Without You, Angels Fall (Kyrie~~~)

[DezzyBee]

Rufus blinked at her and returned the kiss, letting small smile play on his face until she announced that she was going to be attending the same meeting as he was. "Very well then, I guess it's for better that you're with me so you can actually get up there," he sighed and stretched before heading out the door. "At least that'll make it a bit less miserable..."

Dezzy ran past them at top speed, carrying all sorts of wires and a laptop and a backpack on her back. Rufus tilted his head curiously. "I... lets follow her." he looked at Kyrie before nodding, heading after the other blond who seemed to be heading to the elevator as well. He wasn't sure what the commotion was suddenly about, but it worried him greatly.

"Blondie, keycard, now," Dezzy huffed in front of the elevator, waiting for him to unlock it because her arms were so full. He did so and let the girls into the elevator before entering it himself.

"What-"

"Don't talk, just listen," Dezzy barked at him. Then she proceeded to talk as fast as possible, so fast Rufus barely managed to keep up: "The President decided to make the first move against Wutai and is sending troops out as soon as possible, but on the other end there's a group of eco-terrorists or whatever the fuck they call that launched some attacks on reactors and they're trying to deal with that issue, but instead of just focusing on one or the other, they decided to spread the troops a bit thin to cover all of this happening. To top it off they're upping Mako production, and maxing out weapons developement at the same time to try and take their enemies down, but what your father won't listen to is the fact that we CAN NOT meet his goals in the timeframe he's asking for and-"

"woah! Dezzy, slow down. Please," Rufus put his hand on her head and motioned for her to breathe. "We'll find out when the meeting is going. Just focus on what you need to focus on and we'll go from there. I take it the plans are in place."

"They moved without me telling them to..." Dezzy blinked, looking flustered and confused at the same time. So things weren't going according to plan at all. "This ruins everything..."

The blond man shook his head. "No it doesn't. We just have to readjust some things to make it work... don't worry, we got this."

He looked at Kyrie, concern in his eyes for her safety as well as for those who were involved in his plan.

[ThePaleGhost]

As the two of them made their way out and followed after Dezzy, she made note to quickly nab a bag containing a 2nd Class SOLDIER uniform and kit tools before shuffling herself into the elevator, removing her clothes and getting changed in front of them both without shame, listening to the young blonde girl's words as she spoke whilst zipping back up her boots and strapping everything into place. Her eyes slit into a glare as she summoned her heavenly weapon before strapping it to her hip to show she meant business and would be prepared to use it if the moment called for it.

"He fucking what?! Is he insane!? Is he trying to fucking kill our planet!?" she spat, visibly pissed off by this predicament as her fist slammed into the side of the elevator, denting it slightly as her womanly muscles flexed with anger, the thought of what the President was doing only widened her hatred for him, why she bothered working for him, she had no idea but she intended to find out why she had been automatically signed up for this at such a young age "I swear, he's an idiot! Who the fuck allowed him to have this position?!"

She was beginning to sound like Reno with all her cursing, and speak of the devil, as if on cue once they reached their required floor, they were met by the fiery red head along with the dozens of other Turks which stood to attention. Noticing them, he jogged over quickly. "Hey guys, things aren't looking too good here, the Turks and I are starting to think that the Pres is losing it. ugh..." he shifted slightly as the Turk elder shot him a look and he soon retreated awkwardly "s-sorry guys, maybe another time, I gotta go."

And with that he was gone, joining his ranks as they were all informed with their own individual tasks. Kyrie couldn't help but feel sorry for him, Reno being unnerved by something, was that even possible?

Looking ahead, she suddenly saw a familiar raven haired woman of twenty-two standing outside the doors to the President's office seeming quite complexed, twin guns and swords strapped to her form along with gun-like shoes at her feet and wearing a 1st Class uniform but with a back skirt decorated with raven feathers which made her person known. Quickly, Kyrie walked over to her whilst the others sorted themselves out, greeting the older woman with a wrist bump. "What are you doing stuck out here?" she whispered, wondering why she wasn't inside.

