((- Arcadia - Ministry of Defense, 5:00 pm -))
Minister Heidegger's office was a large octagonal room with the largest windows of the building. Beautiful wooden bookshelves were arranged against the walls with a leather couch and armchair placed in the center of the office. Two men were facing each other. Between them, hard drives from Systema were scattered on the low mahogany coffee table. After reading the thick report wrote by Sephiroth, Heidegger nodded enthusiastically before removing his reading glasses:
- It seems perfect. Is everything here?
- Yes, Minister.
- Perfect. Good job as always Director.
- Thank you, Minister.
- And what about Commandant Leonhart?
- I laid him off.
- Temporarily. You asked the Internal Affairs to take care of him but I would have preferred another method. Putting the Commandant under his father's protection was not the smartest move Director. I am indeed surprised by your choice.
- I understand but thanks to that I am now in charge of the case Systema with full access to the data center. While the Central Administration is taking care of Commandant Leonhart's inquiry we are free of our move.
- I see but it complicates things.
- I don't understand, Minister.
Then the Minister stood up and retrieved a large envelope from his desk before putting it in front of Sephiroth. Between his hands: pictures of Cloud talking to a businessman in Midgar Penitentiary visiting room, a handwritten letter protected in a sheet protector, and a CD:
- You don't recognize him?
- I'm afraid I don't, Minister.
Heidegger observed closely Sephiroth's face while explaining:
- It is Cloud Strife's lawyer. He contacted us asking for a favor. When we refused, the fool tried to blackmail us. We took care of him but here is what we found. Apparently Strife had left a copy of all his notes to his friend the Commandant Leonhart 3 years ago.
Sephiroth tried to hide his surprise. He needed to be careful with his next words feeling like Heidegger was testing him:
- I'm sorry for my negligence, Minister. Now that I have Director Loire's trust, I'll easily retrieve the key from his son.
- Don't worry about it. I've asked Mr. Tuesti to block both his and Mr. Strife profiles in the IT System just in case. Here is what I want you to do: take that letter with you. M. Tuesti is our ally. Work with him. We need to pretend that Leonhart got that letter from Strife. Pretend that the lawyer mailed the letter to Leonhart 3 years ago so that you can officially arrest him for concealment of evidence. Think you can do it, Director?
Sephiroth tensed. This was jeopardizing his plan, he needed time to think of an alternative. He slowly gathered all the elements back in the envelope and he stood up:
- I'll contact Mr. Tuesti and we'll work on it, Minister. I won't disappoint you.
- I'm sure you won't, Director.
After his departure, Heidegger made a call:
- He is coming.
- We finished installing the device, Minister. You can activate the tracker on your phone.
- Right. Be prepared to leave as soon as I'll tell you.
- Yes, Minister.
Opening the tracking app on his phone, he enabled the tracker installed on Sephiroth's car and poured himself a glass of whiskey. "Let's see who you really are, Director." as the red dot started moving on the map.
((- Arcadia - Homeland Security Department, 6:30 pm -))
Miss Kaia, Zack, and Selphie were installed in Sephiroth's office waiting for him. The secretary only told them that the Director wanted to discuss an important matter with them. She tried to contact him but he wasn't answering his phone. Selphie tried to hide her stress and Zack tried to talk a little bit to appease the atmosphere:
- So Miss Kaia, maybe you can tell us a bit more about tonight's meeting. We didn't prepare anything.
- I understand your position, Commandant, but the Director wants to discuss this matter directly with both of you. Let's wait for him.
- Do you know how long it's going to take? We have a lot of work to do and it's already late.
The Secretary stayed silent for a few minutes. The Director didn't give her any news since their last call, she was also a little perplexed by the situation. Then she stood up:
- Please wait here, I'll call the Director. Do you need more coffee or tea, Commandant?
- It's ok thank you.
- What about you Investigator Tilmitt?
- I'm fine thank you.
She nodded and exited the room. Once alone, Selphie couldn't help asking:
- It's about the mic. They found it.
- I don't know Selph, it can also be about Leon's case.
- Then why is the mic on his desk?
- What?
He followed her pointing finger and saw the mic placed in the center of the large surface. He stood up and examined the device closely. And he sat down again:
- It's disabled. But don't worry, they can't link it back to you, all the department uses this device.
