Goodwitch08: This is my first FFVII fanfiction and the first story I've done entirely in first person point of view. Anyway, before you read the story, I just wanted to explain a few things. As I write, I'll try to keep true to the situations that take place during the game (and thereafter) which is half of the reason that Elena is infatuated with Tseng even though this is a Rufena story. I don't believe in changing that completely just to suit the story. IN fact, it's working quite well in my favor for the complicate-ness (not even a word!) it can cause. With that said, I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoy writing it!

Flux

Chapter 1

One of those Bad Days

Convincing Reno and Rude that my feelings about my first performance last week are important and worth talking about at midnight over beers in one of the many bars that dot Midgar's upper plate is hard. Between Rude's disinterest sighs and Reno's cussing and ignoring me, my faith would have wavered by by now but this gross brown crap known as alcohol is starting to make me believe I'm invincible, and that this stuff actually tastes good. Which it doesn't.

"Are you two even listening to me?" I looked into the reflection of Rude's sunglasses. "Rude." He didn't look away but he didn't answer me either, Rude merely took another swig of his drink. I'm going to take this as an invitation to get an answer out of him. "You were there with me at the Mythril Mines when we ran into Ava--or um--Cloud and Co as Reno fondly calls them...do you think I did well? I know I accidentally revealed too much and the commander got all annoyed and told me I talk too much--"

"That's because you do." Reno cut me off so fast I felt like I'd been slapped. he downed his tenth glass, glanced around the bar, and then met my gaze. "Chill the fuck out yo."

"That's your philosophy?" I glanced at the ever so quiet Rude for support. He simply turned away, telling me I was on my own. "Chill out?"

A cigarette emerged from under the table, and met Reno's lips. Complaining about the unpleasantness of smoke mingling with the smell of beer crossed my mind but I held back.

"Yep." his eyes formed content slits, a stream of smoke escaped his mouth with each word. "Chill out, it ain't worth freakin out over, right big guy?" he gave Rude a sharp nudge.

"Maybe." was his only answer.

I frowned and pushed my second glass around the table. I nibbled my bottom lip quietly for a moment. "Yes it is guys. You two have been here longer. Tseng was disappointed in me... I can still remember that look he gave me, and I haven't been on assignment since. Who's to say I didn't fail? I can't chill 'the fuck' out Reno." I grabbed my glass and forced the entire thing down. I don't want them to ignore me, I want them to shower me with their wisdom. Or something. All I got was a scoff from Reno before he puffed again like a dragon.

"Elena, you didn't do much wrong."

Whoa did Rude just talk a lot in one sentence? Sure enough, he adjusted his sunglasses. It's great to have him finally talking to me tonight.

"I told Cloud and Co that we were following Sephiroth and trying to find the Promised Land. I told quite a bit. The worst part was having it overheard by the President when Tseng was scolding me in the hall..."

I can still remember seeing him watching us. If there is someone else at ShinRa that intimidates me it's Rufus Shinra. His presence had made me so tense even though he was completely silent until Tseng finished talking to me. I rarely see President Rufus, since he hardly leaves his office and I'm not important enough to talk to him it shouldn't really matter.

"Who Rufus?" Reno arched a red eyebrow. "He's cool."

"He's our boss--" can't he see how unprofessional it is to call his boss by his first name? For shame.

"So? Anyway, look Laney, stop whining about it. Let's toast to you joining us, sista."

A smile tugged at my lips, Reno and Rude raised their half-empty glasses.

I’d gotten home late and woke up with nothing short of a hangover. Not the best first impression, I know, but that’s what happened. There was nothing normal about it, but it is to be expected when my two friends are guys that like to drink as a relaxation technique. The bad thing about that is drinking isn’t something I do gracefully. Actually, I don’t do anything gracefully, but that’s not the point. The point is that I’m a lightweight. I can’t really stomach more than two glasses. That doesn’t really matter when someone is goading you on to drink and offering to pay. Reno can be persuasive and freebies are never something to turn down.

I woke up in my bed face down, fully dressed in my wrinkled Turk suit minus my boots and my last clean tie. I was currently standing at the arch that led into my living room. Immaculate, though it may not be, I wasn’t junky either. It was constructed chaos. I think that anyone’s mental state and personality can be determined by how they live, and I have decided that I am not exactly stable but I’m not crazy either. Everything was exactly where I put it. Except for my tie. I could remember myself coming through the front door with Rude, my calmer colleague, supporting me and saying bye to them. Then I’d gotten frustrated at how tight my tie was in my drunken discomfort, so I tore it off and threw it somewhere.