Faith thumbed towards the door, clearly irritated. "Seph, Gen, and Ange just went in there, I hear they're being sent of somewhere..." she sighed, visibly concerned before answering Kyrie's next question as to why she wasn't in there, she spoke in a hushed hiss "And I'm out here 'cause that sack o' shit is a sexist bastard."

Kyrie shook her head, she couldn't disagree with her there though she felt worried for Genesis at that moment. "So no update?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest before glancing over at Rufus then looked back at Faith who only shook her head, she was about to reply before an Infantryman came by, demanding to know why a 2nd was here.

"Back off! Any problems with her being here then you can take it up with me," she growled threateningly, placing her hand on one of her hilts as she stared him down and he soon backed off, cursing silently "lowly piece of shit..."

For now, all the two women could do was stand there and wait, Kyrie often looked over at Rufus, wondering what he would do about all this.

[DezzyBee]

Rufus glared at the infantryman. "I'm sure you have better things to do than inquire about SOLDIER that were invited to this meeting," he snapped at the man before pushing past Kyrie. "Wait here."

He disappeared into his father's office, yelling very audible as the door slid open and shut. Dezzy tilted her head before rearranging the gear in her arms. "I've known him for over 10 years... I've only seen him lose his temper once, and this could potentially make for a second time..."

The minutes ticked by as they waited, the yelling getting loud enough for everyone to hear outside of the door. Dezzy sighed impatiently, finding a cart that was typically used for mail and loading all her stuff in it. "This is ridiculous! They're starting a war, and for what? A little piece of land and some materia that we don't even need!" she grumbled and whined a bit, actually dressed very nicely for once. She fiddled with her dress pants that were obviously a size too big for her before looking at Kyrie. "Do you think they'd actually go for this? You know, actually starting another fight with Wutai when they have bigger issues on their hands?"

The sudden silence rang throughout the hallway as the arguments from the office came to a halt. Rufus emerged from the door, a single lock of hair hanging down his forehead in his eyes. He looked frustrated, but otherwise unruffled. "Damani, please come in and show your specifications on what they're asking for," he said calmly, but a storm brewed in his blue orbs. He looked at Faith and Kyrie. "You two may come in as well."

[ThePaleGhost]

The Fallen child sighed as she brushed some hair out of her face, wincing slightly at the sounds that were now taking place in the President's office... it sounded worse than that moment in the cafeteria, she knew that was only him on bad day - provoked, however now, she expected this from father and son. Leaning against the wall along with Faith, she eyed the technical blonde with a slightly irate expression, shaking her head at her words.

"What does it matter? They won't listen," she spoke in hushed tones so that those impossibly loyal dogs working for Shinra didn't overhear and snitch on them "Besides, we're the ones who have to fight it for them." She said that last part bitterly, nodding her head over at Faith who let out a disgruntled groan, the once proud Wutaiain warrior now reduced to a lapdog, though since the death of her father and sister, she swore to bring peace to both sides... A lot good that was doing so far. Her people disowned her on the day she joined SOLDIER in hopes for a better future for all.

"The Wutaiains aren't going to be happy about this... I get they can be pretty reckless, but they're peaceful at best, taking more of their land is only going to make the matter worse," said the 1st Class, shifting some of her hair from her eyes "at best, why can't the President make a treaty? Come to some sort of agreement?"

Kyrie just sighed, shaking her head as she knew the harsh reality. "Because he wants to branch out," she replied to her friend before suddenly turning her attention to the now opened door, a rather stressed Shinra son emerging. Seeing the look on his face sketched a concerned look on her pale face, Faith noticed this and already saw what was going on after the many years she had known her kid sister. Kyrie's first thought would be to rush to his side and make sure he was alright, though knowing she couldn't, she merely asked it through her face.

Looking over at Faith, then at Dezzy, then back at Rufus, she nodded as they all went into the President's quarters, though Kyrie's heart quaked with anxiety and before long, she was now stood there looking at the high and mighty 'ruler' who's gaze also bore into her own. Her mouth hung open for a short time, but closed as Faith made her first move.

