Disclaimer: Final Fantasy does not belong to me...however much I may like it to. I own no characters, places etc. etc. so please don't sue me! I'm a nice person :)

Author's Note: Chapter Twenty...PLEASE review as I really enjoy reading your views and they inspire me to get better! It would make me very very happy! Anyway stop reading this and get on with reading the fic! Hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter Twenty: Foggy Mornings and Unappreciated Propositions

The wind was bitter. It nipped at his skin like hundreds of tiny shards of glass, and caused his vision to blur with the pressure.

His fingertips were swiftly becoming more and more numb with every passing second; though time seemed almost non-existent in such a place.

There were no walls, no sides, no path. Just emptiness. There didn't appear to be any lights and yet the darkness was almost spotted with a strange, 'dull' whiteness that, if anything, just made him feel even more uncomfortable.

He couldn't remember the last time he had felt quite so cold. It would have been painful if it had not been for the strange detachment that was affecting him.

Though that was hardly surprising seeing as this was a dream. Oh yes, he knew what this was. He had never been one for allowing himself to be taken in by such hallucinations. Even with that simple fact residing in his mind, he still could not shake the feeling of uneasiness that was whipping around him in that empty space.

It was like he was inside the very depths of his soul. That's what it felt like. Familiar and yet completely incomprehensible.

It was so hollow. So distant. Even for him. It was something he could never understand. Not like he was now anyway.

He needed something else. Like an incomplete jigsaw whose last piece had somehow disappeared from the box, and no matter how hard it was searched for, it had forever remained elusive.

He had never realised just how vital a piece it was. A piece that would fill that gap which he had managed to ignore with the distractions of money and business.

He had never realised just how much he had been yearning for it. He didn't even know what it looked like, what it felt like. But that didn't matter, what ever it was, he wanted it. Now.

Like a bird raised in a cage; the idea of leaving that familiar security not being desirable, and yet every instinct, every fibre, every primal urge still drawing its gaze to the world beyond the bars...

Hazy eyes twitched open; the warm glow radiating from the surrounding lights almost tempting them closed, and once more into the veil of sleep.

As he slowly became aware of his surroundings a low, and somewhat undignified groan emerged from his lips.

He had dozed off on the sofa. Fully dressed and a little intoxicated.

His brow furrowed deeply as he pulled himself from the piece of furniture with a slight wobble, before a hand racked through his dishevelled locks which seemed to hang out of place; no doubt through being pushed oddly against the sofa cushions.

He wasn't very experienced when it came to hangovers. In actual fact he wasn't very experienced when it came to anything over-drinking related; the most he allowed himself was a few tumblers of whiskey after or during a rather pressing situation.

Another groan sounded as the male made to rub his temple in an attempt to quell the dry throbbing which was threatening to surface.

What was I thinking...

He wasn't even sure why he'd allowed himself to drink in such quantity. It wasn't like him; it was pathetic, unnecessary and far too plebeian, not to mention the obvious loss of ones inhibitions.

Luckily for himself at least, Rufus had chosen to drink himself into that state alone; he hadn't done a 'Reno' and gone to such dingy bar, filled himself with some nauseatingly coloured liquor and left with some equally despicable specimen of the female species.

No. No, there was only one woman that would be granted that kind of privilege. Even if he wasn't completely sure of what it was that she had to offer him that he was so drawn to.

His lips curled into a self-inflicted sneer.

Emotional need was something he'd worked so hard to extinguish within himself and this sudden uprising both angered and confused him.

How had this insignificant woman managed such a feat. To make him feel again was not something to be taken lightly, nor was it something to be forgiven either.

He had wanted to destroy her. He wanted to make her pay for what she'd done to him.

She'd made him weak.

She'd made him feel.

She'd made him human again.

And it hurt.

The house had felt rather empty since the young Miss. Lockhart had left. He hadn't expected to miss her. Then again maybe he didn't, maybe it was simply the company he yearned for, but even that was rather unbelievable. He enjoyed being alone, didn't he?

The stairs emitted a dull creek as he paced his weight over them; his goal of reaching the bathroom seeming so much more trying when every step taken caused his body to groan in protest at its use after a night of liquid abuse.

His head gave another sharp pang.

This is ridiculous...

All he had wanted was a few hours of release, a few hours of freedom from his thoughts, from that woman.

His fingers clasped around the metallic handle as he turned the shower on to full heat; allowing the water to pattered down on the vacant base whilst billows of steam rose around and overspilled over the cubicles walls.

He pulled off the jacket with a soft, tired moan and let it slip to the floor in a crumpled heap without a second thought; he wasn't in the mood to take any great care with his expensive tailored garments this morning.

