[a/n: i started writing this about 6 years ago. since i'm still writing it, i figured i'd update the whole damn thing. there will be minimal plot changes, nothing too serious. i'd just like to keep the writing consistent, since the later chapters are growing so much.. thank you to every single one of you for reading and keeping this one alive. 3]

::Prologue::

Nothing had changed.

I stood, staring downward at the giant metal plate beneath my feet. The shadow of the ShinRa logo looming overhead made it feel as if the sun hadn't even risen. Shaking the hair out of my eyes, I reminded myself to move. I pushed through the large lobby doors virtually unnoticed. It was bustling with everyone from suits to SOLDIERS, I was no one special. Not yet. I made my way through as casually as possible to the side elevator - the one that lead past public admittance.

"Excuse me ma'am ... You need to be authorized persona-" the secretary started, as I knew she would. "Ms Shinra?" She did little to hide her surprise. I offered her a polite smile as I continued walking, grateful that she didn't try to stop me. I came to avoid the mess.

Swiping the key card in the elevator I quickly stepped inside, the woman's greeting ringing in my ears. How strange it was to be called that again... Of course Rufus and I never married, the idea to either of us was ridiculous. The silly nick-name started with Elena, years ago now. It occurred to me then that there were some newer employees that probably didn't even know my real name; blessing or curse, I couldn't decide.

The Midgar view had always been amazing from the ShinRa building. Though the sectors below were hidden by the plate, the view of the reactors and the landscape beyond was breathtaking. I was hypnotized until the audible 'ding' of the elevator stole my attention. I stepped outside and saw Elena, as usual, hunched over her desk piling through paper work.

"It's about time Tseng... I really need those folders.." She muttered upon hearing elevator. She glanced up finally, her eyes locking with mine. "T- ... Tifa..?" Her voice cracked. I nodded, unable to hold back a small smile, no matter the nature of my visit. She seemed to be pleased. I was half expecting her to turn her gun on me, to be honest.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'll explain later. I promise. But.." I stared just past her at the giant doors that ended the long hallway. "I need to see him." She wanted to ask, I knew. But surprisingly she kept quiet and picked up her phone.

"Sir? You have a visitor... " She hung up the phone rather firmly before speaking again. "Listen, Tifa, you deal with him.. And then you deal with me. Got that?"

"Thank you," I said quietly, nodding to her small threat.

"You're welcome." Was all she said in reply. She held my eye for a moment.. Perhaps letting me know I was lucky she didn't indeed blow my head off on the spot.

I opened one of the doors, letting it close behind me with minimal sound. He was standing. Staring out the windows as he often did, no matter what the occasion. Something as simple as a view can be oddly comforting, I learned long ago. Even the picture of the Nibelhiem well from my bedroom window still brought a kind of peace to my mind. He knew I was there, though he made no motion to show it. My perfume giving me away, or just that sixth-sense someone gets after spending years together, I didn't know for sure.

"...Rufus?" For some reason, I had to solidify it. The fact that I was really here, and that, it was really him in front of me. He moved slightly, as if to say something but he was silent. Dark Nation stood beside her master, looking at me. I met the panther's familiar eyes, hoping she remembered I wasn't a stranger. Ally may not have been the proper term just yet.. But not a stranger.

Taking a few steps forward, I silenced myself, trying to gain focus of my reasoning for returning to this place. The hum of electricity was overwhelming inside the large office... I'd long forgotten the instinct to ignore it. I stared at the back of Rufus' head, trying to will him for a reaction. Something casual.. One of his sly remarks... He could throw me out that cursed window for all I cared as long as it was.. Something. He once stood in front of these grand windows telling me he owned the world, and I believed him. Believed his every word. My heart ached for explanations but I couldn't bring myself to beg. It was my turn to talk. And lives were at stake, perhaps my own if I didn't word this properly.

"...Tifa," His voice was low but he might as well have screamed at me. I had to suppress a smile; he didn't call me "Lockheart". So he didn't completely hate me, that was a plus. "Have a seat. I assume you've finally decided you have something to say?"

The words cut through me like a knife but I couldn't show it to him; couldn't let the bitterness and hypocrisy overwhelm me. I sighed, walking to one of the bigger leather chairs in front of his desk and throwing myself in it. Dark Nation started at the sudden movement, her eyes not leaving me for a second.

"And you've finally decided you want to listen?" I snapped now, wondering how long it would take to break his resolve again. His emotional walls were build of stubbornness and willpower; two things he had more than enough of.

He finally turned around, his eyes holding that charm that roped me into this mess so long ago...