"1st Class, Faith Nightscar, reporting," she said, giving Kyrie a light nudge as if she should've known what to do. Quickly, the eighteen year old spoke.

"2nd Class, Kyrie Fallen, reporting sir!" she forced out, though it burned for her to address him so formally and what came next only fed the fire within.

"Ahh, Fallen is it? I don't believe I requested the presence of a 2nd, however, this is quite the surprise, indeed," President Shinra began pompously, a smug grin forming as he stared the girl down "I knew your father, he worked for me here in this very office, serving as my personal guard, quite the 1st Class he was, a shame that he left our ranks." The bastard sat in his chair like a king on a throne, though at least a king had more honor and respect than his ass glued to a chair.

You mean you fired him!

She wanted to scream at him, the fire burning and crackling within, she knew he could do what he liked and there was nothing she could do - he owned SOLDIER.

He owned her.

[DezzyBee]

Dezzy however was owned by no one- while few outside of her little world had seen her powers, she knew damn well that even the President knew what she was capable of... especially in explosions of anger. She started setting up her equipment eagerly, the entire set up of three computers including her laptop and a projector was up and running in under three minutes. She waited while the President did his bit to Kyrie.

Rufus graced the older Shinra with a cool but steady look. "The topic of the girl being here is not the matter at hand, Father. I believe we have more pressing matters to discuss," his voice silky smooth with an underlying threat to it. He seemed completely unfussed once again and simply stood beside the desk as if he were waiting for something to happen. The other executives seemed to back away a few steps from the two blond men. "I think we should focus on our current situation instead of personal matters for the sake of the company."

Dezzy huffed. "Damn right we should."

"Damani!" an older scientist with thick glasses and greying but crazy messy hair scolded her. She glared back at him.

"We can't make your deadlines, President. It's not physically possible, even for me, but not especially if you draw half of my damn team away from me! It takes MONTHS if not YEARS to research something so big, but a huge ass cannon?" Her language was unrestricted as was her temper. She didn't have the self control that Rufus did, nor did she particularly want it. "We need a minimal of six months to get everything together for it and to run core tests to even make it run, and it takes at LEAST another year or two to even build something that big, much less to get it to run properly! And to top it off you want to mount it onto an airship? It can't be done! You'd have to-"

"So you're saying that this isn't possible?" another executive summed up.

"No, not without basically making a flying mako reactor, which in and of itself is a paradox..." Dezzy settled her gaze on Rufus. "It would take... a TEAM of geniuses to make it work right and to get it done in less than three months. But research hasn't even been done on how to make that much mako travel safely in an airship... much less to get it to power a damn cannon.

Rufus nodded and stared up at the bare-bones designs she had up on the wall, as well as a list and inventory of what she'd need. "I don't see why we even need this for. We have some of the strongest SOLDIER in this room right now, and the power of an angel on our side... This is... drastic just for a bit of land that we don't even need right now."

[ThePaleGhost]

Kyrie made sure to keep her gloved hands behind her back, the material squeaking softly as she balled her hands into tight fists, her knuckles turning white underneath the leather. She didn't know why, but being referred to as 'girl' by someone she had just had a moment with pissed her off though with subtle hints of hurt. What was she doing!? She couldn't think like this right now! This was work, inwardly she cursed herself, this was why she didn't get into relationships especially when two people worked for the same company.

But she knew he had to be like this, if his father knew he had a weak spot for one of the people working for him, he would surely use that against his son... It would destroy him. It was then Faith spoke.

"With all due respect, sir, these standards have been place quite high," she spoke sternly, avoiding the stares and whispers, Kyrie knew she was more than likely being judged for her heritage and it did put her friend on a difficult spot "At best, Wutai won't advance in their attacks due to their lack of technology, that would give us the time to set up defences - this can be done without bloodshed, it we strike, they will feel compelled to attack us and that will put us in a very difficult position. At best, I would say steer clear for now so they don't find any suspicions in our actions."

