Staring at myself in the mirror made me exhale heavily. Though clouded by the bath's steam, dark circles that were beginning to form under my eyes peeked through. Thinking of a plan to abduct the innkeeper kept me up the entire evening. After wiping my whole body dry with a towel, I threw my old clothes on the bed; I hung them up last night so they would be wearable by the morning. One by one, I wore them on and finally sat on the bed to review the options that I worked up in my head.

Should I gag her? What about sleeping gas? Threaten to kill her or burn her inn?

Those choices were pretty damn good, but there was another note at the back of the files that contradicted them.

The new head of the Science Department, Dr. Hojo, wants the girl alive and perfectly healthy. He doesn't want his precious specimen to have any faults, wounds, or any abnormal findings. Do exactly that and there's a position waiting for you here in the institution that will likely pique your interest.

I must say this mission was going to be difficult, but the reward will be worth it. I have no other alternative.

Sorry, Ms. Gainsborough.

.-+-.

At 8 am in the morning, I found myself standing in front of a wooden door, arguing with my other self whether to open it or not.

My usual mornings would've started with sprinkling the garden, but since it rained yesterday there was no need; feeding the chickens and chocobos, they're usually feisty after a rain shower so I need some help in that department; cleaning the inn from top to bottom including the barn, it's Sunday today and I designated every Sunday as the cleaning day of the week. That should've been my routine, however, due to the extra load, I've renewed my schedule. I have absolutely no idea of how long the guest will stay, but I have to be prepared. That's my life's motto!

After spending a good 5 minutes of mumbling, I finally took up the courage to knock on the door.

"Mister? Are you awake?"

I waited in anticipation as I heard loud footsteps approaching the door. My heart was beginning to thump faster as I watched the silver knob of the door turn. The memory of last night was still fresh in my mind. He was awfully good-looking, drenched in the rain with his clothes sticking closely to his body, showing muscles in all the right places. My face began to grow hot as every blood in my veins rushed to it. I closed my eyes, grabbed at my heart and calmed myself. Lusting after a guest wasn't part of my schedule.

"Good morning."

Once the words had registered into my mind, I looked up and froze.

Oh my…

.-+-.

If I have to stay another day, I'd go insane… I thought as I fiddled with my unfinished eggs.

I was in the dining room with the innkeeper, having breakfast—though I must admit this was better than what they'd serve in the institution. No soldier pills or energy drinks, this was real food; ham and eggs, fresh baked bread by the side, and a bottle of warm milk. I was thankful, but I had this eerie feeling like I was being watched. Trusting my instincts, I looked up and caught the innkeeper ogling at me. When our eyes met, she looked away, her cheeks turning red like it did last night and when I greeted her a few moments ago. After announcing breakfast, she ran away from me like a madwoman.

This is to my advantage. If I get her to fall in love with me, abducting her would be easy. It would be a piece of cake since she'd be following me around like a lovesick puppy. And when we return to Midgar, I'd turn her over and never see her again. She'd be a lab specimen while I… I would be a prospective candidate to a higher ranking. The plan was perfect.

"Are you ok, Mister?"

Falling out of the daze, I looked at her and smiled. Enchant her, take her heart.

"I feel wonderful, Miss. Thank you for the delicious meal," I purred and smirked inwardly when I saw her blushing again. "How rude of me, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Cloud Strife, and you are?"

"I'm Aerith Gainsborough. Nice meeting you, Mr. Strife!"

"Just Cloud and can I call you by your first name?"

The prey nodded her head vigorously and smiled like an innocent little child.

And now…the game begins.