- Are you sure? His secretary saw me yesterday.
- She saw you giving her the bag not putting the mic inside it. Let me do the talking. But everything seems strange here don't you think?
- Yeah. We didn't receive any call from the Internal Affairs Department today. It's like they don't investigate at all. By the way, do you have any news from him?
- Not yet. I wanted to give him some space. But I'll call him tonight.
- Alright. What is taking her so long?
At her desk, Miss Kaia tried to call the Director several times but his line was always busy. So she decided to wait patiently. She didn't like to work without clear orders. Usually, Sephiroth was always on time but tonight she felt something was wrong.
Then her phone finally rang, she quickly answered:
- Good evening Director.
- Good evening, I'm sorry I can't go back to the Department now I need to go to the National Security Agency.
- I understand, Commandant Fair and Investigator Tilmitt are in your office. What are the orders?
- Go to my office and call me back. Put me on speakerphone and give them all the documents.
- Ok, Director.
She couldn't help but notice how tense his voice was. Usually laid back and calm, she felt like Sephiroth was under a lot of pressure tonight. She came back into the room and found Zack and Selphie whispering to each other. They stopped when she put several documents in front of them and used the phone on Sepiroth's desk. His baritone voice echoed in the big office when she informed him that they were listening to him:
- Thank you, Miss Kaia. Commandant Fair, Investigator Tilmitt I'm sorry for made you wait so long. Thank you for waiting, I'll be brief. Investigator Tilmitt, you are suspended for a week.
- (Selphie) What?
- (Zack) Hold on Sephiroth. What's the matter?
- (Sephiroth) The report Kaia gave you should explain it all Commandant.
Selphie snatched it from Zack's hands and read it while Zack continued:
- I'm afraid I don't understand. She is laid off because she spoke to Professor Hojo?
- I don't like liars, Commandant. Precisely during this difficult phase we are going through, I thought that I could count on your professionalism.
- Alright, Selphie just asked questions, it's not a big deal.
- It is as if she tried to influence an ongoing investigation. The Department of Internal Affairs is leading the investigation about Commandant Leonhart. If they need his fingerprints or his personal files or his notebooks or his clothes, don't interfere and just give it to them. I understand your concern but you need to stay on the sideline.
Zack could hear Sephiroth's anger mixed with something else. He couldn't identify it clearly but his instinct told him that the Director seemed anxious and even a little scared. He continued more calmly surprising both Selphie and Kaia:
- Sephiroth what's the real matter? You know that what Selphie did is not a big deal. Miss Kramer didn't even contact us today. Are they really doing something? We won't be able to help if you hide things from us.
Miss Kaia and Selphie were curious to hear Sephiroth's answer after hearing Zack's statement. Famous for his boldness, he is the only investigator who never called Sephiroth by his title. A heavy sigh escaped Sephiroth before answering:
- If you want to help, don't act recklessly Commandant Fair. We won't report this incident if Miss Tilmitt accepts to stay home for one week. There is work to do and with 2 investigators missing, I won't accept any delay. Consider this my final warning. Miss Kaia already organized everything, listened to her directions. I've got to go. Good evening.
Then he hung up leaving a heavy silence in the room. Selphie silently stood up, she removed her badge, her gun, and her keys and put everything in front of the secretary:
- I reckon that I don't need to empty my locker as I'll be back in a week.
- Yes you can leave your belongings there. As long as we have the key.
- Ok. Can Zack bring me back?
- Yes of course. Commandant Fair, if you could just sign this document certifying the beginning of the suspension. Then you can go.
Zack quickly signed the document before following Selphie outside Sephiroth's office. In the elevator, he felt so angry at the director but Selphie's words appease him:
- Don't worry Zack, it's nothing and it's only a week.
- I'm sorry Selph, I was hoping for another outcome. I don't understand why Sephiroth is so stubborn.
- Nobody knows but you know he is right. I was a little reckless but I couldn't stand doing anything!
- I know Selph. I'm sorry that you are the one punished for all of us.
- It's ok Zack. Let's join everyone.
Miss Kaia finished her work an hour later. She was about to leave her office when her phone rang. Sephiroth named was displaying, she hurriedly answered:
- Yes Director
Something was wrong. She heard a loud noise, cars honking, and among it all, a weak voice growling:
- A..(cough)..Ed...Edea…(cough)
She understood the gravity of the situation as she sat down and calmly repeated:
- Director it's Miss Kaia, where are you?