It sounded plausible, but again, she was in a difficult position, betray Shinra or her people? She couldn't do both or either one, there had to be a way around this... If they attacked now it could risk the entire operation.

"Permission to speak," Kyrie finally spoke up, a few surprised glances shot her way "In regards of the situation, focusing on land in which we do not yet need blinds us from our true goal," she spoke with determination, her chest forward and shoulders back as she allowed no one to stare her down or belittle her for her rank.

"Mr. President, you have a company to think of, the public's needs to serve for... As someone who lives among the people, I know they would not be happy with your decision, would you really risk a speck of land for something that could benefit the people of the planet? A mere stone for a diamond!" she let of a confident smirk and at that moment, he was sure he could see this girl's father within her eyes as they glinted with cunning though she was merely doing this to blind him from the plan happening behind his back, what worked better than to feed a man with power praise? It worked every time.

"A better option would be to share your idea, allow the people to know just how comfortable their lives would be and thus gain your funding for this project from them! Allow the people to help, think of the ratings, the perks..." a soft yet witty smile curved her lips as she emphasized her last words "...the money."

She stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, receiving some astonished looks from those in the room as she stood there proudly though inside she was plotting his downfall right there.

"Damani knows what she's talking about, in order to do this, sir... It would be a good option to take hers and others thoughts into consideration, though the credit shall be yours at the end of the day," she spoke sweetly, fluttering her lashes slightly as she so wanted to laugh in his face. Her gaze quickly shot over to Rufus as if to say...

I'm with you.

[DezzyBee]

Rufus glanced at her as she spoke, tilting his head curiously as he listened to her words. The fact that she could spin something to make it sound like a much better idea... it impressed him. Maybe choosing her to help with his plans was a good idea after all. He glanced at the fat bastard, waiting to see if he'd approve of the idea. Most people thought he understood his father's trains of thought, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. He slipped a look to Dezzy and she nodded. "Father, we need to focus on the people actually attacking our reactors. We know nothing about this group... How they get around, where they're getting their funding and weapons from... Wutai will still be there tomorrow, and the next day, and the next... We need to find out about this group..." He attempted to reinforce the point everyone else had been trying to make since that morning apparently.

Dezzy seemed to be bickering with the crazy-haired scientist from earlier, just a harsh exchange of whispered words no one else could hear and heated looks of anger. Finally the scientist spoke up. "Sir, if I might add, the cost of retrieving the materials needed to perform this would outweigh the budget you give to the Weapons Department annually... The girl's idea is solid, and could gain more funding for this... It would benefit the speed of research greatly..." he glared back at Dezzy and she growled at him.

[ThePaleGhost]

Whilst the President spent his time re-thinking his entire plan, Kyrie stood there glancing over at Faith who gave her an approving nod then over at Rufus, who seemed pleased though her sudden glance seemed to send a small shock down her spine to the point where she had to look away. Even now, she couldn't stop thinking about that kiss... Could it have been a moment of weakness? Or was there really something there?

Her thoughts were interrupted, however, when the President began to speak. "Very well, all original plans shall be hold off... for now, we shall go ahead with my brilliant idea," he said haughtily through his mustache, which only made Kyrie cringe, he was already mooching off the ideas of others - his brainless followers seemed to clap with approval "like father, like daughter, Miss Fallen."

Those last words caused the young SOLDIER to snap out it as she looked down at him, a challenging look on his face, there was something about those words that made her feel as if it were a insult and a compliment, before she had time to say anything though, he had dismissed them as well as a few others, Dezzy and Rufus seemed to need to stay behind though.

Once outside, Kyrie felt herself trembling with rage. "Why that good for nothing! Did you see him!? The way he spoke about my--" she couldn't even finish her sentence because she was so angry, Faith gave her a sympathetic look, though that was the last thing she needed.

"It's done now, alright? Plan's worked and we won't have to be fightin' any time soon," she said, placing a hand on her shoulder, Kyrie just looked at her before running a hand through her hair in a stressful manner.

