"A scream was heard in the training arena. Imagine my surprise when I was summoned from the ball to witness three First Class SOLDIERs and a civilian trespasser using Shinra equipment." President Shinra sat behind his desk, with Hojo standing beside him. Sephiroth, Angeal, and Lissie stood in front of them.
"This is my fault," Lissie spoke up. "I entreated them to do this for my entertainment. Please, the responsibility is all mine."
Angeal and Sephiroth exchanged glances. No, she isn't making it easy to protect her, Angeal thought, and was sure Sephiroth was thinking the same.
Rufus Shinra was not impressed. "Is that how you got up here? Out of your own responsibility?"
Angeal stepped forward. "I allowed her onto the floor, sir. We were boasting of our talents, and wanted to demonstrate them to Miss Faremis."
Rufus waved him away. "Angeal, I will deal with you later. Report to the infirmary. Genesis was sent there with injuries."
Angeal hesitated, then left the room, passing by Sephiroth with an apologetic glance.
As soon as Angeal closed the door, President Shinra started shouting.
"I know damn well you're behind this, Sephiroth! She did not know the others before this night! The liabilities are endless! A civilian, killed in the Shinra building, or, in the very least, psychologically or physically maimed! What were you thinking?!"
Sephiroth said nothing, staring at Shinra. Lissie took to watching her feet.
Rufus' face was red. Shaking, he stomped up to Lissie, grabbing her face and tilting it up to look at his.
"Your father was a helpful part of this company, but do not mistake that as a free pass for you to gallivant about the building. Is that clear?"
"Yes, President Shinra. I am sorry," Lissie told him contritely. Sephiroth watched this with his hands balling into fists.
"If I may," Hojo interjected. "Since Miss Faremis is so anxious to be a part of this company, I would suggest her skills be set to good use in the research department." Lissie glanced at Hojo worriedly.
President Shinra contemplated this, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He went behind his desk and sat down. "What do you say on the matter, Lissie?"
"I'd rather not," Lissie replied, shaking. "I realize I made a mistake, but I'll be sure to distance myself from Shinra headquarters from now on."
"I insist—" Hojo started, grabbing Lissie's arm.
BAM!
Sephiroth had reacted instinctively, knocking into the scientist, who crashed into the wall behind Rufus's desk.
Everything moved in slow motion for a moment. Lissie saw Hojo crumpled on the floor, then turned her head to stare at Sephiroth. He was calm, cool. He glared at Hojo unapologetically, refusing to meet Lissie's eyes.
Time sped back up as Hojo rolled into a ball, groaning.
"Lissie, get out of here," Sephiroth muttered, not taking his eyes off of Hojo.
"No," she whispered.
Sephiroth closed his eyes. "Lissie."
"This is my doing. I'm not letting the three of you take the blame for me."
Hojo stirred, rising to his knees, eyes wide.
President Shinra leapt to his feet. "Sephiroth. You are SOLDIER, First Class. Your duty is to me and this company."
"Sir," Sephiroth said, coming forward to help Hojo to his feet. "I apologize for attacking your employee." He spat the last word.
"You are hereby suspended indefinitely. Report to the detention center for disciplinary action."
Sephiroth clenched his hands, but acquiesced, taking his leave. When he passed Lissie, he murmured to her, "Scream if you need me."
Author's Note: Thanks to those who have reviewed so far! I Googled it and apparently you can't respond to non-registered-users' reviews on-site, so I'll answer them here.
Guest: Thanks! And alright-I'll try some more descriptions, less choppy quotes.
lurker: Thank you! And smut could be in the near future, if I get inspired. I have some ideas swirling in my head for smut, but as this is my first work, I didn't want to dive in too quickly, y'know? Anyway, stay tuned; it may be around the corner...
Thanks for all those reading. Don't forget: your input is so worthwhile to me! xx