- Ed...dea..(cough)..he..knows
- Hold on Director. I'm sending an ambulance to your position. Stay with me on the line.
On the side, she logged into her computer and tried to locate Sephiroth's car. She talked to both phone trying to synchronize the emergency service while keeping the Director on the line:
- Hello, I need an ambulance at the crossroad between Avenue Genova and Main Street. A car accident happened!
((- Arcadia - Lounge Bar Rooftop, 9:00pm -))
As promised, she followed Seifer and his colleagues after work. The group had chosen a rooftop bar near their workplace. The place was not too crowded and the view of Arcadia at night was stunning. Rinoa was not familiar with Seifer's teammates but after getting to know each other and a few drinks, she enjoyed their company very much. She even had a lot in common with a woman named Linda.
Focused on working long hours for the past months, Rinoa didn't take the time to go out with her friends. For the past months, she usually spent her free time with Leon. Looking at the group of friends enthusiastically debating on something made her realize how much she missed those moments. In comparison, her moments with Leon were quite dull. Speaking of him, she still couldn't help feeling disappointed and angry about his lack of interest.
Deep in thought, she didn't see Seifer sit by her side. He gently nudged her shoulder and put a glass of white wine between her hands:
- Hope you are having fun. I'm sorry I didn't even ask you if you were ok spending the evening with these silly people. We can always escape if they are a nuisance.
- (Linda) Remember that you are the manager of these silly people so what do you think that makes you?
The other made some faces in their direction making her laugh. She really appreciated this evening. She smiled happily at him:
- Dear Boss of silly people, thank you for inviting me tonight. I'm having a great evening.
- You're welcome.
She took a sip of wine and the bittersweet liquor warmed her stomach. Feeling a little tipsy, she decided to have some fun tonight and forget about her miserable relationship with Leon. She leaned closer to Seifer:
- I still owe you a drink. As an apology for last time but here you are buying all of them.
The blond laughed displaying his beautiful white teeth. She found him very handsome with that expression.
- Don't worry about it. It's my turn tonight to pay for the drinks. I'm happy that you joined us. Consider your debt paid.
Rinoa frowned and grabbed his forearm:
- No, I can't accept that. Let me at least invite you for dinner then.
- Rinoa, I think you had a little too much wine for the night.
He tried to take away her glass but she quickly emptied its content before replying:
- I'm a grown-up woman who is enjoying a drink with her colleagues tonight. I'm indeed a little tipsy but not drunk. Let me invite you for dinner, I'm feeling hungry by the way.
Seifer chuckled and glanced at his teammates laughing loudly. Looking back, he saw the cute pout aimed to convince him and her eyes struggling to hide her fatigue. He sighed heavily unable to decide:
- They won't go. Usually, when we come, we spend all night drinking and snacking here.
- Then let's go without them. Both of us. My treat of course.
- You look tired, Rinoa. Maybe I should take you back home instead. We already kept you here so long. Don't worry about the restaurant, I'm happy that you joined us tonight.
Rinoa bit her lips, visibly hesitating. She didn't eat much and the wine started to make her legs jelly. She was feeling tired but she didn't want to go so soon and without offering something to Seifer for his kindness:
- Then what about this, you take me back home and I'll cook dinner for both of us.
Then without waiting for his reply, she stood up, catching everyone's attention. And she proudly announced:
- Thank you very much for having me tonight. It was a real pleasure meeting you all. It's getting late so I'm going but may I borrow your dear manager to take me back home, please?
The boys laughed and whistled at Seifer's embarrassed expression while the girls were happily thanking Rinoa. Then Linda said:
- Of course, you can take him. He already paid for his drinks. And our manager isn't irresponsible enough to let you go back home alone. Right?
- Of course, I'm a gentleman.
Seifer stood up next to her. He gathered his belongings before helping Rinoa put on her coat and purse. Once ready, they bid farewell to everyone before leaving the bar. Alone in the elevator, he chuckled again:
- You are really something. I didn't expect that at all.
Still holding onto his arm to steady herself, she said:
- That's what you get for playing hard to get.
- Well, I'm flattered. So what's on the menu tonight?