"Here's hoping it goes well now, I swear this position is more trouble than what it's worth," the young woman groaned, leaning with her back against the wall, trying to make sense of everything. Faith let off a small smile, standing with her as she chuckled, there had been something she had been meaning to say to her ever since the two of them got here.

"Maybe so, kid... Though I doubt you'd wanna quit now," she chuckled, smirking suggestively, Kyrie knew that look.

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, if you quit now, I know a certain someone who would be very upset..."

"Genesis doesn't count."

"No, not Genesis."

"Pft, yeah, I can imagine Reno being just devestated," she responded sarcastically.

"No, not him either, I think you know exactly who I'm talking about."

Kyrie raised her brow, looking at her friend suspicously - a sudden uncomfortable feeling came over her as she shifted. "What the hell are you on about?" she said warily.

"Don't think I didn't see your sneaky glances towards the Pres's son! You've got a thing going on, ain'tcha! I could see it in both of ya!" the elder one grinned smugly, her arms crossed over her chest at her friend's now pink cheeks. She was met with a small slap across the face which she only laughed at "Ah, so it's true."

Kyrie, on the other hand, just stood there embarrassed, gritting her teeth in annoyance. "Say anything and I'll convince the President to bomb your home!" she glared, visibly flustered.

[DezzyBee]

Rufus sighed as everyone was dismissed, looking at the old man with a bit of irritation. "I don't see why I'm required to stay behind, if this is the plan then I can go about my business right?" he grumbled, wanting VERY badly to follow after Kyrie and talk to her... more importantly he wanted to kiss her again. He had spent the last five minutes trying to calm his slowly rising feelings, trying to ignore that he wanted her so badly.

A few of the others seemed to linger as if they wanted to hear how this conversation was going to go, but a quick glare from both blond men caused them to scatter. Dezzy was packing up just as she was being told to stay behind. "But I have WORK to do" she exclaimed in frustration. "Do you know how well my department runs without me? It DOESN'T!"

[ThePaleGhost]

With his hands together, fingers intertwined as his chin rested upon them, the President thought long and hard. It was then an idea struck him! Rising from his chair with slight effort, he placed his hands behind his back which only made his rotund stomach all the more pushed out. "With an attitude like that, my son, you'll never take over this company," he spoke with authority, giving his son a stern look before walking over to the large window which gave him the perfect view of his city.

"Now, you know I am a fair man when it comes to these situations of sort, but you are my son and everything I do for you has been for your own benefit," he began, though it was clear this wasn't going to end well, he hadn't started this company for being an idiot, his gaze then followed over to Damani "for the many years you have worked here, I have seen you as a daughter and as of such it is of my best interests to decide things for you."

The look he was giving them was one of I know what's going on, he had eyes, he had people to be his eyes for him! He stared them both down as they were most likely expecting him to foil their entire plan, but that wasn't it.

"A hardened heart is what makes this prestige company strong," he bellowed proudly though almost as if he was scolding the two...

Meanwhile, Kyrie and Faith both jolted with alarm at the sudden raised voice, the place had already cleared out with the exception of Reno and Rude who had stayed behind to guard the President. Curiously, both Reno and Kyrie looked over at the door, listening hard to what was now going on as both Damani and Rufus were still in there. It was then they heard a smack which sent anxiety through their hearts, Kyrie stood there staring at the door in disbelief.

Back in the office, the President had already laid his hands on his son, previously giving him a swift smack across his head though not too hard but enough to make him flinch. "You shame me, you both shame me!" he roared, his periwinkle blue eyes as cold as ice "I am thoroughly disappointed."

Shifting his mustache as he breathed a gust of air from his nose as if to clear his nasal passage, he stood there staring them down like a lion towards prey. "This foolishness will stop now! No son of mine shall have any distractions during this time! And you, Damani, you will be worked ragged for the next three months without breaks and without visiting the outside! This behavior which you have both shown me has earned you both a house arrest each, and Damani, I am demoting you in the department!" his voice was that of an angry father, one which struck fear in the hearts of children - one's which cowered in the corner as their father's beat them.