Somewhere being the key word. I have no idea where it could be. The idea of crawling on the floor comes into my mind, and I drop to my knees and crawl across the thick dark blue carpet, searching beneath my furniture.

“Oooh...I know it has to be here somewhere.” I bite my lip and sit back with my legs tucked under me. “Definitely, I mean I remember...throwing it.” My eyes scanned the room, hoping for a glimpse of black.

I really needed to find my tie. It was necessary. For my uniform. I prided myself on looking totally professional. Being a new Turk, I have to impress everyone in every way. Especially Tseng, but...that’s another story for another day. I wonder what he would think if I showed up with no tie. Probably wouldn’t notice or care, but still. I know while showing up half dressed with untucked shirts was acceptable for more prominent fixtures in the elite force (actually I doubt Reno’s appearance is acceptable but they don’t seem to complain) for me it isn’t. Not to mention, it just isn’t my style. That’s why I’m on the floor right now, crawling around like a blind centipede.

At some point, I know I will have to make the choice between being late or tieless. I mean, the day couldn’t get any worse and I know that a missing article of clothing isn’t the end of the world. Kinda. Actually...I don’t think my logic works that way.

As soon as the thought crossed my mind a raw smell filled my nose. “Damn it, spoke too soon!” I sighed, standing up quickly.

I barely made it down the hall before a loud shrill noise met my ears, indicating my fire alarm’s first orgasm of the month.

“Shut up!” I screamed at no one in particular while heading into my kitchen. It wasn’t the first time that the fire alarm had annoyed me but at least this time it was only doing it when it was supposed to be. In the past I’d shut it up by lodging a bullet into it. I decided to avoid that in the future after the fines started getting expensive.

The first thing that registered wasn’t the thick cloud of smoke that grew from my pitiful burned breakfast like a mushroom cloud, but the severe burning in my throat and nose. Eyeing the breakfast wearily I made my first mental note of the day:

Don’t multi-task. Doesn’t work for you. Only leads to disasters.

I cut the fire off while fanning away fumes with a pot holder (with little Chocobos on it!) and coughing. My breakfast couldn’t be salvaged. I threw it away and decided on coffee. Coffee’s good. Coffee can’t burn. Technically. I closed my eyes for a moment and opened them quickly after.

I reached for the coffee in an upper cabinet and pulled it down. As soon as I did it I realized my mistake: the lid wasn’t tightly shut. I winced as coffee beans rained down upon me, hitting the faux wood linoleum like shotgun shells, each one making a pounding noise against my skull. Pow. Pow. Pow.

No...not the coffee...please...not the coffee. I needed coffee. Every single bean was lying on the floor suffering from my own stupidity. I was desperate and I really needed something to get me going today. Chewing my bottom lip I looked hard at the beans deciding on my next move. The beans looked up at me expectantly. I gazed back at their caffeine- enhanced goodness. I could just pick them up, besides no one was around and my floor was pretty clean. I’d just have to pick up another can of coffee when I had free time.

Bending down I scooped up a logical amount of beans and put them in the coffee maker, adding necessary things to it and I pushed the start button with a satisfying beep. At least something was acting how it should today. Leaving the coffee to prepare itself, I scampered into my room to finish getting dressed.

Going to work without a tie was one thing, but going to work in nothing but my bra and black pants would be worse. Or...probably not. I guess it depends on who was looking.

I pushed the door open and entered my room. Quickly, I put my shirt on and buttoned it up as carefully as possible; I didn’t have time for missing button holes. The shirt was shoved into my pants and the pants were zipped and buttoned. Almost ready, the thought floated through my mind.

“Almost ready, but not quite.” I bit my lip and grabbed my suit jacket, putting that on too. My uniform was almost complete except for my boots and tie.

My eyes fell on my boots sitting near my mirror; A grateful sigh escaped my lips. At least my boots weren’t hiding from me as well. I don’t think arriving at the ShinRa building barefoot would be too much of a good impression either. My mother always told me that impressions didn’t stop at the first impression, though that was the one that lingered for such a damnable time. That first impression would change but it would never go away. I never usually prided myself on contradicting her theories or changing them around just to make excuses for myself, but this was one theory that proved true time and time again. In fact, it wasn’t even a theory it was more of an unwritten fact.

