Don't Play with Fire (Turks FF7)

22) Wutai Vacation

"Where have you been?"

The voice I hear when I step out of the helicopter makes me freeze with a cringe. #&-%.

"Just out for a ride?"

"That's a lie." Rufus frowns at me, looking terribly pissed off. "You helped them escape."

"No I didn't..."

"There's camera footage of you in the elevator with the specimen and reports from a guard in Junon that you went on board to 'lock up a prisoner'."

"Then I must have a twin," I laugh nervously. He continues to glare. "What?"

"My office."

"But..."

"Now."

I huff like an angry teenager and follow him into the elevator, stomping behind him into his office, and even ignoring a cheery greeting from Reno. Speaking of Reno, it's funny how I feel fine now. Demon boy.

"Have a seat." I scowl at him, silently refusing. "Very well."

"What do you want?"

"Kat, do you know what happens to traitors in Shinra?"

"Yeah?"

"Then why would you do something like that?" He demands, leaning forward with his palms pressed to the desk.

"Because, Rufus," I walk closer. "What you were about to pull wasn't right. Avalanche is the only way the massive ball of death in the sky is going to disappear."

"Who are you to tell me what's right?"

"I'm a slum-rat," I shrug. "Worthless, right? Who's gonna listen to me?"

"Kat, in order for Shinra to be able to defeat Sephiroth, we need the support of the people. Avalanche was perfect to put the blame on."

"Shinra can't defeat him with or without the peoples' support," I shake my head. "He's too strong." Rufus sighs and falls back into his seat.

"Shinra ruined you when you were younger and you came back anyway."

"It's not like you get it, so why does it matter?"

"I don't get it?" He sits up straighter. "I watched my mother get shot through the head by her own husband when I was nine. My brother died a slow, torturous death as a failed clone experiment. My father was murdered by Sephiroth. Shinra had something to do with all of them, and I still don't understand?" What the... I shake my head, looking down at my shoes.

"They weren't the ones that broke me in the beginning."

"Then who did?" He leans forward in his seat.

"... I don't know. My mom maybe. Or both my parents. Tseng was the only person who was ever there, and now he's..." I take a deep breath. "Shinra did nothing to me when I burned down that house."

"You remember?"

"Kind of."

"I don't think you understand. I don't want you around Reeve any longer."

"But..!"

"He's putting these ideas in your head that are making you go on these suicide missions. I've lost everyone I cared about to nonsense, and I'm not about to lose you."

"Oh so now you care about me," I roll my eyes. He frowns.

"It's not as if I wanted it, Kat. I only to meant to watch you for awhile to make sure those attacks stayed at bay."