A/N: Here's chapter two. I'm liking the short chapters thing. It keeps me going more on a regular basis, I think. This story is kind of vague at the moment. I have a general idea of where it's going, but for the most part I'm kind of winging it. XD We'll see where it ends up. Anyhoo, enjoy. And please leave a review, if you like what you read. :)

"Good riddance."

"But sir—"

"No. I never liked her. She can rot in all of Ifrit's hells, for all I care." The conversation ended there, as a fancy expensive pen resumed its task, making quick, sharp sounds as it scraped across the paper. President Shinra signed his name at the bottom and looked back up at the timid young man standing before him. "I'm finished with you. Go back to whatever it was you were doing."

A small sigh left the brunet man standing rigid in the middle of the room. "Yes, sir." He turned silently, his sleek leather shoes quieted by the taut carpet under them. He exited the enormous office, descending the curved staircase to the right of the room and pinching the bridge of his nose to dull the oncoming headache forming behind his eyes. When he removed his hand from his vision, he clasped it with the other one behind his back, keeping the look of dignity that had been drilled into him by the demands of his job. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he nodded in recognition to the secretary before making his way to the elevators. His next task was to deliver the bad news to the one person who did not deserve to hear such a thing.

The elevator dinged, signifying that he had arrived at the hospital ward. He steeled himself, fixing his suit jacket and taking a deep breath as the doors opened and he made his way down the hallways of the clinic. Light from outside streamed in through large windows to his right. The day was just beginning, and the sun shone down on Midgar through the pollution like a light through a magnifying glass, but it affected no one. All it meant now was that the lingering drops from last night's rain would be dry by lunchtime.

He stopped in front of an open door, smiling at the sight inside the room. New mother and child were resting peacefully together, the sunlight illuminating their golden hair like halos. He almost resisted intruding, but knew that the tidings he brought were important, if unwelcome.

His knock seemed to cut through the room, but the grace of the young woman was undisturbed. She opened her eyes and turned her head to see who had knocked, and smiled softly. "Hale. It's nice to see you."

The young man returned the smile, comforted by the calm aura in the room. It was a wonder this woman could possibly be married to the insensitive man on the top floor. "Likewise, Mrs. Shinra."

Mrs. Shinra gestured fluidly with one hand, keeping her other arm securely around the bundle resting on her lap. "Please sit down."

"Thank you." Hale made his way over to a plush chair near the window, sitting down and leaning back, the small smile still on his face. "How's the little prince?"

"They're watching him, but so far he's doing all right." She tipped her elbow up a little. "Would you like to have a look?"

Hale sat forward a little. "Sure." Mrs. Shinra pulled the blanket away from the baby's face so Hale could look at him, and the sight made Hale's smile widen. "He's as beautiful as his mom," he said good-naturedly.

Mrs. Shinra laughed quietly. "Thank you." She righted the blanket again, careful not to obstruct the still-weak breathing of the newborn. She turned back to Hale and smiled. "Did you just come to visit?"

Hale's expression fell slightly. "Actually, no." Mrs. Shinra looked inquiringly at him and he felt his heart squeeze a little at knowing he was about to share something that was not going to make her very happy. "I have news… regarding your mother."

As expected, Mrs. Shinra's eyes turned sad. "What is it?"

Hale took a mental deep breath. "The President… refuses to fund the parting."

Mrs. Shinra sighed heavily. "I thought it would come to that. He never liked my mother." She looked down as Rufus stirred and made a few crying noises. "I'll have to take care of it, myself, then," she said, resigned.

Hale nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry it has to be that way," he said, watching her comfort the baby.

"Don't be. It's not your fault."

Hale watched as she soothed the baby with gentle words and touches. At least the boy would be able to grow up with a loving mother. She would be able to cushion some of the blows his father was bound to deal in the future.

Hale stood, adjusting his suit even though it was perfectly straight. "If you'll excuse me, Mrs. Shinra, I must get back to work."

The woman turned her head to look at him, giving him a warm, gentle smile. "Yes, of course. Thank you, Hale."

"You're welcome, ma'am." He smiled a little at Rufus. "Congratulations on having such a lovely little boy."

Mrs. Shinra rested her head back against her pillow. "Thank you," she said again, her smile still soft. Hale bowed a little in farewell, and turned to leave the room quietly.

The young woman looked at her son, a sad smile on her face. "Your grandmother wanted to see you so badly," she said softly, running gentle fingers through the fine blond tufts of hair on the infant's head. "She gave up many things for both of us. It was very much like her to give her life to you."

Rufus opened his eyes a little bit, his fussing soothed by the lilting silkiness of his mother's voice. She smiled down at him, admiring his crystalline eyes. "You will learn in due time, love. You will learn what she has left for you." Rufus simply closed his eyes once more, falling fast asleep.