Thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers. You've convinced me (for the second time) that perhaps this story is worth keeping active after all. Most of my time is going into my Vincent x Tifa fic "Starting Over," but I'm shooting for regular, albeit short, updates here. A sort of serial, perhaps?

Rufus was torn between image and desire. Throughout the course of his life, he had made many such decisions instinctively. No one ever questioned his priorities. Business, and his corresponding public image, always came first. In the last six hours, he shattered his own self image with a single uncalculated act of compassion then proceeded to tear through its remains at record pace. He was consoled by the belief that he was alone in his insecurities. But the planet persisted in sending him signs that he could not be alone. Tseng read his concern, Elena deduced his jealousy, and Reno declared his secret desire to the world. Turks were trained to read people and uncover secrets but Rufus was not at all consoled. If Tifa called for him, and it could only be Tifa on the other side of Elena's PHS, then she too must realize what he felt for her. Turks could be trusted not to reveal any aspects of Rufus' new found interest but if he turned around and accepted the phone from Elena, his public image would also be shattered forever. Image or desire, the correct answer was clear but in conflict with Rufus' predisposition to always get what he wanted. Rufus did not like to make choices. Rufus deserved it all because Rufus earned it all.

In my head.

"I will take the call." Rufus stopped and held out his hand but he did not turn. Elena placed the PHS in his palm then took several steps backwards to give him privacy. "Rufus, here. Am I correct in assuming I am speaking with Tifa Lockhart?"

"Yes, um, Rufus... You're so, um, formal... I wanted to thank you for last night. For bringing me home." Tifa's voice was slow and halting. She was clearly nervous and Rufus took some satisfaction in the knowledge that she was unlikely to be toying with him in her current state.

"No thanks are necessary. My Turks did their duty in protecting a prominent public figure and the interests of the Shinra Corporation." Rufus forced his voice into a passive monotone. He would not betray anything she did not already know and hopefully would cast doubt on anything that she did.

Tifa giggled into the phone. "Rufus, I'm not a public figure."

Rufus smiled despite himself and his voice lightened a tone. "You certainly would be if you were found frozen to death on my doorstep, now wouldn't you?" Damn her for laughing. Laughter was a rare commodity in his life. How could he resist it? Rufus knew he had to get off the phone. If he were lucky, she might hang up after his mocking comment. She would respond angrily, if not, and he could dismissively pass the PHS back to Elena. Either way, Rufus was certain that he could not loose. He began to lower the handset from his ear when he realized that although he was a cunning businessman and negotiator, he had absolutely no experience comprehending women.

Tifa was laughing. It was full, strong laughter. It wasn't the polite laughter Tseng used at company parties or dinner meetings with clients. It wasn't the mocking laughter of Reno or the insane cackles of his father's executives. It was true, honest, happy laughter and Rufus didn't know what to do about it. His smile grew. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing to make her laugh. Rufus thought how wonderful it might be to see her laugh in person. More than anything else, he wanted to hold her again and to have her hold him back. Perhaps there was a way he could arrange to have Tifa and keep his shrewd public image.

Rufus smiled wider and only years of practiced stoicism kept him from laughing with her. He took a deep breath and called on his most bored voice. "If you want to repay us, come to Junon. Some of the more promising energy labs are participating in a press event tonight to showcase their newest advancements and to court potential buyers. There's a dinner of some nature and a cocktail party. I had not planned to attend in person, since Shinra will clearly give the highest offer for rights to the best technologies, but with an enticing escort the evening might not be a complete waste."

Silence. Rufus thought the line might have gone dead and he checked the PHS display. The phone was still active. A quiet voice came through, "Rufus, are you asking me out?"

Rufus' features hardened. First the infuriating woman answered him with laughter and now with another question. With face now set in stone, Rufus felt as though he were on much more solid ground. He had made her an offer and he would not back down. "Then you're accepting. Good. The event is formal dress. I trust you own something suitable. I'll send Elena back around to pick you up." He reached to hang up the phone.

"Wait, Rufus. What about the bar. I can't just leave it on a Saturday night." Her voice was strained. Rufus thought he could hear her impatience and frustration but she wasn't saying no.

"In your bar you do have a staff, correct? That is to say you employ waitresses and bartenders?"

"Well, yes."

"Then call someone in. Elena will be there in fifteen minutes." Tifa did not respond. Rufus frowned. He was sure the conversation had been going well. He wracked his brain for the right course of action, the right thing to say. What etiquette did such a situation demand? A small voice, born of desperation, surfaced from somewhere in the pit of his stomach. It could not be so simple. One word could not make a large enough impact but he had to try. "Tifa, please."

There was another pause. "Alright, Rufus. Since you asked so nicely." He detected a hint of sarcasm but waved it off. She had said yes. "I guess I'll see you soon, then."

"Yes," Rufus was suddenly unsure of himself again. "I will. I'll see you when you get here." He ended the call and turned around. "Change of plans, Elena, I need you to pick up Tifa and bring her here. Be sure she has something decent to wear. Take her out in Junon and expense whatever you need if she doesn't. Tseng, call Snow and tell him he doesn't have to go to that dinner tonight. I'm sure he'll be thrilled. I don't need to remind you, we're on a strict time table." Rufus handed Elena her phone. She knew the last comment was directed at her and made a beeline for the parking lot.

Elena was delighted but from his position at the end of the hallway, Reno shook his head. "Boss, I've got thirty minutes to teach you how to treat a lady."

Rufus is so full of himself, but I can't help feeling sorry for him. Hopefully I've kept him in character. And kudos to anyone who knows where I pulled the name of the PR guy. (Hint, not at all FF related.)

As always, suggestions and recommendations are more than welcome. Review, review.