Strictly Business
It was bound to happen sooner or later, this much Tseng knew. Reno had not been the only one to question his sudden Turk recruitment, and in such a manner, as well. After all, it was Rufus who had to approve and fund the entire camp, so Rufus had been his first hurtle to tackle.
Tseng stood in front of Rufus' desk, his hands behind his back at a parade rest, and his eyes tilted slightly up. Rufus leafed through the papers of recruits that had been laid out on the desk before him, and sighed. Tseng could tell Rufus was not exactly interested in the progress of the Recruits as of the moment.
You couldn't say Tseng and Rufus had a friendship, and you couldn't say that they didn't. It was more an understanding, if anything really. After spending so much time around one another, the slight gestures and moods were easily picked up on. Neither of them played on it though, unless they knew it was of a large change. After all, Tseng was strictly business.
"You're distracted," Tseng merely stated as Rufus tossed another paper to the side.
Rufus didn't look up, merely concentrated on another file before him. He seemed to not even acknowledge the fact that Tseng had spoken.
"Number 83...personal recommendation by Reno...humph. That's unexpected," Rufus muttered, tossing the paper to the side yet again, "Does she have a nice ass?"
Tseng hadn't looked at Rufus once, "You're going to call him."
A statement, not a question, but this time, Rufus responded.
"Yes. I plan on it."
"And what do you plan on accomplishing?"
Rufus didn't miss the underlying mock to that question, a tone most people would've missed. Rufus narrowed his eyes as he looked up at Tseng.
"Many things, Tseng," he stated coolly.
Tseng still did not look at Rufus, instead he regarded the wall behind Rufus' head.
"Is this how it begins? The destruction of C.E.? Are you going to dismantle them brick by brick?" Tseng asked casually.
"That isn't how it is, Tseng," Rufus replied, his icy gaze still focusing on Tseng.
Rufus tossed the last of the papers on to the desk, "Leave me. Take your reports. I have no desire to see them any more."
Tseng leaned over the desk, reaching out with one arm to gather the papers up. As he pulled them towards his chest, his eyes gazed upward and met in a dead lock with Rufus' own harsh stare. The two froze for a moment, the tension hanging in the air even heavier than it had been earlier.
A static voice broke through the silence.
"Mr. President," it was Elena, "The car is ready when you are, sir."
Rufus leaned over to press down on the com, his eyes never leaving Tseng's.
"Good, I'll be down in a moment."
"Yes sir," Elena's voice replied.
Tseng's head tilted to the left slightly, and he scooped the papers up and turned to walk swiftly from the office. He paused at the door, his head turned, but his eyes cast down.
"So...you've already called him."
And the door shut behind him.
xxx
Rufus slid into the backseat of the limo as Rude shut the door. He came face to face with Elena and Reno. Well, more like Reno's chin, since he was currently tipping his head back drinking from a cup.
Elena elbowed Reno harshly in his stomach, making Reno jump. A moment later, Reno was hacking a way, the cup clutched violently in his hand. He threw a nasty look at Elena as he regained his composure. Rufus watched, amused. They would be a source of entertainment, especially after that moment with Tseng.
"So, Mr. Mighty President-o, where we headed? Bald-head McBeefy wouldn't tell me anything."
That's an interesting way to address Rude, Rufus thought.
"Reno," Elena hissed.
Rufus found himself smirking slightly, "New Midgar...C.E.'s headquarters."
"Ah...out to see the big man again?" Reno asked, fiddling with his cup.
Rufus' eyes narrowed slightly, "Yes...the big man."
"Cool beans," Reno tipped his head back again.
Rufus observed as he tapped the side of the styrofoam cup in an attempt to knock the ice from the sides. Frustrated, Reno flicked the side of the cup, causing the cup to flip from his hand and send a spray of ice everywhere.
"Reno..." Elena growled.
Reno laughed nervously as Elena dug some ice out of her hair. He never stood a chance as Elena plunged her hand down his shirt.
