"Shit." I bang my head back against the copilot's seat, unable to feel anything but nausea. "So you're telling me the guy that used to sneak me blueberries after training is the same guy that just skewed the President and splattered his guts all over the walls?"

"That's the theory," Tseng sighs, pulling the chopper close to the edge of the balcony that Rufus stands on with his long, loose suit flapping in the night wind.

Cloud stumbles back, sword raised and readied to fight anyone we might drop on him. Fortunately for him, we're just here to swoop in and rescue the vice president. Well, the president now. I shiver and Tseng glances in my direction. Gods, that brat's in charge of the whole fucking company now. I squeeze my eyes shut only to see the bloody mess the office was with that enormous katana piercing through the President and pinning his body to the desk.

"Weren't we supposed to protect him?" I ask, forcing my eyes back open.

"Yes." Tseng sighs, cocking his head to the left. "I can't say Rufus isn't relieved, though."

"Relieved?" I repeat, frowning. He shakes his head, lowering the helicopter closer. Rufus tucks his shotgun away and hangs onto the outside rungs of the chopper as we lift back off.

"Open the door."

I set my headset aside and use all my might to pull the door open, squinting into the wind. Offering a hand, I poke my head out to see Rufus hanging on tightly, but he ignores me and steps inside as if nothing has occurred in the past few hours. The door closes with a loud slam that wasn't entirely intentional.

"You alright?" I ask, watching Rufus fall into a seat in the back. He raises an eyebrow at me irritably and pulls a potion from his jacket. "I'll take that as a confirmation."

"Let's just land this."

"Yes, sir," I mutter, heading back up front. "Ready to hit the ground?"

"I'm not sure that means what you think it does," Tseng replies, shaking his head when I laugh.

Once the propellers begin to slow and the rails hit the helipad, we hurry out of the chopper, surrounded with a raincloud of suffocating silence as the three of us head for the President's office. My stomach twists into knots when the door opens, but the President's body has been removed and the blood has been wiped off the walls. Rude and Elena stand waiting.

"We're all here, sir!" Elena chirps, standing straighter. Rufus hardly spares her a glance before watching me and Tseng join them.

"Yes, you are." His eyebrows pinch together for half a second before he recomposes himself. "Smells like bleach."

"Yes, well, we had to get the blood off somehow," an old woman in a tight uniform says, waddling past him with a cart of chemicals and bloody rags. Rufus doesn't look at them, doesn't look at her. I wonder if that's a coincidence.

"Mr. President!" a man cries, hurrying across the room. He's dressed up in a plain blue suit and in his hands, he carries a folder and a pen. "Can we discuss funeral arrangements for—"

"Can it wait?" Rufus snaps, getting impatient.

"The people will be expecting—"

"The people can wait."

"But sir—"

"Out."

The man nods, looking over the rest of us before scurrying out of the room. The old woman shakes her head, wheeling her squeaky cart into the hall, grumbling nonsense to herself. Taking a deep breath, Rufus turns back to us. My eyes dart about the room, searching for any signs of the President's remnants amongst the stench of bleach that can't mask the remaining metallic scent in the air. When I look back at Rufus, he's staring right back at me. My heart leaps into my throat.

"Kat, are you listening?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you say I must go to Junon?" he demands, looking back at Tseng. My uncle keeps his cool, nodding.

"That's the only reliable transportation we have. Our available aircraft can't make that flight."

"Why's that?"

"Avalanche, sir," Elena butts in. "They set the warehouse—"

"I didn't ask you." Elena's mouth snaps shut and Rufus shakes his head, angry. "Elena, can you arrange a ride for myself and Heidegger—perhaps some of his men, too—in three days?"

"Three days, sir?"

"Yes. I need to make a show of my father's death," he mutters, waving her words out of the air dismissively. "Rude, I'll need you to worry about security. Tseng should keep an eye on Avalanche…" He shakes his hair out of his eyes. "And Kat, you will remain here with Reno."

"You're kidding," I huff under my breath, crossing my arms and rolling my eyes. For a moment, I forgot everyone can see me. I freeze upon feeling their stares, my face going red. Fuck.

"No, I'm not. And now the two of us have to have a talk to prolong my time dealing with this mess tonight. The rest of you—get some rest. Tomorrow we start new."

"Right," Elena nods, pressing her lips together and looking back at me nervously. I can tell she's conflicted between her overwhelming sense of rules and duty and her dedication to finding and making good friends—all the better to climb the ladder with.

"Come with me," Rufus commands, taking me down a path I know all too well.