His fingers fumbled with his belt buckle which released itself soon enough, and with little grace he kicked off the trousers which had pooled around his ankles.

Rufus only managed to free half of the shirt buttons before a growl of frustration hummed within his throat; the task which should have been simple enough had suddenly become incredibly difficult to accomplish in his current state and with one swift movement he lifted the item over his head, exposing his torso to the now thickly moistened air.

He stepped rather gingerly into the shower cubicle and allowed the water to cascade down his pale frame with a delightfully warming calm. Although the steam hazed his vision he could still make out his form below, which was now trailed with glistening tracks.

The scarring hadn't really bothered him before, but then it had only resonantly began to heal to a point where it was considered as being 'as good as it was ever going to get'.

It was like he had been melted, like a candle and what had been left was a group of confused lines, like wax set mid-trickle. It disgusted him. It disgusted him because it was a noticeable weakness. One he couldn't hide, and the thought of her seeing him like that was not pleasant.

Tsst...

Rufus shook his head; he was getting ahead of himself.

His hands reached out and grabbed the nearest bottle and squeezed a small amount into his palm before working it through his silver-blonde locks; though with the damp conditions they now appeared more of a light brown.

As the fragrant suds slide down his cheek his mind began to wander.

He hadn't taken a shower in there since she had. In fact he hadn't even entered the room. If he really thought about it, he had purposefully avoided it for a reason he couldn't quite determine, but the fact remained, and the only reason he was there now was that through his half-asleep, and more than a little hungover state he'd managed to forget.

His hands flung themselves forward against the cubicle's wall as his body found the sudden need for support.

The thought of her standing where he was now, water trickling down her porcelain skin the way it did to his, her hair sticking to those curves as the steam reddened her complexion.

Down boy...

He quickly changed the flow of water from one of soft billows into one of sharp ice.

He was usually so good at controlling himself. So good at restraining his feelings. The thought that this woman could have this kind of effect on him was an uncomfortable one at that.

He hadn't travelled with her to the hospital for many reasons. Firstly she'd signed all the forms so there was no longer any excuse for him to be her 'chaperone'. Secondly, after what had occurred between them inside his office it would have been even more uncomfortable than normal. And thirdly there was no part of him that desired to witness her fawn over the red head.

His lips gave a gentle quirk as he mused to himself. Was he jealous? Maybe. Maybe she just did it to spite him. To punish him. She had seemed rather desperate to impress the fact that the Turk meant so damn much to her.

He had, briefly, considered looking at the surveillance cameras, but the thought of catching her smiling at the mere prospect of seeing the redhead made the whole idea somewhat unsettling.

It wasn't just from the earlier days of his 'investigation', nor was it solely from his time spent with her in the hospital, but rather the time spent just talking with her. It was enough for him to grow curious. Curious about them.

Maybe it was the fact that they got on so well that drew his attention so keenly, or maybe it was the way she was so attentive and quick to jump to Reno's defence. Part of him wanted to know who he'd done it. How had that cocky red head managed to get her to care so very much?

It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the hostility she gave him. It was all a game. A game he was relishing immensely, and one he thoroughly intended on winning. Though that didn't mean he wasn't finding calculating each move increasingly tricky.

Why was she making it so difficult for him? Did she even realise what she was doing to him? Did she enjoy it? Or was she was completely oblivious to the effect she had?

Maybe I'm over-analysing this...

There was no denying the fact that there had been brief moments of flirtation from her, though maybe it had come from her naturally friendly nature rather than any specific desire to attract that kind of attention from him.

Then again, the way her eyes sparkled when she was locked in one of their debates and the way she trembled at their close proximity... it was almost as if she was daring him, but without knowing completely what she was challenging him to do.

Even early on she'd seemed to be strongly defiant with him, and yet at the same time, she seemed to take care to offer him the odd compliance...

She'd worn that emerald butterfly clip on his request alone...

His gaze narrowed against the stream of water as he racked his brain for something particular.

When the young man's gaze once again fell upon the sparkling item placed on the woman's pretty head, he decided it was time to speak, ''That's a...nice item you're wearing..."

When all he received in response was an uncomfortable silence he continued,"Where did you get it?''

The brunette screwed the bottle top firmly in place before putting it back on the shelf, ''It was a gift.''

But from whom? A friend? A family member? An ex?

Had Reno bought it for her?

A guttural snarl rumbled from him as his fingers clenched into a fist and rammed against the shower cubicle with a unrelenting shudder.

