Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII and all the characters rightfully belong to SquareEnix. None of it is mine, I'm just doing a fan-fiction.
Chapter 3
Reno did not bother arguing this time around. "It is none of your business." he just walked pass the stranger and out of the lavatory. Rufus was taken a back by the unexpected reaction but he was not offended and that was much more of a curious reaction. He would have never tolerated such audacity; the last subordinate who offended him was fired, in a literal sense. "A new recruit", Rufus concluded, "I can't wait to see his expression later."
Reno returned to his post and complained to Rude about the assignment again. He believed he was meant for great and exciting things and having to baby-sit the Vice-President was not it. As Reno went on endlessly, Rufus entered the hallway. Reno had did not notice the Vice-President drawing closer and continued to complain about his assignment like a housewife would about her husband's dirty linen. Rude however realized Rufus's approach and elbowed Reno to stop his rambling. Too late.
"Perhaps the little red head doesn't want to work here anymore?" Rufus stood in front of Reno, his arms folded.
Reno felt his heart sank as he saw recognized the voice from his visit to the gents earlier. A surge of emotions overwhelmed him, embarrassment being the most prominent of them all.
"I-I didn't mean that..Sir. I was just-" Reno tried to defend himself.
"Excuses, not that I care though. You are after all...a nobody", Rufus combed his locks with his hands.
Reno bit his lip, was this what he signed up for? This man, this arrogant and inexperienced man is the key to his success? Rufus noticed Reno's anger and decided to provoke him further. A smirk formed as an idea came into his mind.
"You, red-head", Rufus addressed Reno, "go make me a cup of cappuccino I have work to do."
Reno nodded reluctantly to his request and Rude simply stood there, as if frozen by the tension in the air. Rufus flipped his hair again and breathe out a sigh as he strolled into his office, with his pet trailing behind him. Deep within him, Rufus felt a certain excitement that swelled within him. It has been a long time since he was met with such resistance from a subordinate and the thought of putting Reno in his place was a challenge, a game, which he would want to win at all cost.
...
Heidegger scratched his beard as he waited for news. The phone had not rang since Don Corneo was threatened two weeks ago. Was it the TURKS? Heiddeger winced at the thought that Shin-Ra could have discovered his secret work. This would not do, he had to let Hojo know. As much as he hated that man, Hojo was the only link he was left with the secret lab.
The air was dry and his throat itched for moisture, Heidegger muttered a curse as he left the office to look for Hojo. That greedy man would not trade information freely and he wondered what he would demand of him this time. The hallway filled with echoes of footsteps as Heidegger stormed through.
Rufus placed the files down on the glass table and leaned back against his chair. He knew that Don Corneo was up to something. It was not surprising to know that was not the mastermind. He could never be, Rufus thought to himself and Tseng nodded, as if in agreement.
"Have you told my old man about this?" Rufus asked Tseng.
"No Sir."
"Really? Why?"
"I didn't want to alert the suspect sir."
"Suspect? So, you believe the mastermind is from Shin-Ra itself."
"No one else would have access to the mako unless..."
" If you were any other person, I would have shot you." Rufus made a gesture with his hand as he spoke, "but you are Tseng and I trust Tseng."
"Sir?"
"Oh, don't act. You know what I mean. Keep this from my old man." Rufus ordered.
"All information will come directly to me." he continued.
"I understand sir." Tseng was beginning to get the idea. Rufus wanted this opportunity to level his standing against his father. He wanted to the company and this seemed like the quickest way to get it.
"By the way. The red head..." Rufus narrowed his eyes at Tseng who still kept his cool composure.
"Reno? sir."
"Ah, so that's his name."
"Is anything the matter with him. His new and a little hot headed. If he is bothering you, I would remove him but-"
"He stays. It's a rare thing, especially if you seem so desperate to defend it."
"Reno's new sir, he has yet to master the trade."
"I know, I know. I'll show him the wheels, fret not. You may leave."
"Yes sir."
Tseng closed the door behind him and let out a breath he never knew he held. That vice-president was more fiery and ambitious than the president of the company is. Tseng thought about Reno whom he knew, would be having a tough time with his new assignment but shoved the thought aside as he caught sight of Heidegger rushing off in the direction of Hojo's laboratory.