We head toward his office and I keep my head held high. Brat. I close the door behind me, standing with my arms crossed tightly and a stern look held on my face. Right. You can do this. You're Rude. You don't break.

"What is your issue with staying here?" he asks, absently sliding a paper across his desk. "Not that I care."

"What the hell am I staying for?" I demand. "Reno can handle himself, and if Avalanche is who we're after, then I should be out there helping."

"You not going anywhere until you prove to me that you can follow orders," he replies sharply, finally meeting my eyes. "End of story. You've done nothing but complain since your arrival. Your hiring was an act of pity on Tseng's part—one I regret signing off on."

"I've already proven myself!" I argue, already breaking down my front. "I dropped that plate without question—"

"My apologies. Would you like a celebratory banquet? A trophy, perhaps?" Rufus turns to face me. "You did your job—I shouldn't have to reward you for that."

"You don't. You should let me keep doing my job."

"Hm." He shakes his head. "This isn't something I need you for, and I'd rather you stay out of my way. Besides, if you were to become injured or killed, there are a few people who might have an issue with that."

"Like who?"

"Perhaps Marx," he replies, lifting his chin. "Or, your dear uncle, who has somehow allowed himself to withstand revenge. It's quite impressive considering what you did to—"

"Enough."

"Is it?" His eyes narrow and he eyes me with disgust. "I see nothing but pride for what you've done—"

"There's no pride!" I shout over him, hands tightening into fists at my sides. "Why do you care? I bet your daddy didn't mind that I—"

"Yes, but I'm not my father. And don't mistake my curiosity for care."

"And when do you expect me to do that? Once you get on your knees to suck Shinra off just like everyone else? You're not fucking special!"

In a strange bout of déjà vu, I find myself, yet again, with my back to the wall, my breath knocked from my lungs and a gun to my chest.

"I shouldn't have to demand your respect, Kat," he says in a low voice, refusing to let me look away from those scary, scary eyes. Ruthless, cold, and cunning. I push closer to the gun, and instead of covering under his stare, I stare right back, daring.

"Then shoot me already. Stop making empty promises."

"Hn." Rufus's jaw works tightly and he steps back with a push. "You're far too intriguing. Of course, there's also the part where Tseng would have my head brought to him on a silver platter."

"You're scared of Tseng?" I demand in disbelief. He shakes his head.

"No… It's not often that I have direct, important demands to keep someone under my command alive. In fact, this is a first."

"I'm special," I retort. He raised an eyebrow, turning his gun over and over in his hands.

"And why is that, exactly?"

"Reasons."

"Reasons?" He scowls. "You do realize I don't have to honor Tseng's wishes, don't you?"

"It's none of your business," I bite back, irritated. Even if he's backed off a bit, I can't leave. He's still in my way. "Why do you want to know?"

"Didn't I already tell you?" When I scoff and look across the room, he steps forward, jerking my chin upward and forcing me to look him in the eye. "I'm intrigued." Something in my mind sparks, and suddenly, I remember—

"Do you know how much it means to me that you came back?" The man hooks a finger under my chin, but when I look up, his face is blurry.

"Why does it mean anything?" I ask, reaching up to brush the shaggy dark hair out of his face. He grabs my hips and pulls me closer, and they feel so, so big. So possessive.

"Because." One of his big hands brushes over my face and, somehow, I know he's smiling. "You're beautiful. I'd never ever let you go if I had the choice." He pulls me closer, burying his face in the crook of my neck. "My precious Kat…" His lips brush across my skin and I shudder at the heat of his breath. "I love you."

I take a sharp breath, startled by what felt like an hour only to realize it was a mere moment. That voice… Rufus doesn't even seem to notice, his head leaning to one side.

"I want it to be your voice that says it."

"Why me?" I scoff, trying to return to the present.

"Family relations," he replies, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip. I take a deep breath to calm my sparking nerves, unsure what he's getting at. "They've caused many problems in this company, and I don't intend on keeping it that way."

"Gods, he's just my uncle." I force myself to meet his gaze. "That's it. No strings attached, no vengeance, and no drama."

"Good." Rufus is long gone before I can blink, standing behind his desk with his hands pressed to its smooth surface. "You're dismissed."

Nodding, I hurry into the hallway, scrubbing at my face with my sleeve to get rid of the feeling of his hand on my face. Not really sure where else to go and knowing damn well I won't be sleeping, I head down to the infirmary, thanking the gods that Reno is awake when I get there. He looks up, grinning when he sees who's here.

"How're you feeling?" I ask, pulling up a chair. He folds his hands together behind his head.

"Like shit. I'll survive."

