He doesn't even deliver on Saturdays.
The roar of Fenrir's engine drowned out all other noises around the bar and then faded into the distance as Cloud disappeared down the street. Tifa sighed to herself as she gathered up the last of the glassware and loaded it into the dishwasher. "Tonight won't be the night to talk to him then," Tifa said to herself as she programmed the dishwasher, grabbed a clean rag and headed back to the floor. There should be just enough time to get the tables cleaned before opening and it shouldn't be too busy for the first hour. She could probably get everything put away before the first wave of afternoon customers came in.
He used to help me on the weekends. It was our time together and the busier the bar, the more fun we had.
Barret finally made good on his promise and took Marlene to live with him in Corel. He struck oil, just like he said he would. The main field was in the desert, in the Gold Saucer area, but there were smaller wells near Corel and the town had begun to prosper again. Significant aid from the WRO had helped the townspeople rebuild and it looked like Barret had provided a sustainable economy for the region. Marlene wouldn't be parted from Denzel, and both were happy to get out of the city. Tifa was sad to see them go, but Barret was Marlene's father and she loved him more than anything else in the world. She missed the children but it would not be fair for Tifa to force her surrogate family to stay together. Bitterly she thought, "It's never worked with Cloud anyway."
It's ironic really, Corel's new prosperity and all of Barret's influence is due to Shinra. They are the world's leading buyer of raw fossil fuels, after all.
Tifa's mind ran full circle, back to Rufus and the previous night as she furiously wiped down tables, flipped up the chairs, and made quick work of the dirty floor. Rufus was full of surprises lately. Ever since he was cured of geostigma and came back into the public eye, he'd done everything possible to cast the Shinra Electric Power Company in a new light. She couldn't help but wonder if his concern was genuine or merely a façade, cleverly fabricated to sway public opinion back in his favor. All motivations aside, there was no question that Rufus had good business sense and although his company no longer maintained its expensive military or governmental functions, the young president was as powerful as ever.
The WRO is practically the Shinra military under a new name. I guess Reeve holds that power now. It's a good thing he's so responsible with it. Then again, Rufus still has his Turks…
It was almost time to open. Coasters replaced overturned chairs on the tables. Neon signs buzzed to life. Tifa unlocked the door and waited for the first few lunch goers to trickle in. She couldn't help but daydream as she put away her remaining glassware and took orders for drinks and pub lunches. Elena was so kind to bring hot chocolate and conversation when Tifa needed it most. Rufus had gone through such trouble to see her home and cover practically all traces of his presence. What could possibly be the reason behind it all? If he wanted something from her, why would Rufus cover up what he had done?
"Hey, beautiful," a voice called out from across the room and shocked Tifa out of her reverie. "You must be in love or something, 'cause never have you let our glasses get so dry."
"Oh, no. I'm sorry." Tifa looked up with a start and recognized some of her regulars. She quickly grabbed a round of their usual and brought it to the table. "I don't know what's gotten into me today."
"He's a lucky man, who ever he his," another customer winked at her, "and he'd better not hurt our Tifa." Tifa's blush was met by chorus of agreements and nods around the table.
"A toast for Tifa!" one of them shouted. "Get one for yourself, hon. On us."
If Cloud doesn't love me, would it be that bad to try something new? But this is insane. It has to be now, before I lose my nerve.
Tifa took her shot then reached for her phone. "Elena, of the Turks, please." She poured another drink. "Yes, thank you, I'll hold… It's Tifa… Yes, everything's fine. Elena, I know this sounds crazy but is Rufus with you?"
Rufus sat quietly in one of the airport's private lounges, waiting for Elena to return. He was impressed that Tseng had the foresight to check up on Tifa but he couldn't help but wonder how his most devoted Turk had known. Certainly Tseng had been working as a Turk for nearly ten years and reading people was one of the most basic job skills he employed but knowing about Tseng's record did not prevent Rufus from feeling transparent.
Are all of my feelings so easily read? They used to say that I never cried and that no one had seen me bleed. Has all of that changed, too?
Elena strode confidently to stand in front of Rufus and saluted. "The situation at Seventh Heaven has been favorably resolved. Tifa is feeling much better this morning and no harm seems to have come from her night out in the rain. Also, sir, I took the liberty of a 'conversation' with Strife. He should not present any further problems for you."
"Elena!" Tseng exclaimed. "What have you done to him? We're building a reputation as allies of the people. He's one of their heroes, their defender of the planet."
Elena's reply was cut off by a low chuckle. Rufus was laughing. "So I am that transparent. I'm trusting to your discretion, Elena, that you haven't permanently damaged my rival?"
My rival? Where did that come from? Did I say that out loud?
Tseng shifted uncomfortably. Elena stood quickly to attention. "No, sir. Certainly, not." It was one thing to have suspicions about their stoic, but ultimately dangerous, boss and his romantic interests. It was something else entirely to have those suspicions confirmed from his own mouth. The uncomfortable silence in the room was broken by a low whistle. Reno slouched against the doorway.
"Where's the love? I go to get your chopper ready and I miss all the fun." Reno pushed off the wall and took two steps into the room. "We're set to take off whenever you say, boss."
Rufus sat silently for a moment, considering his next course of action. He found that he didn't want to leave, yet. There was no work in Junon so pressing that it couldn't wait until Monday morning. "The fog is lifting but this still isn't the greatest weather for flying. I don't think the inn will have any trouble accommodating us for another night. Reno, while we're still in Edge, find Reeve. He can give me a status update on the WRO."
"Its almost always raining in Edge, sir," said Elena with a polite smile, "especially this time of year."
Tseng stood emotionless and fixed his eyes on the window straight ahead. Reno looked at his two comrades, and then at Rufus. He was never one to consider his words before speaking. "Hell, boss, why don't you just go to her bar and talk to her. Or does everybody else here have to work weekends because you have a crush on Lockheart?" Rufus flinched.
I am not so transparent. I will not be controlled by my Turks.
"We leave for home immediately." Rufus stood abruptly and strode for the runway; his face could have been carved out of granite. Behind him, a phone rang. He could barely make out Elena's voice as he passed through the exit.
"Hello… I didn't expect you to call so soon. Is everything all right…" A pause, "yes, he's here…" Footsteps running behind him, "Sir, wait. She wants to talk to you..."
A/NThis isn't exactly the chapter I had planned, but Tifa's curiosity and Rufus' pride got the better of me. Hopefully I've kept them in character. Comments and suggestions are much appreciated.