- Do you fancy pasta? I was thinking of making pasta with salmon-spinach cream and a strawberry cake for dessert.
- Impressive! I'm very hungry now. And I even have a dessert. Maybe you should bump into me more often if that's what I get.
- Or maybe you can just ask me next time so that I don't have to fall on the cold hard floor.
- True, it wouldn't be worth it if you hurt yourself. I prefer having you like that.
- Tipsy and clingy?
- Healthy and happy.
She sneaked her arms around his body in a side hug, enjoying his strong chest against her body and his strong arm around her waist when they exited the elevator.
((- Winhill - External Highway, 9:30pm -))
The External highway leading to Nibelheim was jammed preventing Leon to drive faster. On the passenger seat, Cloud was silently texting messages on his phone. The duo spent the day interviewing previous employees of Waterfall Company. They learned that Waterfall moved part of their data in Systema. Surprisingly they even managed to gather emails and old letters from former engineers who weren't pleased by the company. Now they could link the two cases based on solid proofs and open one official investigation.
The duet was on their way toward the Ministry of Justice, hoping to talk to Rinoa about their newfound evidence and ask for her help. Remembering their day together, Leon was surprised at how smoothly things went and how he almost felt like they resumed their relationship where they left it: before Cloud's arrest. His blond friend was as sharp as he remembered, noticing details and asking precise questions during their interviews.
On his side, Leon was better at analyzing information and drawing conclusions. They never had the opportunity to work together back then and he deeply regretted that after spending the afternoon with Cloud, even under the current circumstances.
On his side, Cloud was answering the few messages he received today. Most of them were from former investigators of the Department who worked on the Corruption cases before him. He tried to contact some of them hoping that maybe they could help him again. Thinking like an investigator again distracted his mind and seemed to keep his anxiety at bay. He didn't feel as anxious and tense as this morning after their afternoon together. He found their duet efficient and was impressed at how quickly Leon understood the situation and took over the case. Surprised, he quickly dismissed that thought as weird feelings arise within him.
Feelings were something Cloud decided to kill years ago when he was sent to isolation in a dark cell for several days after almost killing cellmates who tried to molest him. Shaking his head, he decided to focus on his phone rather than listening to his dark thoughts.
After a long hour, Leon parked in front of the Ministry of Justice. The two men made their way toward Rinoa's office. Leon felt a little anxious remembering their fight but he was surprised to find the room empty. He tried to call Rinoa but she wasn't answering her phone.
Behind him, Cloud settled down in a chair and closed his eyes waiting for Leon to announce their next move. He was upset at the idea of meeting Leon's girlfriend and he felt his anxiety come back again. He couldn't help feeling a wave of mixed feeling rise and rubbed his forehead, hoping to soothe down the tension.
- You are ok?
The voice's proximity startled him: blue eyes met gray one right above him. Leon stood behind his chair, his hands on Cloud's shoulders (which he didn't notice until now). The blond tried to escape but his friend's grip prevented him from moving away. Then, Leon's fingers moved, sending chills down his spine. The warm feeling that ran down his body frightened him:
- What...are you doing?
- You need to relax. You seem stressed and under a wave of anxiety. You might do another panic attack.
- Let...Let me go.
The brunet hesitated but the underlying panic in Cloud's voice made him take a step back. He kept scanning Cloud's body, noticing the tension in his posture and how difficult his breathing sounded. Cloud asked:
- So where is she?
For a moment Leon forgot about Rinoa, about the investigation, about their purpose. All his attention focused on the blond man sitting in the room. He messed his brown locks. A habit he usually does when he is uncomfortable and Cloud knew it:
- I don't know. Let's try her house.
- What about calling her?
- She didn't answer.
- What kind of girlfriend doesn't answer when her boyfriend calls?
- Whatever. We probably aren't that anymore.
He muttered to himself but loud enough for Cloud to hear. The blond raised a curious eyebrow but decided to remain silent. Leon's love life was none of his business. He stood up and walked towards the door, Leon right behind him.
On their way out, the brunet's phone rang, echoing through the empty corridor. Retrieving the device from his pocket, he was surprised by the name on the screen:
- Hi Zack, what's the matter?