He didn't understand what he was getting so worked up about, it wasn't as if there was anything between the two other than friendship, though the idea of Reno possessing something he did not was more than infuriating. It was unacceptable.

His head fell backwards as his lids drew closed; allowing the beaded water to gather in fragile pools upon the various hollows in his skin.

* * * Flashback * * *

"Thank you Miss. Taylor."

After a slight hesitation, Rufus's finger slowly lifted from the phone's speaker; once again leaving the room disconnected.

Both parties remained still, though it was impossible to determine whether the shock originated from the news of the red head's sudden recovery, or from what had almost just occurred between them.

The first signs of movement came when Rufus's gaze was drawn by the brunette whom made to straighten herself and direct her own gaze towards the exit.

His brow cocked with somewhat testy confusion and she didn't have to view his expression to know exactly what he was asking.

Her voice cracked as she all but stumbled over her words.

"I...I have to go..."

"No you don't."

Tifa's eyes widened a fraction with an amused disbelief at his unperturbed composure.

"But Reno-"

The blonde shrugged lightly.

"He's not going anywhere."

Her face contorted in a desperate blend of aggravation and bewilderment.

How can he be so damn calm?

Although her heart was pounding against her ribcage with a agonizing force, she stayed in position; partly through a sudden inability to process her thoughts and thus make decisions, but also through a hint of curiosity.

As she hovered beside the desk, Rufus circled back around to her, and before she could register the movement, he was almost directly beside her.

"Now, where were we?"

He tone was so even and collected that for a moment all Tifa could do was stare at him blankly. Was he really intending what she thought he was?

Eventually she managed to arch an incredulous eyebrow.

"'We' weren't anywhere."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips; some might have even called it playful.

"Oh, I think you're conveniently forgetting..."

He broke off softly, and gracefully pulled himself ever closer; now resettling himself in the very same position he had been in seconds before the secretary had made her interruption.

Although she hadn't moved, a scowl was set firmly in place.

"Let me go."

His smirk grew; she could easily have left by now, he knew it, she knew it, and yet here they were. Was this all part of the game?

He allowed a short pause to follow in which her gaze aligned perfectly with his; this direct contact only strengthening their forms against any attempt at release.

His icy blue gaze searched her own with an almost smug confidence.

"Is that really what you want?"

"Yes o-of course it is."

Tifa knitted her brow defiantly, but the slight tremble that had sounded through her voice was enough for him.

Rufus tilted his head before drawing ever closer; his lips now brushing against her earlobe softly.

The heat from his breath playing on her skin enticed the smallest moan from her lips, though the way her body tightened revealed her annoyance at the slip up.

"I-I don't understand-"

"Yes you do."

His voice filled her with a mixture of pleasure, anger and a heavy coating of fear, but before she could utter another word in resistance, his lips had lowered to the tender skin of her neck.

The sensation was so soft that for a moment she had to wonder if she'd mistaken, but when she felt his left hand brush over the small curve of her waist before tightening possessively upon the small of her back, she realised that there had been no error.

As he drew her against him, his free hand raised to gently entwine itself within her dark, sleek locks; soon using his new found leverage to tilt her head for easier access to her neck.

The lack of resistance she displayed surprised Tifa; she seemed almost too frightened to touch him. Maybe from fear that he might crumble at any physical display of force, maybe out of reluctance to dig herself into an assault charge, or maybe she was scared that the skin on skin contact might just push her over the edge as well.

Tifa emitted a sharp gasp as her captor's tongue darted out and drew a shivering line along her jaw, and before she could even realise what she was doing, her lips were on his.

Her compliance appeared to please the young male, as for the first time, a deep, rather unrestrained moan hummed in his throat.

There was no doubt who was leading this intimate meeting, and although she wasn't exactly sure as to what he was doing, she knew she was enjoying it.

He'd quickly gained entrance to her mouth, and with each caress of his tongue, the heat grew ever more intense, and soon enough it appeared that the cloth boundary between them was too much to bear.

Rufus's fingers slipped from her hair, before moving their attention to her skirt buttons, but just as he released one, he murmured something rather too triumphantly against her lips.

"You're easier than I expected-"

That brought her right back to her senses.

The force at which her knee collided with his 'lower' region was more than enough to send him stumbling backwards; a mixture of pain and slight amusement edged upon his face.

Tifa on the other hand looked about ready to castrate him with her teeth.

"You're an arrogant prick, you know that?"

Her language didn't phase him in the slightest, though he had to take a few moment to recover control of his breathing; the knock mixed with the nature of their recent interactions causing his body some trouble.

It wasn't long before he'd regained his familiar smirk.

"I didn't hear you complaining..."

