Hi everyone! This is my first ever fanfic, and as my summary states it's a Reno and Rufus yaoi pairing. If you have a problem with man on man relationships, I suggest you don't continue reading!

This fic is rated M for a reason, it deals with some adult themes, has course language and sexual references.

:) I hope you enjoy, please review! And be gentle!!!

TwilightElegy

Chapter I: Surprise Invitation

I remember the first time the concept of the yin and yang was explained to me. At the time, I was kinda young, so I didn't place much store in it; all I could think about was how strange the old geezer telling me about it looked. Of course, now I place a whole lotta store in it, but that's only because I'm older and, I guess, a little wiser.

He was an old Wutaian drunk, who had moved into the Slums during the War, so he wasn't none to popular. He lived a few doors away from where I lived with a couple of other guys who were in my gang. He accosted me late one night while I was on my way to the local strip joint, and I wasn't particularly interested in hearing his philosophical bullshit.

"Young Reno, among my people we say that the world is made up of two opposing elements, which join together to create a whole. They are known as the yin and yang, and are present in everything, even each other. They allow the world to function and they keep life balanced. Do you understand?

"Fuck no." I was eager to get to the strip joint, naturally.

He sighed, "Everything contains equal and opposite forces, everything exists in an effortless duality. Light creates shadow, love begets hate and there is good in evil. Everything is tied to the great yin and the great yang, bound to the Wheel of Fate and the Lifestream."

"Yeah… whatever old man…" He was pretty eloquent for a drunk.

He held his hands up before my face and waved them around like he was real mystic, "One day you will understand. My people have a saying; "The King of Youth is subdued by the King of Ox in every lifetime." This means that all will be made clear through age and experience. Only when one has eaten of the heavenly fruit, can one describe its flavour."

It was at this point that I split, leaving the old man standing on the stoop outside his rundown house made of junk, ranting to no one in particular.

Coincidently, that night was also the night I was picked up by Tseng and first taken to Shinra Tower.

That was the night I became a Turk.

So, from that day on I worked for the Shinra Company, doing all the nasty, dirty work the execs would touch with a barge pole. Naturally, as the years went by I became more experienced, just as the old drunk had said, but I still could never get my head around his yin and yang shit. I would often think about it, which I s'pose sounds strange 'cause I'm not really perceived as being the "reflective" type.

Then one day it all became clear. That was the first day I spent with him, the first day I released my own inner yin to calm his raging yang. We allowed ourselves to join and become one, we allowed ourselves to love. Its funny when I think back on it, 'cause I knew the guy ever since I began work as a Turk, but I never expected that he'd become what he is to me today.

This is our story, the story of how Rufus helped me subdue the King of Youth and how I taught him how to live again.

It was late, and Reno knew that Tseng'd be pissed if he woke him up, so Reno decided that he'd take a leaf out of Elena's books, and do what she did whenever she'd had a big night out; so he climbed into Healin Lodge through the back window, making certain he landed in the bathroom without a sound, which is a difficult task when you've drunk enough Scotch to knock out most men.

He and Rude had been out drinking at Seventh Heaven again, and as usual Reno had left Rude alone drooling over Tifa. It was an average night for Reno.

He had to admit, however, that it wasn't the most enjoyable way to spend an evening, even though Reno had enjoyed it once. Reno had been down in the dumps lately, due to all the bad press the Company was receiving over the DeepGround crisis, which occurred two months ago. The hatred that he was facing in the street was forcing him to rely more and more on drink and women for strength, leaving him feeling hollow inside.

The redheaded Turk slowly tiptoed through the hallways of Healin Lodge, deftly weaving his lithe body between pot plants and sculptures, trying not to make any noises which might have awoken his sleeping comrades, and the President.

Reno, feeling the need for a cigarette, stopped for a moment and, as he fumbled with the lighter heard the strangest sound he had ever heard. He could swear that he could hear someone singing one of those children's nursery rhymes.

Taking a drag from his cig, Reno tried hard to make out the words, but it was impossible, since the singer was sobbing uncontrollably.