My hair was another thing that I usually ended up wasting more time than anyone should on. It was chopped into a style I’d like to call edgy and I always tucked one side behind my ear. When it was first cut it was sleek and sophisticated, it was a long away from my long blond schoolgirl tresses, but now it could sometimes get quite temperamental. The reason I'd gotten it cut in the first place was to appear more capable and mature because in the beginning there is nothing like being not only a newbie but a female among seasoned men and a boss that acted like you didn’t exist. So I cut it. Wasn’t it bad enough I was blonde (such cruel stereotypes), let’s not make it obvious I have a vagina and breasts too shall we?

I ran the comb through my hair and then my brush, expecting strands to start popping up, but to my surprise they didn’t. I was torn between taking the time to thank the ancients or just continue on with my botched routine and get to work on time.

My thoughts were halted by the best sound in the world: the coffee maker beeping, telling me it was finished. With a lingering glance at my hair, I put the brush down and slipped into my boots before heading back down the hall for the kitchen. The aroma was unmistakable and very pleasing, just the smell of it made me almost forget the throbbing in my head. I poured myself a cup and settled down at my table. I closed my eyes and breathed in the warm smell of coffee again.

For a moment I thought that maybe just maybe this day would be normal—as normal as it can be at ShinRa—and not at all bad or unfortunate. Though, my mother also used to say that if a day started off bad then it was bound to end up good. That the powers that be never gave a person more than they couldn’t handle. I like to think that she was a bit wrong. So far I have stuck true to my own version of her words: If the day starts off bad it’s going to get worse. Maybe I just like arguing with my mother’s words of wisdom. I’m not a cynical person, nor am I a pessimist. I’m just speaking from experience here. Well...as much as experience as someone my age could possibly have.

“Maybe this day will be a good day….” I glanced out of my window. The sun could be seen more than usual through the thick grey clouds that usually hovered over the city. Maybe that was a good thing. Maybe it was an omen. “Hmm….” I picked up my glass; my eyes still focused on the scene outside of my window, and put it to my lips.

“Damn it! Today is not going to be any better than it usually is...” I dropped the cup; my tongue was throbbing and felt like it was on fire. Good job at scalding your own tongue, Elena.

The worst part wasn’t that my tongue was probably going to be scarred for a few days; the worst part was that my white shirt was now brown. I stared at the stain against my otherwise pristine top. I refrained from biting my sore tongue and began unbuttoning my shirt quickly, making my way to my bedroom once again.

I drug myself into my room once again, casting a glare at my unmade bed, and ripped open the closet. I pulled an extra white blouse off of a hanger, shoving dozens of other outfits aside, and there it was: my tie.

A quote from my mother about irony popped into my head, but I pushed it away. I grabbed it off the hanger and snatched a new shirt off of a different hanger and ran out of my room. I had less than two minutes to be at work. I would have to change my shirt in my office. The last thing I wanted was to believe that this day would be getting any better. It was definitely getting worse.

I was thirty minutes late. Okay, no I wasn’t. I was more like fifteen minutes late but what was the difference? Late was late, and for someone like me that wasn’t something that I wanted noticed. Luckily for me, no one seemed to notice—or care—that I’d entered the building. I strolled through the front entrance, pausing to sign in, and headed quickly for my office. When I reached it, I shut the door quickly and stripped. That’s something I never thought I’d be doing here at ShinRa Corporation. I never would have thought that I’d be removing articles of my clothing. But this time was necessary.

I threw the ruined white shirt onto my chair and quickly put the other one on, breathing a sigh of relief that I’d been holding in since I got in my car. A few seconds later I regretted that sigh. Adding to my proven theory and my mother’s, if the day starts off horrible it is going to get much much worse before it even begins to get better. I hadn’t even buttoned my shirt to the halfway point before that came true.

My door swung open, my arms flew around my exposed bra. The last thing I wanted anyone to know was that I was half naked in my office. No, actually, the last thing I wanted anyone to know was that I wore sexy underwear to work, this time it was a particularly lacy black bra that showed enough hints at skin beneath to arouse the imagination.