Next to him, Cloud halted his steps. It has been ages since he saw his friend. He looked at Leon, focusing on his conversation, and tried to imagine his former best friend on the other side of the line. His already tight stomach tensed even more as waves of mixed feelings went through him: anger, sadness, curiosity, hope, fear. Then Leon's voice reached his ears:
- The team is meeting tonight at the Central Administration, why?
After a few seconds, Leon's tone became colder:
- Zack what are you doing?! Investigating Systema is dangerous, I don't want any of you getting involved in it.
Zack must have raised his voice too, as a soft murmur reached Cloud's ears. Then the brunet sighed heavily:
- Wait for me, I'm near. Gather everyone. See you there.
Cloud didn't like it. He wasn't ready to face his former team tonight, meeting Leon was already too much for him. He could barely contain his emotions and keep his sanity after this long day. He needed a break, he needed to be alone.
While Leon was busy with his phone, Cloud took this chance to run away. He walked slowly toward Leon and once next to him, he continued at the same pace. He made 6 steps when Leon talked, behind his back. The brunet didn't move from his position:
- Cloud, I need to…
The blond didn't wait for the end of the sentence, he broke into a run hoping to leave Leon behind. Unfortunately for him, the brunet had good reflex and run immediately after him:
- Cloud! Hey!
Doors were pushed violently open when the blond exited the building still followed by Leon. Going down the porch's stairs as fast as he could, Cloud reached the last steps when he felt a heavy mass collide against his back, sending him on the ground.
The air was knocked out of him; his hands and back were burning from the hard impact. Then he felt something move above him before being flipped on his back and pinned to the ground.
His face centimeters away from Leon's angry one. He tried to move his legs but Leon put all his weight on them, preventing him from doing so. As usual, his reflex took the lead as he landed a hard punch in Leon's shoulder and stomach, almost sending him to the ground. After regaining his balance, the brunet spoke with a dangerously low voice:
- Cloud calm down!
He didn't know if it was the aftermath of the impact but Cloud felt confused and panicked. Bad memories came back, blurring his vision. Leon's proximity didn't arrange things. So anger took over:
- Let me go asshole! I'm going to kill you!
He struggled harder against the brunet's strong grip. Forcing the Commandant to tighten his hold, probably leaving bruises in the process. Both men rolled on the floor, fighting to have the upper hand. At some point, Leon managed to block his arms above his head, while trying to reason the blond man:
- Damn it! Just calm down Cloud. You might have another panic attack!
- I don't fucking care, let me go!
- Calm down and I'll let you go but we need to talk first!
- I've got nothing to say to you now let me go!
- I'm never letting you go again. I promised, didn't I?! Let me help you!
Cloud felt something break within him after Leon's statement. His body stilled and angry tears rolled down his cheeks. He tried to close his eyes but more tears kept coming, as if the dam holding them back just shattered, letting the torrent just flow freely.
Leon observed those blue eyes filled with tears. He released his hold and sat back on his heels, not knowing how to comfort the blond. After a silence, a cold voice reached his ears:
- You let me rot in prison for years and now you care because your fucking ass is on the line. Because you fucking need me to defend your honor. Once again I'm just a fucking disposable piece to you and to the department. You can use me and throw me away but don't you fucking pretend to care about me.
The brunet slowly rolled over, freeing Cloud's legs in the process as he laid next to him on the ground. Cloud made no move, eyes looking at the sky above him with his hands flat by his side. Grey eyes wandered aimlessly in the night sky while his heart was beating loudly in his chest.
He couldn't accept Cloud's statement, because he deeply cared for him. Today felt so different from all these years. As if he finally woke up from a long dream. His emotions were strong, his energy high, and his senses sharper. And all of that came from the presence of the man next to him. At that moment he remembered Rinoa's words: I don't feel special to you... What am I to you?
He heard Cloud sniffing a little and glanced at his face. His light red cheeks were wet but his blue eyes were empty. Cloud looked lifeless. And that idea terrified Leon. Memories of those same blue eyes full of life appeared in his mind, enhancing the difference between the Cloud before prison and the broken man in front of him. At that moment, Leon wanted to give anything he had to see those blue eyes shine as they used to instead of the dull, unfocused aspects they have now. The Commandant wondered how cruel he was to Rinoa now that the difference was in front of his eyes. Leon couldn't help but feel awful: "You are only hurting those around you. What a great Commandant you are."