Putting his cigarette out, Reno stepped into the main room of the Lodge and found the source of the singing. It was coming from an incredibly drunk, teary-eyed Rufus Shinra, who was sitting at the table next to an empty bottle of vodka.

"WhachoowanReno?" he slurred.

"Uh… nuffin…" Reno slurred back, "jus goin'… ta bed…"

Rufus looked at him, wiping his eyes, "Icansenseyorsad'ess" he said.

And then, without any warning, Rufus passed out cold, just as Elena tiptoed out of the kitchen holding a sandwich.

"Reno! Sir! What's going on?"

Reno gave a drunken chuckle, "Looks like… the Pres can't hold… his booze…" and he also collapsed, and was soon snoring contentedly.

Reno woke up the next morning, with the inevitable throbbing head and taste of vomit in his mouth, without a single memory of the night before. He had a quick shower, singing badly, then threw on some clothes he found on the floor and went downstairs holding his head.

Elena and Tseng were already at the table, eating breakfast.

"Have a good night Reno?" Tseng asked sarcastically, "all three of you are bound to have massive hangovers."

"Uh, three?"

"Yes. You, Rude and the President."

"What the fuck are you on about?"

Elena and Tseng shot each other a questioning look, "Didn't you three go out last night? I saw you at about three in the morning! Rufus was sitting at the table, passed out, and you were standing in the doorway… before you passed out as well." Elena said, confusion written all over her face.

"I went to Seventh Heaven with Rude last night, but I dunno what the Pres got up to. Maybe he went to some concert?"

Tseng just shrugged, then handed Reno a copy of the morning newspaper, "Look at today's headline: 'More Shinra Atrocities Uncovered!' then it goes on to list some of Hojo's more ambitious experiments. No doubt the President'll want us to deal with all of this."

Reno slammed his fist down on the table, causing Elena to screech as she grabbed her coffee mug, which was about to fall onto the floor, "Why can't they jus' leave us alone!? I'm fuckin' sick of this shit!"

"To be fair, our company did commit a few, um… sins…" Elena stated, looking around to make sure there was no President in sight.

"All for the benefit of the people, and as far as I'm concerned, my company's "atrocities", as they have so elegantly been dubbed, were of a highly beneficial nature. The problem is, people need someone to hate, otherwise they get confused."

The three Turks quickly got to their feet as Rufus walked into the room, unconsciously mimicking Reno by holding his hand to his temples.

"Oh and Elena, next time you want to criticize my company…"

"It won't happen again Sir!"

"See that it doesn't. Now, would you all keep quiet?"

"Yessir."

Rufus nodded his head, flicked his long golden hair out of his eyes, then went into the kitchen. He emerged half a minute later holding a full bottle of vodka in one hand, and a glass in the other.

Tseng coughed, "Sir…?"

"Make it quick Tseng."

Tseng looked at Elena, then Rufus, "Sir, are you sure that's wise?"

"I don't give a damn whether its wise or not, Tseng, right now I need to get drunk."

"But Sir-!"

"No buts, Tseng. And Reno, wipe that smirk off your face!"

Reno tried hard not to smile, "Yessir! Can do, sir!"

Rufus gave them all one more glare, "Now, if you all don't mind…?"

And with that, the President of Shinra Inc. returned to his room, passing a very groggy and hung over Rude in the doorway.

"Uh, what's goin' on guys?"

Reno shrugged, "The Pres is tryin' to drink himself to death."

"Not funny Reno!"

"Awww, shut up Elena…"

Tseng cleared his throat, "Reno, Rude I need to talk to you."

Elena nodded her head, went into the kitchen and came back out again half a minute later with two mugs of coffee and slices of toast on a tray, which she placed in front of the redheaded and bald Turks' usual places at the table, beckoning them both to sit.

"Whatcha wanna say Boss?"

"Reno, I'm worried about the President. He's usually so calm and collected-"

"-I think you mean frigid and unfeeling-" Rude interjected, but Tseng gave him a cold look and continued.

"He's been drinking a lot lately, and…" Tseng sighed, "its just not right. He's supposed to be strong, you know? Protect the Company's image and all that…"

The Pres sounds like he's human after all, Reno thought.