"Damn, thought you were finally good as dead," I retort, rolling my eyes and resting my chin on the mattress. He turns onto his side with a wince, propping his head up.

"Did it make you sad?"

"Hell no!" I laugh, shaking my head. "One less shitty person in my life."

"Bitch," he huffs, reaching out and tapping the tip of my nose. I raise my eyebrows, waiting for an explanation. It doesn't come. "Doc says I have to stay here a few more nights."

"Poor Re Re," I coo, sticking out my bottom lip. He scoffs, pushing my face away. "Hey, remember that time I broke my leg on a fuckin' fruit stand in Sector Eight?"

"You think I forgot? I had to carry you on my back all the way back home because Public Security was chasing us."

"Huh. Those were the days."

"Yeah…" I shake my head, reaching out and playing with his bony fingers.

"Need somethin'?"

"No, just feeling touchy." I sigh, shaking my head. "I was about to head to Rude's when this whole fiasco started. Not sure he's even awake by now and I feel bad knocking."

"Don't. I'll try 'n have him find my keys tomorrow."

"Or, if you're in need of assistance, I'm headed home now."

Startled, I turn to see Tyler standing in the doorway. That voice. Suddenly, when I look back on that memory I can see his face again, that strange young man that was holding me. That said he loved me…? I frown, shaking my head.

"I'm not staying with you."

"My wife won't mind. My daughter shouldn't either."

"Your wife?" I repeat, confused. Why would he invite me over to his house when he has a wife and a child? Child… Fuck, how old was I back then? I shiver, suddenly feeling sick.

"Besides, I'm sure you'd get along with her."

"I said no," I huff, looking to Reno for help.

"Kat, if you don't—"

"She's stayin' with me," Reno snaps, waving for him to leave the room. "Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out."

"Right," Tyler huffs, frowning at me. "I'll be going then."

"I'm so tired," I groan, letting my head hit the bed once the doctors' left. Reno shakes his head.

"What's his deal?"

"I don't know, to be honest." I force myself to look up and he frowns.

"The hell's goin' on? Is this about what Rude couldn't tell me?"

"No, it's not. I already said that was just drama. And I really don't know about that guy."

"…" He shakes his head, falling onto his back and staring at the ceiling. "How's the boss? Heard the prez took a hit."

"A hit? He's dead."

"Same difference."

"Tseng's fine. I think he's just tired."

"Ain't we all? Why don't you go down to Rude's? He already offered."

"You offered for him," I point out. He shrugs, smiling.

"Whatever. Keep an eye out for his demon dog."

"Even Rufus warned me about that one."

"Rufus?" he repeats. "Damn, never know he could hold an actual conversation."

"Why's he have it, anyway?"

"Think it was his moms. She died earlier this year and he got all her shit, demon rat included." He flicks my forehead. "Hey, don't fall asleep on me."

"I'm sleepy."

"Go to Rude's. Number thirteen—there's an executive wing where we live."

"Nice."

Sighing, I drag myself to my feet and slump against the wall of that stupid elevator I spend all my time in. I'm itching for a smoke, but the ones at home are crushed under the plate's rubble and the others are in my truck. Really should keep some with me. Wandering down the wing of widely separated doors, I head down the left hallway and find myself before a tall, pristine door labeled with the number thirteen. Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door, instantly setting off a high-pitched barking. After listening to some shuffling, I step back and the door opens. Rude raises an eyebrow, still in his uniform.

"Oh, good. You weren't asleep."

"I waited for you."

"Sorry. I went to see Reno after Rufus chewed me out." If that's what you want to call it. The yipping continues from further in the apartment. "Is that the demon dog I've heard so much about?"

"Yeah," he sighs, letting me in. "Elixir."

"What kind of a name is that?"

"Don't know. Didn't name it."

"It?"

"Yeah."

He heads down the hall and opens a sliding door, kicking at another door to stop the barking. It only works for a few seconds before the dog starts up again. Rude huffs, handing me a blanket. Clearly, he's not a fan of this little rat dog he inherited.

"Thanks. G'night, Rudie."

"Night."

He kicks the door once more before heading further away where I can't see him anymore. Sighing, I turn to the couch and kick off my shoes by the door. Rude's place is clean. Like, scrubbed down once a week clean. Not a stain on the couch, not a scratch on the walls, not a burn on the coffee table. I yawn, falling onto my back and loosening the top buttons of my shirt. Somewhere down the hallway, Rude shuts the lights off. I squeeze my eyes shut, pulling the blanket up over my chin. My nose crinkles. Smells like Reno.