My face burned with embarrassment whfen my eyes met those mischievous blue eyes. I looked away, but could still feel his gaze going slowly over me. Lewd little...

“Reno...really...stop looking...”I said without hardly moving my lips and getting over my embarrassment enough to quickly button up the rest of my shirt.

“Free show, huh?” a smug smile played on his face. Reno was tall, slender, and had wild red hair and eyes that struck me as strange because sometimes when the light hit them they seemed more green than blue. Reno was also above me in rank, being that he’s been a Turk much longer than me and he’s really good at what he does (though from looking at him no one would believe it.). But more importantly, job stats aside, he was known to enjoy being a pain in other people’s ass. Today he seemed to have chosen my ass to cause discomfort to.

“Just…leave please?” I rolled my eyes to the ceiling while shrugging my suit jacket back on.

“Why?” he didn’t give me time to answer. “You know...you could use those ladies to get on Tseng’s good side.”

My cheeks grew hot again. I hated for him to know that he’d pinpointed my crush so easily. Was I that obvious? What did he know about Tseng’s good side? I don’t know why I feel like I’m a school girl again when I see our leader. Maybe it’s his deep chocolate brown eyes and long raven hair. Maybe it’s the sound of his voice. Maybe I’m just a pervert that can’t focus on her work because she has deluded dreams of desiring people she can’t have. I only intended to admire Tseng from afar. I didn’t want to know how he’d react if he knew about my silly feelings toward him. Unfortunately, Reno had already figured me out. How sad.

Of course, I’m going to deny and avoid the point and accusations. If I never admit it, it’ll only be under speculation.

“What do you want Reno?” I tried to give him my best glare while adjusting my stupid tie.

“You're late for a meeting; we are in the conference room...” Reno checked his watch and ran a hand through that mess he calls hair. He was the only person I knew that could successfully pull something like that off.

“I am?!” my heart seemed to skip a beat in my chest. Yes, this day was definitely getting worse wasn’t it! I couldn’t be late for a conference. That would make me look terrible. I was trying to prove enough without having to answer for tardiness. What would that look like? What would Tseng think?

I was just about to freak out when I noticed the slight smile twitching on Reno’s lips. I instantly felt a little stupid for believing him.

“I’m not exactly lying though.” He put his hands up in defense. He must could see the look on my face. “It’s about to start in about five minutes.”

“Well let’s go then.” I shot him a look, waiting for him to lead the way.

I followed him out of the room, wondering if he could impale baby mammals with the back of his head. I could just see a little kitten getting thrown into the evil mass of red that is Reno's hair…

Anyone that has seen me during a tactical meeting, board meeting, or conference could probably argue quite confidently that I was usually the most attentive and the most vocal when we were asked for input. I did this to mainly keep a good grasp on the current situation, what assignments (I jump at the chance and usually am turned down) were pending, and to make Tseng realize how good I am (yes I am tooting my own horn..what horn? I don’t think I have a horn) and to make others realize “The Rookie” is something to be reckoned with. I usually am always attentive, always volunteering to take notes, and sometimes I finish Tseng’s sentences for him when he trailed off. Today, no matter how hard I tried, I wasn’t capable of doing any of that.

Tseng was talking but I wasn’t even paying attention to anything he was saying. If he knew this he’d be annoyed. If he knew what I was thinking he’d probably be flattered. Or at least disturbed. I can accept disturbed. I usually pride myself on ignoring my crush and normally went into ‘professional mode’ during meetings. Today that was turning out to be impossible. Every time he looked in my direction I blushed and fiddled with things. He didn’t seem to take any notice, as usual, but continued on, talking with the others. I tried to rationalize that my unsavory dream about him was part of the problem. It was the first one I ever had about him and I was feeling a little guilty and like I’d violated him without him knowing. Sorta like my own subconscious traveled a life stream of sorts and found his and then promptly raped it like nobody’s business.

Just the thought of what I’d dreamt made the heat beneath my skin increase. I stared at the conference room table for a long time before something he said finally registered:

“Alright, you’re dismissed. Reno, Rude, Elena—you’ll be expected back in a few hours.”

I stared blankly at the glass ShinRa logo on the wall. The red shape blurred into my vision like a glob of blood while I listened to my colleagues stand. Something hit me on the head. Looking up, I realized Reno was looking down at me.

“You’re so sprung.” He whispered ‘discreetly’ before joining Rude on their way out.