Rude took a sip of his coffee, "What's this got to do with Reno and I?"

Elena rolled her eyes and muttered "Men" under her breath. Tseng gave her a warning look then continued, "You two are always going off to drown your troubles in bars, so next time you go I want you to take Rufus with you, that's all."

"That's all!?" Reno cried incredulously, "You want me to take Mr. Frigid out drinkin'? The man's a fuckin' psychopath, and you know it! I don't care whether he's sad, or depressed! I mean, come on! He's not the kind a guy you wanna take out to a bar, he's… scary…"

"I had no idea you disliked me so much Reno." Rufus said from the door.

Reno jumped out of his seat, "Uhh, it's just that… well…"

"Can it Reno!" Rufus then turned to Tseng, "and since when did you think it fit for you to interfere with my private life?"

Tseng also got to his feet, composing himself so as to appear more polite to his employer, "It is my job to protect you Sir, and that's what I intend to do."

"Tseng, I can take care of myself," Rufus then smirked, "and besides, I don't see you taking Reno to task over his excessive drinking."

"That's because it's Reno." Elena piped in cheekily.

"What the fuck's that s'posed to mean?"

"You're always drinking… we're used to it."

Reno looked at Rude, "Shouldn't you be jumping to my defense?"

"Why? She's right."

Reno sat back down, crossing his arms and staring darkly at everyone, "I have feelings y'know. Rufus isn't the only one who's allowed to be depressed."

Rufus raised his eyebrows at Reno, studying him as if he was a particularly interesting piece of art. There was a quality in Rufus' eyes that Reno couldn't quite understand, and it frightened him. It was almost like the golden haired man could see straight through Reno's own eyes and into his soul.

Rufus then turned to Tseng and whispered something in his ear. Tseng's eyes widened and he began to study both Reno and Rufus.

"You're sure, sir?"

"When have I not been sure?" Rufus laughed and then returned to his room, humming a tune that Reno found vaguely familiar.

Elena also began to stare at Reno, and then she said with concern, "You know I was only joking. I do worry about you Reno."

"Geez, thanks Mom…"

Rude drank the last of his coffee, and finished his last slice of toast. After brushing the crumbs from his fingers and goatee, he picked up the paper and began to read, but threw it to the ground in disgust after just five minutes.

"You know, I'm sick of the way the media keeps slandering the Company."

Tseng nodded, "We'll deal with it later. But right now I have a new mission for you and Reno. Rufus just gave it to me before he left."

Reno looked up "Its about time! I was kinda gettin' bored just sittin' around doin' squat. What're we s'posed to do?"

Tseng gave Reno a very strange smile; "You and Rude need to go with the President to Junon, where he is meeting with the World Regenesis Organization."

"Boring! Send Elena."

Elena stuck her tongue out at him.

"Then what?" Rude asked.

"Well, Rufus has given you the rest of the day, and the evening, off. However," and Tseng's smile broadened, "Rufus has a special assignment for Reno…"

"Yeah?" Reno got up, excited that he was going to get a secret mission.

"The President has asked whether you will accompany him to the Opera."

"What the FUCK!?"

Elena collapsed in fits of laughter. "Omigod!" Elena cried, "Guess what Reno? The President asked you out on a DATE!"

"Fuck off! That's not funny…"

Rude shook his head, "Don't be stupid Elena, Rufus wants Reno to act as his bodyguard for the evening."

Reno laughed nervously, "Yeah, that's it…"

Tseng began to laugh as well, "Actually, the President wants Reno there socially. He even suggested you go and buy a nice suit!"

Elena ran into her room and came back out holding a long black cocktail dress.

"You'll look quite fetching in this Reno, it matches your eyes!"

What's wrong with the man? He doesn't actually like me, does he? Reno thought back to the look Rufus had given him earlier, and decided right then and there he was going to get out of this particular mission.

Rude looked from Tseng to Elena and then finally to Reno, "This is just a sick joke right? Come on, he isn't serious!"

Elena brushed the tears from her eyes, "Reno, most girls would do anything for a rich man!"

Reno stormed out of the room, cursing Rufus Shinra under his breath.