He shifted his gaze over her body with an agonizing intensity; as if searching for something.

"Quite the opposite in fact..."

A deep hue formed across her cheeks, but the resonantly unleashed anger didn't seem to fade.

For a moment it looked as if she was going to hit him again, though she seemed to think better of it, and instead straightened herself and began making her way over to the door.

"Where do you think you're going Miss. Lockhart?"

She came to a halt a metre or so from the door.

"I'm going to see Reno..."

Her head turned just enough so he could her jaw clenched and the faint glimpse of moisture forming over her eyes.

"He needs me..."

The male's brow furrowed.

So do I...

"He can wait. It's not as if there's anything special between you."

Was that a hint of jealously Tifa detected? His tone had been firm and yet also slightly questioning.

"Why not stay? Why not be with me?"

She decided to ignore the comment completely and instead took to scrutinizing the blonde with a degree of quiet consideration.

His brow raised lightly as a misplaced chuckle sounded from his lips.

"It's not as if you have any other offers."

Her gaze narrowed immediately, but instead of shouting the way her instincts told her to, she just sighed, shook her head and turned back towards the door.

Rufus lips curled into a snarl.

"You should be honoured that I even talk to you!"

But his words hit an empty wall as the door slammed shut behind her and he racked a hand through his silver-blonde hair.

After a few minutes had passed since the female's exit, Jane was greeted with the sight of her boss; angry, dishevelled, and more than a little unsteady. It wasn't like him and it worried her.

As he passed by her desk, the young female looked with with a hint of apprehension and concern.

"Sir?"

He slipped into the elevator in silence, but as he pressed the floor buttons, he turned his icy gaze to his secretary.

"I'm going home."

He flashed her a glare, promising her silently that if he was disturbed she'd be the one he punished.

The elevator doors came to a close and he hung his head with a groan.

He needed a drink...

* * * Flashback End * * *

His fingers relaxed against the cubicle walls.

He had to get her somehow. And he had to get her away from that red head.

He stood under the water flow for a few more seconds, before suddenly turning the handle and stepping out; the floor moistening as soapy droplets trickled from his skin.

A/N= Ok, here it is, finally! I hope it was interesting enough X) I always love that burst of creativeness that comes after a long spell away from writing! Again I apologise for the delay but as most of you know I had a pretty big thing on my mind so it's taken me longer to focus and find nice periods of free time to write in! And I just got my PS3 in preparation for Final Fantasy XIII so I've been stuck on that for a large degree and I bought about eight new series of Anime I hadn't seen so I've been glued to the TV for the rest of the time XD Then I received three separate beta requests all within the space of a few days so I've been busy busy busy XD But anyway it feels good to be back XD

So onto the chapter…

I thought I'd give you a Rufus-centred chapter this time X) I feel like I've been neglecting him and that's just too big of a crime to ignore! Someone a while ago requested that I give Rufus some dream-space so I thought I'd make his feel rather different from Tifa's to portray their changes in character so whereas hers had a sort of 'glow' to it I tried to make his as cold and unsettling as possible X)

I know the first few sections probably felt a bit weird with Rufus's fixation on Tifa becoming so 'open' and with him being so quick to realise certain feelings towards her, but hopefully when it came to the confrontation scene flashback it sort of made sense...ish. I thought I'd make some truths come to surface there, so in my head he went away and had a whole evening to mull over the idea with the help of some alcohol.

I tried my best to make Rufus's little thoughts about Tifa while he was recovering from his hangover to be as conflicted and still Rufush-ish as possible, like the comment about how Tifa was privileged to be the one he'd allow to touch him and how he still refered to her as Miss. Lockhart even after his...actions XD

And Rufus in the shower was quite fun to write XD I tried to keep it clean and all...but when you've got a naked, steamed up Rufus in your mind it is pretty hard X)

I do plan on exploring Rufus's feelings towards Tifa more in the following chapters, so if this all seemed a little 'fast' it's only because I've chosen not to portray exactly how he feels. Oh and I may not have used a lot of detail during the kiss, but that will come later when Tifa gets her say.

Now this is where I ask for your opinions...

I know the direction in which I wish to take this fiction, but I wanted some opinions on a more...adult scene. I'm not one to be very crash or vulgar in my use of language when writing (unless the character themselves uses it a lot; for example Barret) so it would be as 'nicely' written as possible, but if something was to happen between them would you want the 'details' or would you want a nice 'cut scene'? I know some people aren't comfortable reading it and I'd like to know how my readers feel about it!

Anyway the next chapter should be up a lot quicker! You should expect it in the next few weeks if my life doesn't take another 'interesting' turn XD