No...I’m not. I wanted to protest but I knew it was a lie.

Instead I quickly rose; I didn’t want to be left alone in this room with Tseng right now. One vivid detail of my dream was that the encounter happened on a long table, similar to this one. How uncouth.

“Elena.”

I stopped in my tracks and tried to appear neutral before turning around to face him. He was picking up a stack of files off the table; his hair fell around him and into his face like a sexy blanket. Shut up Elena.

“Sir?” I clasped my hands together, and unconsciously nibbled my bottom lip.

“Are you okay?” he pushed his hair from his face, adjusted the files.

Of course I’m okay sir, I wanted to say, I just have a crippling crush on you that you seem totally oblivious to, as well as the fact that I keep staring at you more often than anyone should. Oh yeah, and I’m a little uncomfortable right now because I had a weird sexual (desksex!) dream about you just last night. And while logically speaking, it could just be the result of the alcohol I consumed but it could also be a product of my contained feelings. Or something like that.

Instead, I simply nodded. “Yes, sir. Why?” it was nice of him to be concerned. Though he was very serious, he was also polite (I’m assuming a trait he was raised with) to a degree—though he could get irritated fast—and did sometimes take notice when his Turks were acting strangely.

Except for Reno. Strange on Reno is normal. Normal doesn’t exist.

“Hmm, are you sure?” he didn’t wait for me to answer, he swept from the room.

I followed. “Yes, sir. So...what are we doing today?”

We walked abreast down a mildly busy corridor. I kept my eyes focused on other things but him.

“We aren’t doing anything.”

“What do you mean?” I imagined that he wasn’t going to be accompanying us on our next assignment at least; I hope that’s what it meant. If he was going to stick me in my office with paperwork again that would only be yet another reason to hate today. “We aren’t going on assignment? What about following-“

“What I mean is you’re not coming along.” Tseng stated simply.

Crap!

“Why sir?” I’m not sick or anything. I just have a bit of a headache…” I wanted to continue protesting but I knew it’d just make me sound like the rookie I am.

‘It’s not that, Elena.” He handed me the stack of files. “It’s just that it’s not necessary to send you. It’s just ‘field research’ among other things.” He sounded slightly exasperated.

“But sir-“

“Elena. Part of being a Turk—or doing any job—is doing what is asked of you no matter how small you think the task may be.”

I nodded begrudgingly. I would complain more but it was pointless and I could hear the irritation creeping into his tone. He was too polite to be outright rude sometimes (sometimes, because it has happened before) but I knew he wanted me to shut up. At least about the subject.

I hugged the files to my chest as we continued our path, accepting my fate to be confined to my office for at least three hours.

We turned a corner and two things happened: a light bulb turned on in my head and someone emerged from an elevator. As soon as the someone spotted us—Tseng at least—and got Tseng’s attention, the light bulb exploded and my mind was left in darkness.

“Tseng, I was looking for you.”

The someone was none other than The President of ShinRa, himself. Rufus Shinra. He’s young, cold, arrogant, and obviously good looking. I didn’t say anything to him as they began talking. I rarely was near him to talk to him anyway, but he generally ignored my presence regardless. I tried not to take offence to this because it’s not like he’s obligated to say hello to me or even acknowledge my existence. He didn’t have any official business reason to talk to me, I reasoned, so why should he say anything?

I felt myself blend in with the wall nearby while I watched them talk about something. Even though Rufus Shinra wasn’t even looking my way didn’t mean I couldn’t observe him. With cold blue eyes, golden blond hair that hung perfectly (literally) in his face, and immaculate white suits that was set off with black beneath, he was clearly handsome.

Not that I want him or anything. I have enough problems breaking my own rules like “Keep it friendly”, “Look. Don’t touch.”, and “Just because your superiors are hot doesn’t mean you’re allowed to like them”. I just content myself with admiring from afar.

Quickly feeling awkward just standing there with nothing to do but be ignored, I decided to leave. They wouldn’t even notice that I was gone.

With that thought in my head, I took a step forward. At that exact moment Rufus Shinra’s eyes met mine. The next second every single file slipped from my grasp, scattered, and floated to the ground in a spiral.

Great. Yet another reason to hate today. Making an ass of myself in front of not only Tseng, but Rufus Shinra too.