With a sneer, he glared at the two younger ones. "The Turks will be sent away on an important mission in Junon; Gun, Shotgun, Katana, Crisis, Legend, and Reno will be sent off as soon as possible!" he smirked sternly before shooting a look at his son "that 2nd Class, Kyrie Fallen, I have use for her! She, along with others, will be sent for a training course in Nibelheim for five months! We shall have all our SOLDIER in tip-top shape and prepared for the upcoming war! Until then, neither of you will have any contact with each other and you will do as you're told!"

Kyrie nearly choked on as those words were spoken, Reno also winced, they'd be sent away!? For that long!? Faith placed a hand on her kid sister's shoulder, seeing how visibly upset she was whilst Reno let of a loud side as he walked around the room as if he couldn't believe it. He'd be away from his partner, he went everywhere with Rude! And to not see Dezzy for so long? He dreaded what could happen to him out there! Before he even had time to say anything, their elder Tseng, walked in and nodded to Reno who already knew what was coming... Didn't he even have a chance to say goodbye to Dezzy? He looked over at Kyrie, as if requesting something before sighing as he went off with his fellow Turks whilst Tseng and Rude stayed behind.

From the office, the two Turks heard their boss request for them and soon composed themselves before approaching the doors open and stepping inside, Kyrie was able to catch a small glimpse of Rufus before the doors once again slammed shut.

The President pointed over at Dezzy, instructing Rude. "Take her to her quarters and be sure she stays there!" he commanded, clearly in no mood for games as the bald Turk nodded before helping the young blonde with her things and escorting her out, knowing just how much his red headed friend cared for her; he was sure to not make matters worse.

He then turned to his son, his cold glare shooting right through him. "You're a disgrace," he sneered before instructing Tseng to escort his son to his room giving him no interaction with those on the outside and no access to SOLDIER quarters. He then took his place back in his chair, a smug grin on his face as if his very own game of chess had been won.

Kyrie jumped slightly as the doors sprung open and out stepped Rude escorting Damani, she looked at her as if trying to understand what had just happened... things were going well! Why was this happening!? It was then her next sight caused her heart to sink as next Rufus followed. Just as she was about to go over to him, she felt a hand pull her back - looking back at Faith, she questioned. "Don't, kid..." she sighed sadly, pulling the girl back and instructing her to keep it together "don't let him win this, it's what he wants... to see you all broken."

Kyrie just stood there, now unsure what to do.

[DezzyBee]

Rufus flinched as his father raised his voice, mentally prepared for the coming blow, but still reacting badly to it. He gave a growl of stubbornness but listened to his father's words, slipping staring at him as if he were an idea. Nothing the man did was for his son's benefit. He did whatever he damn well pleased no matter who it hurt. He gritted his teeth, half ready to knock the bastard out as he announced their house arrest.

Damani's eye's widened at the mention of her demotion. "You FOOL! Who the hell are you going to find to replace ME?! You can't just demote one of your BEST and BRIGHTEST. You'll lose progress!" she snarled as Rude came to grab her. She looked at Rufus desperately, but he seemed to be to busy seething. "YOU'LL NEVER WIN THIS, SHINRA!"

She GROWLED angrily as she was lead out like a scolded child, taking deep breaths to keep her temper down enough to NOT break anything. The small part of her brain that wasn't livid worried on the fact that Reno was now in harm's way, and that soon Kyrie would be as well, if Rufus kept up his shenangins. While she knew that there were eyes trailing them, she hadn't been aware of how well they were actually watching her. This was something they had potentially planned for though, so she knew how to get around this yet... She wasn't really sure where to go from here. Losing her status as head of the weapons department really fucked her over. Who knew what they'd do to her computers... or who would be replacing her... There weren't many candidates they could have chosen from...

