He said.

Outside the slightly open door, Red was hearing every word. He looked shocked. His mouth open and his eyes wide. He slowly looked at Cid who refused to meet his gaze and Red knew. That what Rupert Feine was saying was true. Tifa and Cid were using him to get the reward money.

Tifa shook her head. "No, Mr. Feine. I don't care for the money. Please, if you would just look at him." She said starting to panic. Rupert turned away and went back to his seat. "No! No more! I will not see anymore Rufus Shinras. My heart is broken enough! Please leave." He told her looking forward. Tifa started forward but Vincent caught her arm looking pained. "Please, Tifa. Just do as he says." He whispered, his voice cracked. Tifa yanked away and hurried to Rupert bending down beside him.

"Please, Rupert. Red has come a long way to see you. Please just look at him, talk to him. See for yourself." She said with tears in her eyes. Rupert wouldn't look at her. "How much pain are you willing to inflict on me for that money, Miss Lockhart? I'm growing tired of being lied to. My heart is breaking because of every word you are saying as it is. Please remove her, Vincent." He said turning his head away.

Vincent slowly stepped forward and gently took Tifa's arm. Tifa looked like she was going to cry. She slowly stood. She looked at Vincent. "Vincent, he is Rufus!" She cried out. Vincent nodded softly. "I know." He whispered.

He lead her to the door. "Let me speak to Rupert. Maybe I can convince him." He whispered to her. Tifa shivered with tears and she nodded. She left the box. After she did, Vincent closed the door and looked at Rupert.

Tifa looked at straight at Red who stared right back at her with a pained look on his face. He opened to say something but no words would come out. He shook his head and turned heel storming away. Tifa winced and hurried after him with Cid behind her. "Rufus! Wait!" She called after him. Red didn't slow down. He stormed down the stairs towards the door until Tifa grabbed his hand and stopped him.

Red stopped and looked at her with red eyes full of tears. "Is it true, Tifa? You were using me to get that money?" He asked very calmly. Tifa had tears running down her cheeks. She shook her head. "It started out like that. But now it's not about the money! You are Rufus Shinra!" She cried.

Red shook his head looking very angry. "No! I am not Rufus Shinra! You lied to me, Tifa. How could you do that! You were trying to cause pain to that poor man up there just for his money! And what's worst? I believed you. I thought I was someone special. I thought I had a family. But you know what? I don't. I am an orphan. A nobody just like what Heidigger said." He said coolly. Tifa stared at him. "No your not. When you told Vincent about how you escaped with your uncle………" She was saying. Red shook his head violently. "No! Stop lying, Tifa! I am not Rufus Shinra!" He turned and stormed out the doors. Tifa hurried after.

"Rufus! Please! You have to listen to me! You are him! You are Rufus Shinra!" She cried grabbing his hand again. Red yanked away hard that she fell back. Luckily Cid was right behind her and caught her. Some people stared with wide eyes and gasped. Some began hissing angrily about him. Red turned around looking at her again. He looked so angry. A hateful look in his eyes. "Don't." He said in a hard tone. "Just leave me alone, Tifa. You've done enough pain to both me and Rupert Feine." He turned and walked away only to stop for a second.

He turned around again and looked at the upset Tifa. "You want to know something, Tifa. I thought you loved me. I loved you from the moment I saw you. But now, seeing that you were only using me, you don't love me." He said then turned and walked away. Tifa broke down in Cid's arms. That had hurt so badly to hear him say that. He had told her he loved her. And she wanted to tell him that she loved him too but the words couldn't come out. Cid hugged her with his head lowered. He shook his head. "I should have never let them dance." He whispered.

Back in the private box, Rupert was staring hard at the play before him. Vincent was watching him. He could sense the anger and sadness in his friend. He shook his head. Turning to the other guards he waved his hand. "Leave us." He said. The guards nodded and left the box. Rupert lifted his head to look at Vincent who sat down next to him looking at his friend.

"Rupert, you have to stop this. I've seen that boy Miss Lockhart was talking about. I know those eyes he has in his head. It's him." Vincent said. Rupert looked away again. "Vincent, please spare my heart. Don't tell me you actually believe that con artist." He said. Vincent shook his head. "She may be a con but that boy she found is not. He answered all the questions I gave him. Dark Nation knew him. She actually let him touch her. She doesn't even let me touch her and she's known me all her life. He knew about the secret door that you escaped through." He said. Rupert didn't say anything.

But the look on his face told Vincent that he was way too surprised. "You must see this boy yourself. Please, my friend. Have I ever lied to you?" He asked. Rupert tilted his head but didn't look at him. "Please, Vincent. Enough is enough. The show is continuing and I would like to watch the rest." He said and that meant he was done talking. Vincent nodded slowly. "Your making a mistake, Rupert. A very big mistake." he stood and left the box.

Vincent hurried down to the lobby where he spotted Tifa and Cid sitting on the bench. Tifa was crying her eyes out into a tissue. Cid's arm around her trying to comfort her. The Turk hurried up to them surprising them that he would want to talk to them. "He doesn't believe me. But I know a way that will make him believe. He's not going to like it but there's no other way." Vincent said. Tifa sat up straighter. "What?" She asked. Vincent nodded. "We're going to take Rupert to Rufus even if he likes it or not."