Wincing inwardly, I dropped to my knees. “I’m sorry...” I quickly said, all the while I could feel them both looking at me. Their eyes practically boring holes into the back of my head. My face burned with embarrassment. I pushed my hair from my eyes and started gathering the white mess in the hall as quickly as possible.

What felt like it was going to take an eternity to retrieve was disappearing faster than expected. I looked directly ahead of me with a shock: Rufus was helping me! I stared blankly for a moment; barely half of the files in were in my own hands. He moves fast.

Before I knew it, he stood up. I looked up at him from the floor, confused. A distinct cough from Tseng in the background told me to stand up too. My face was practically on fire now. My tongue got tangled between a “thank you” and another apology.

“I...thanks...”I finally mumbled. Was this a trick? The angle of death was handing me an apple and I was supposed to take it? We all know what happens to people that took the apple: they died.

“You’re welcome.” He replied smoothly, closing the space between us. He slipped the folder from my hand. “Don’t look so surprised. I don’t bite...” he replaced the remaining files seamlessly.

“I...”

He handed me the files, taking a final step closer that simply couldn’t be appropriate. He slid the folder back into my arms and placed a hand on my shoulder. I tensed.

“….unless asked.” He murmured softly into my ear.

I bit my lip hard, my eyes widened. He didn’t linger, the transition was so smooth and fast, I couldn’t be sure that it even happened.

“I’ll see you later, Elena.” Tseng said from somewhere nearby, behind me. Had he seen that?

“Okay, sir...”

I watched, vaguely unaware of my surroundings, as the two men entered an elevator.

“Bye...” I waved feebly while trying to hold the files in one arm.

Rufus raised an eyebrow as the silver doors began to close. “I’ll see you later, Edna.”

Edna!? The files fell from my grasp again but didn’t scatter. The last thing I heard before the doors closed was a chuckle from Rufus.

Alone now, the normalcy of my surroundings returned along with a desire to choke my boss. I snatched up the files and stormed down the hall heading for the stairwell, almost running over people as I walked. My flash of anger faded into irritated disappointment. Edna? Edna was the woman at the desk on the first floor that signed in all visitors and employees. We looked nothing alike!

“And here I was thinking he was actually paying me any real attention. He could have just left me on the floor if he wasn’t even going to attempt to get my name right.” I slammed the files on my desk. “Edna. C’mon, Edna?!”

I opened the files and got started on my mundane task. Who was I kidding? He didn’t give a damn about who I am, much less what my name was.

Two hours into it my initial feelings about being called the wrong name (and wanting to shoot Rufus repeatedly) were nonexistent. I didn’t let my mind wander and focused on my work. I didn’t let myself daydream about the assignment Reno and Rude were probably on; I didn’t allow my thought to linger on Tseng. I didn’t let them reflect on that weird clenching feeling in my stomach that I’d gotten when Rufus invaded my personal space. All I did was concentrate on work. Work. Work.

I continued on with this thought in my mind until there was no more work too soon. I put the files away and made a mental note to drop them off to Tseng whenever he returned, then I left, heading to the gym for some much needed release and a little physical training.

Ten minutes later I entered the main entrance. I’d noticed through the glass that surrounds the entire gym that it was empty. That was just as well, because I seriously didn’t want to be involved with another human right now. I get a little self-conscious when working out in front of others.

I headed for the locker room, found mine, and unlocked it. Grabbing the first thing I touched, which included, unfortunately the exercise gear I hated wearing most: little black shorts with a white side stripe and a matching sports bra. I thought about opening the locker again and finding something else. I hated feeling exposed (even if I’m hot in it. Personal opinion!) and showing skin. But I decided to wear it anyway; I didn’t have time to debate with myself. Besides, it’s not like anyone else is around to catch a free show.

A few moments later I emerged, throwing my towel and water bottle on a nearby bench. I headed straight for the red punching bags in the center of the area.

I got started. Paying attention to my body and not entertaining thoughts of knocking certain people out. I’m proud of my combat skills anyway, even if I didn’t get to use them yet on an actual person. Fiends don’t count. I punched harder. Faster. Unaware of things around me.

My heart was pumping blood so hard I could hear it throbbing in my ears, muffling the sound of my hands and feet making contact with the surface of the bag.

I just want them to see how good I am. If someone walked by right now, would they be impressed? I’m going to make them notice how good I am.