Rufus stared coldly at his father and looked at Tseng for a moment. "You disgraced yourself long ago, old man. Nothing I can do can make you any more fucked up than you are," he said softly before shaking his head. "I still can't see what she ever loved about you... I guess I never will."

The blond young man left without another word, glancing at Kyrie as he dropped something on the floor- what looked like a piece of paper as Tseng lead him to the elevator. There was nothing to say except what was written on the note that hopefully she would only see: "Balcony. Tonight. Just us."

[ThePaleGhost]

Kyrie looked on with a heavy heart as the scene unfolded before her, she noticed the mark on Rufus's face and couldn't help but burn with rage. How DARE he lay his greasy money grabbing hands on him!! As he walked by and glanced at her, she felt time had gone slow at that moment as she looked at him sorrowfully, wanting to just reach out and help him...

Her eyes then fell upon the white scrap of paper which he had dropped on the floor, she knew in a instant that it was for her and quickly placed her foot over it so no one could see. She stood there for a while, watching as everyone left and assured Faith that she would be alright and to go get some sleep...

The bald Turk, on the other hand, was helping Damani with her stuff and kept quiet throughout her rants and angry outbursts as he led her to her quarters, once inside he ended up setting her things on a desk before looking at her through his shades - as a Turk he wasn't one to be emotional about such situations, however, Reno was his best friend, his brother, and Damani was someone who he deeply cared for. He placed a gloved hand on her shoulder before speaking. "I'm sorry it has come to this," he began in his deep informative voice, knowing only a Turk was able to contact one of its peers "I will inform you of Reno's progress whilst he's away, he'll be fine."

Never saying more than a few words, Rude then stood to attention and nodded before leaving the young woman to her business.

-----

Later that evening, approximately an hour after the drama had began, Kyrie found herself once more outside the doors of Rufus's room/office, now clad in full SOLDIER uniform with a large rucksack dangling from its straps in her hand - fully packed and prepared. She remembered the key card which he gave her before and slid it into the slot, there was a bleep and the doors soon opened before she stepped inside.

With a heavy heart, she looked about the room, still concerned for the blonde VP ever since his father had yelled at and hit him. Dropping her bag, she found him where he said he'd be - on the balcony, and soon made her way to his side, a sigh escaping her.

"I don't have much time..." she spoke sadly, holding her arm as she looked away from him for a while before finally picking up the courage to face him, she didn't know why... but she felt guilty and so far he hadn't said anything to her. With a shaky hand, she went to reach out to touch his face...

"R-Rufus...?"

[DezzyBee]

Dezzy raged the entire way to her room, pushing right past people, little sparks of lightning coming off of her every time she growled or let out another frustrated noise. She cursed every word in the book and snarled at a few passersby who tried to great her. When she got to her room though... she broke. She had spent the better half of the last two years getting to the point she was at, and for him to just TAKE IT ALL AWAY? She couldn't bare it. Already she could see that her room had been raided... she was glad she kept nothing important on those computers they had taken out... anything they would find would be some very awkward porn and a bunch of music files... nothing more incriminating than that. She looked at the tall bald man as he tried to give her sympathetic words, but they were lost on her. She still didn't understand the theory of sympathy at all, so for her they were just empty. "Reno'll be fine. He's the strongest person I know," she muttered, trying to sound unconcerned about her red headed friend. Tears of frustration over the entire situation ran down her face. "Besides he's like a frickin' cat, and cats have nine lives don't they? So what if he's only got like... 6 left... he'll make it through!"

Rufus on the other hand was quiet on the walk to his room, before being left alone to do his thinking. Once Tseng had left with a simple few words of "I'll check on you in a couple of hours," Rufus finally exploded. He grabbed the nearest vase and tossed it at the wall, not bothering to watch it shatter as he quickly tore up the room in his anger and pain. It was more than just Kyrie being sent away, or his father putting him and Dezzy on house arrest. There was more to it than what the other had heard at that meaning. The way he treated people...