"Ha ah aha ha!" Reno cried, lurching away from the seat.
Rufus sighed. Entertainment had been an understatement.
It wouldn't take them long to reach the C.E. headquarters, but with in this time Reno and Elena managed to cause each other significant damage, physical and mental, to each other. Rufus watched, bemused, at their antics. He was familiar with Reno's sense of humor, and had been victim to it on more than one occasion. It was Reno's pranks that actually bonded Rufus in with the Turks, which before they only looked at him as their paycheck. Elena had been the toughest to break into the friendship, even with as professional as she acts, she isn't. Still, she had held out on her own for quite some while before finally caving and quote 'bitch slapping' Reno in front of Rufus for the first time. Rufus couldn't really blame her after Reno had strung up a pair of her underwear on the flagpole at the top of Shinra's estates. An old classic, but still, a good one in Reno's opinion.
Rude was an enigma, that was for sure. Rufus and Rude had never really had much conversation, though one with Rude never really does have much conversation. Still, there was an underlying sense of companionship between the two, especially after the first time Rufus decided to get drunk with Rude and Reno.
Of course these thoughts brought around Tseng, who only drank tea, never cursed, and was strictly business. Rufus tried to remember if he'd ever heard of the man even going on a date. But being a Turk was Tseng's life, and Rufus knew that Tseng knew no other way to live. And no other way to die, not since that close brush with death so long ago. After Sephiroth, Tseng lost something. Tseng, Rufus thought, could be his best friend and his greatest enemy. Tseng had the ability to sense what it was that Rufus was about to do, a talent he had perfected for the most part over the years. And while most times he was right, there were times he was wrong.
Reno stretched as they stepped out of the limo, followed quickly by Rufus, then Elena. Reno led the way, Rufus following a step behind, Rude and Elena flanking either side of him.
C.E. headquarters wasn't near as large as ShinRa's had been. The offices were all cramped together, and the people overflowing. There was construction being done to the west wing of the building in order to obtain more space. Rufus walked softly through the sliding doors, Reno still in the lead. He had long since abandoned his wheelchair, and walked with a new found confidence. Reno announced Rufus in a rather loud manner, before proceeding towards the elevators.
The lobbyist watched at a loss, having not been informed that Rufus Shinra was visiting today. The four walked onto the elevator swiftly, the woman still watching with confusion. The door slid shut on a pair of determined looking eyes.
Ana greeted them warmly as the elevator door opened. She led them through the waiting room outside of Reeve's office, and knocked on the door.
"Yes?" Reeve's voice came out muffled through the door.
"Mr. Shinra is here, sir."
"Send him in."
Ana opened the door for Rufus with a smile, and Rufus walked through; not before, however, motioning for the Turks to remain the waiting room. Shutting the door behind him, Rufus moved forward towards the large glass desk that held various papers.
Reeve was currently practically punching the keyboard to his computer with frustration.
Rufus cleared his throat, and Reeve looked up, sheepish at being caught.
"Damn investors," Reeve merely stated.
Rufus shook his head lightly before taking a seat across from Reeve, "Still giving you trouble?"
"Like a metaphorical rod shoved up my ass," Reeve stated, closing the laptop.
Rufus smirked slightly, "That's what they're there for."
"Yes, I've come to learn that the hard way. So, what can I do for you, Rufus?" Reeve asked, turning his attention to his guest.
"As you are well aware, I gave a rather generous contribution the other week."
"One we here at C.E. are extremely grateful for. You really got those old fogeys to start moving.," Reeve replied.
Rufus nodded his head once, "Yes, well, I was wondering if I could ask you of a favor," he said carefully.
Reeve studied Rufus, frowning slightly, "And what might that be?"
"Well, with all past situations taken into account, I haven't exactly been welcomed in by society. You've got a stable company going here, and there's no way anyone would support a company I started up. And while your business is thriving, I know from personal experience that every bit of help you can get is needed."
"And?" Reeve already knew what the man would ask.