The bad thing about releasing frustrations was exhaustion. I slowed down, breathing hard. I liked to ‘feel the burn’, because it proved I was doing something, but this was a little too much for a day like this. My headache was beginning to threaten a comeback.

I looked around for my water bottle but caught a glimpse of someone passing in front of the window. My heart jumped painfully into my throat.

Rufus Shinra was walking past; he seemed to be unaware of a glistening, half-naked woman watching him go by.

“Oh whatever...” I tried to shrug it off, but instead I let out something very close to a battle cry and started in on the punching bag, full force. I did this for a while, even after he’d left. Even if he did see me...he probably just glanced and went on about his business. Why do I care anyway what he’s up to?

My head started to hurt again; I stopped abruptly and brushed my stringy hair from my face. Turning around I eyed the bench for my water bottle and towel. Instead, I got another surprise, I gasped breathily.

“Sir.I didn’t see you come in.”

Rufus Shinra was leaning against a wall, looking all calm, near the same bench where my stuff was. He was watching me. I ran a hand through my hair and hovered uncertainly in place, while trying to catch my breath gracefully.

“I hope I’m not interrupting you.” He flicked his hair from his face, something I’d seen him do often, which would be seen as significantly gay on anyone else. But on him, it was just significantly Rufus.

“No...” I took a deep breath; my heart seemed to be getting faster as opposed to slower. “you’re not, sir. I was…finishing up actually...” my hair swung back in my face. I pushed it back again.

What was I going to do? I can’t just stand here, besides if I don’t get some water I might just dehydrate right on the floor. I couldn’t ignore that logic, and besides, I had no reason to just stand near the punching bags anymore. Gingerly, I made my way to the bench, and ultimately to Rufus. From zero to sixty my face grew very hot by the time I actually made it to him—and my supplies. I grabbed my towel and dried my face; I feel his eyes on me. I wish, for like a second, that I could hide in the fibers of my towel.

“So…sir...how...long were you...watching?” I held the towel loosely at my side, there wasn’t much more use for it now. I eyed the water bottle but decided against it.

“Not long.” He got off the wall. “From what I saw though...” he trailed off.

“Yes sir?” I waited anxiously for the rest of that statement. I bet he thought it was extremely lackluster.

“It was mildly impressive.”

My face grew a little hotter (if that’s possible!), I glanced up at him and then stared at the ground. I wasn’t expecting a compliment (!) from Rufus Shinra of all people. I would have to file this away into my personal accomplishments ASAP.

For the second time today, that weird feeling crept into my stomach and wrenched it around like tightening coils. Rufus’s hand slid under my chin, cupping it, and tilted my face up to his. I looked into his cold blue eyes and noticed a smirk playing on his lips. Thoughtlessly, I bit my bottom lip. Sensory Overload…

“Sir..um..uh..” unfortunately, I lacked anything amazing to say.

“Perhaps we’ll run into each other again.”

He traced my jaw in an appraising manner, almost thoughtful. My stomach clenched again tightly, my cheeks burned. I wanted so badly to look away but couldn’t. I tried to think of something witty to say, but the only thing that came to mind was poodles. POODLES!?

“I hope so...” I finally said, my words coming out more breathy that I’d intended.

“Hmm.” He released my face. “So do I. I’ll see you later, Elena.”

With that, he strolled off. I watched him leave, dumbfounded. It wasn’t even the fact that Rufus Shinra complimented me or remembered my actual name that had me confused. When he left I touched my face where the warmth of his hand still was. A small stupid smile tugged at my lips.

Should I count the fact that I might be developing feelings for Rufus Shinra as a bad thing or a good thing?

“Bad...” I answered myself, not believing a word I was saying. “Definitely bad.”

--

Hi there! I'll get to the point. I was rereading the earlier chapters of Flux and realized how much they needed to be improved. So now I'm going about improving them. I completely rewrote chapter 1 and I plan on editing chapters 2 through 5 as well. I used feedback from you my lovely readers as well as my own to fix it. I hope that you guys enjoy reading it for a second (third, fourth, fifth, sixth...) time!

Because there are a few changes (or several) I'd love to get some feedback on what you think of the edits.

Whether you're new to the story or not, I suggest you review an join the party!

Special Thanks to NarcissisticRiceBall for being my encyclopedia in the beginning. You rock hard!

-goodwitch2008