"Oh there you are, son. Finally returned from seeing your whore of a mother did you? I don't understand why you go to that blasted grave. She's been dead for years now," his father had said for the few that were in there already to hear. "Perhaps you should reconsider where you spend your time and and who you spend it with.

Just thinking the words over enraged him and he let out an angry cry as he tipped over the coffee table, watching the contents of the meal they had earlier scatter over the rest of the floor.

"You would do well to find better company, son. It's disgraceful for you to even consider breeding with someone so low class," The elder Shinra had whispered with a sly grin. So he knew? What did that matter, it wasn't his choice anyways. "Just remember, affection is a weakness, and she'll just use you for your money and power in the end."

Rufus cried out as he PUNCHED the full-length decorative mirror that sat on the wall close to the kitchen. He didn't even feel the pain as the glass shattered and his hand began to bleed. He continued to tear the room apart until he could no longer feel the sting of his father's hand or taste the bitterness in his father's words.

An hour came and went fast when you were angry... he didn't expect her to come, honestly, or more accurately he expected there to be guards at his door so she couldn't come. He didn't look at her at first, doing his best to hide his bleeding hand in his sleeve. It was still pouring out, mirroring the pain in his heart.

The touch to his face made him wince a bit, just from the sheer shock of physical contact from her. He turned his head and looked down at her. "I know. I know..." he reached his good hand up to stroke her hair before pulling him physically close to her. He pressed his lips against hers. "Stay safe. Write me when possible. I'll be fine. I've endured much worse than house arrest, to be honest..."

[ThePaleGhost]

As the Turks assigned all stood at attention upon the helipad, Reno couldn't help but think of how the situation had been turned to shit so soon, he felt bad... He didn't know why, but he just did, like he was responsible or something. He had nothing to keep him going, didn't have the company of Rude or a means to let Damani know he was safe every day... He only hoped Rude would keep him posted whilst he was away. Feeling a slight sickly lump rise in his throat, he watched as their better walking along the runway and towards them, instructing them on their mission though Reno was hardly listening as he was too focused worrying about Damani... He let out a silent sigh.

"Please be alright, angel..." he thought, even his thought voice sounded concerned. It was then they were all given their orders and Reno was soon ushered into the helicopter - flying away and never to be seen for the next three months or so.

~ ~ ~

Seeing the state of the room hadn't phased her when she walked in, though now standing there seeing the state of him... It near tore her apart, she had never seen him in such a way and in all honesty, she never wanted to ever again! She looked at him sorrowfully, though she couldn't hide the anger in her heart. "Th-that bastard," she choked, balling her fist tightly, though as soon as she saw the blood from his hand she had felt her heart jolt slightly in panic, quickly grabbing it as she used a Cure spell on his to heal him... though she knew it wouldn't heal his bleeding heart.

"How could you let him do this to you..." she sighed somewhat in a shudder as she placed her hand on the good side of his face, tenderly kissing the sore spot before holding the man close to her, she figured the best thing to do for him right there and then was to just be there for him, to comfort him... Even if she was going away to fight and was practically terrified, she felt he came first in this situation, fuck what she was going through.

Looking up at him, she nodded instantly. "Of course, every day, I promise," she said quietly, pulling the man as close as she possibly could, resting her forehead on his chest to hear the palpitations of his heart. Then, without much warning, she reached up and placed her hand on the back of his neck as she kissed him tenderly, prolonging the kiss as she tried to make the most of the moment.

[DezzyBee]

Rufus sighed softly and struggled to reply after watching her cure his hand. He held her close and kissed her gently, running his fingers through her hair. "I wish you didn't have to leave... this is my fault, I wasn't careful enough... things will get better though, you'll see," he murmured and kissed her cheeks and her forehead. "You should go now, before they find you here and do even worse to both of us..."

For a moment he considered telling her that his father already knew about their contact earlier, but he feared it would just worry her more, and that wasn't what she needed. "Don't worry about me. Dezzy has her ways... She'll... she'll figure this all out and set it right before long, and if not she can hack any computer or security system in this place," he winked at her and kissed her again. "Stay safe, beautiful one."