"I was merely wanting to help out around here. All I ask is that you give me something to do, to occupy my time."
Reeve let out a heavy sigh before leaning backwards in his chair, "What would you want to do, Rufus?" Reeve asked rubbing his eyes.
"Just a small project, that's all. If you need it, I'll even help you out with your investors. I can do that much, you know for a fact," Rufus replied calmly.
Reeve leaned his elbows on his desk, still holding his head.
He sighed again, "Rufus...you do realize the position this puts me in, do you not?"
"Reeve, I understand your apprehension for accepting me back. I can't blame you, I did nothing to change the ways of my father's company, and for that I have apologized and tried to make up for, if people would only have me."
"I know, Rufus. I know."
"We've become rather good friends these past couple of years, you'd say, would you not?"
"We certainly know each other better than most," Reeve agreed.
"I've been your consultant for what...two...three years now? Do you still have that much doubt of me?" Rufus asked, keeping his calm exterior.
"No Rufus. It isn't that. It's the people. The business. You as a business man must surely understand why I am hesitating here," Reeve said, looking up at Rufus.
Rufus nodded his head, "I do. I'm just looking for a chance to prove myself, and to get myself doing something again. I'm tired of just sitting around the Shinra Estates overlooking the recruits."
"Recruits?"
"The Turks. They're calling in new. I was going to surprise you, send you a set of new trainees over to try and help out with security around here. Gaia knows you could use a bit more."
Reeve smirked, "I'm sure the four are taking well to that, no?"
"It was Tseng's idea."
Reeve nodded his head before continuing, "If I'm to do this Rufus...you have to understand the type of pressure you're going to be under. Especially with the media, and in public. And with AVALANCHE."
"I know, Reeve," Rufus stated merely, "And I'm prepared."
"Alright then. Just to...work through things right now, we'll start you off small. And..."
"Keep it quiet, right?"
"For now. Just as precaution Rufus," Reeve said, picking up a file.
Rufus nodded his head, sensing his triumph, "Thank you, Reeve."
"Please," Reeve waved a hand as he slid the file over towards Rufus, "This is a new squadron we're looking to add on. Since you're working with new recruits for Turks, this might suit your case here."
"What's it for?" Rufus asked, flipping through the file.
"It's small. Hand selection, and it will be your job to oversee them. With the WRO disbanded, and no other sort of protection around here...well, you said it yourself, we could use some more. We just need a traveling party, for times when we will be traveling away from the complex. People who can go in ahead of time and secure the area, make arrangements, that sort of things."
"And you want me to choose them, from these people?" Rufus asked, not looking up.
"For now. We'll see where things go from there," Reeve sighed, standing, "There maybe some in there a bit overqualified for what we're looking for. I know I saw a few SOLDIER trainees. Not sure if they were actually one of them, though. Just use your best judgement Rufus."
Rufus stood, thanking Reeve again as they headed towards the door.
"You're welcome Rufus."
"I might even have Reno help me out on this one."
Reeve laughed, "Please, the man would pick all females, each in the skimpiest outfits ever. I'm sure you can handle it on your own. I trust you, Rufus."
A/N: Arg, I still don't know if I'm happy with this chapter. I'm exploring characters I haven't ever really written about before. I've gotten a pretty good grip (on the obvious) on some of them, but as for the Turks/Rufus, I'm trying to get the characterization right, but I'm not sure if I did. This chapter, I had to fight with Rufus' personality...he's a bitch, let me tell you, cause he's got that uppity-better-than-you sort of personality, and I was having trouble grasping that. It could've been a lot worse, trust me. I read over the basic draft of this chappie, and i almost stabbed myself in the foot, it was that bad. I'm really trying hard to include everyone in this story, but old habbits die hard, and I was looking through some chapters like 10-13, and I was like...wow, guess who pretty much takes the spotlight in that? I'm going to have to wrestle with those two and force some more meat in. Gah, romance is my poison, I swear. pleh, THANKS FOR REVIEWS!