Discarding those negative thoughts, he took the blond's wrist. Cloud only frowned a bit but didn't move: still looking disconnected.
To get more reaction from him, Leon intertwined their fingers, gently rubbing the skin below his thumb. The blond blinked and Leon felt his hand tensed as he spoke:
- I can't erase those 3 years. I can't erase the pain nor the anxiety but I'm ready to show you. Even if you keep pushing me away, I'll continue because I care about you.
Cloud stayed silent a moment and stood up, breaking the contact. Putting his hood back on, head tilted back, watching the dark night sky. Leon stood up too, dusting off his clothes. After a moment, he asked:
- Why did you run off earlier?
- … I don't want to meet them.
Leon's eyes widened as the realization came upon him. His lack of consideration for his friend's feelings exasperated him. He tried again:
- Sorry. I didn't mean to...
- I'll meet them at some point. I know that. But not today. I can barely keep my shit together. I'm going home.
His blue eyes almost pleading for some mercy after the long emotional roller coaster the day has been and Leon shared the feeling. He also felt exhausted after the long day and the fact that they didn't even have a proper dinner yet. The commandant didn't want to let Cloud go home alone after witnessing a second emotional crisis. He quickly called Zack back:
- Hey something came up. I'm sorry I can't come today. Don't take this case lightly. I'll call you tomorrow… Yes, I'm fine don't worry. See you tomorrow.
He hung up under Cloud's quizzical gaze. Calmer than ever before explaining himself:
- Let's try Rinoa's home. If she is there, we'll see if what we have is enough to start an investigation. I'll drop you home right after. Please.
His voice dropped down a little at his last word, almost shy. Cloud didn't want to meet the jurist but his curiosity and Leon's shining gray eyes convinced him as he nodded:
- Ok, let's go then.
((- Arcadia - Rinoa's apartment , 11:00pm -))
Dinner has been consumed very quickly as well as the 2 bottles of wines Rinoa insisted to open. After the dessert, they sat on the sofa and decided to watch a movie they discovered to both like. At some point during the program, they were both lying down: Rinoa comfortably settled her back against Seifer's chest: her body between his strong legs. The show (and the alcohol) amused them a lot, making them laugh and joke for an entire hour.
After the cliffhanger, the entire atmosphere changes, for a more romantic and sensual mood. Having Rinoa pressed so close to his body made the blond man feel excited (particularly downwards). And before he could excuse himself, she turned around and kissed him hard. She never felt so excited and desired. Taken aback, he quickly followed her lead before regaining some control and gently breaking their contact. Rinoa found him adorable blushing and hesitating like that, underneath her:
- I'm sorry Rinoa. I shouldn't have done that.
She chuckled even more:
- I'm the one who kissed you and you are the one saying that you are sorry.
- I'm not really talking about the kiss. It's about...You know.
Then he stood up and started adjusting his clothes to hide the growing bulge in his pants. Embarrassed, he went into the kitchen to grab a drink of cold water. Rinoa observed his muscle body move around the kitchen counter. She heard him sighed before meeting her eyes again, more focused. He gave her a sad smile and said:
- I think I should go. Thank you for the dinner and the movie. I really enjoyed it. Consider your debt paid.
Alarmed, Rinoa walked to him and put her hands on his chest, whispering:
- Don't go, please stay.
He gently took her hands off him:
- You know that's not reasonable.
She quickly detached herself from him before saying with determination and sobriety:
- You don't understand, I've been blind! I was expecting Leon to care about me but it was foolish. We are over. I'm tired of pushing away people who care about me. I want to be happy, I want to feel special in someone's eyes. I want to exist. When I'm with you I'm alive, I smile all the time. And tonight was the best night I've spent with someone. You are not a rebound guy Seifer. You are the one I was waiting for. The real question is: Am I too late?
No words were needed as Seifer grabbed her waist and sat her down on the kitchen counter before kissing her hard. Holding onto his shoulder, legs wrapped around his waist, she felt protected, warm, and happy as he whispered: I love you in her ears.
Later, the doorbell rang in the silent apartment. Rinoa removed herself from Seifer's warm embrace before walking out of bed. She chuckled quietly as he buried his face in her pillow, still sleeping deeply. Closing the bedroom door, she hid her nudity with a long silk purple dressing gown before reaching the front door. She was surprised to see Leon standing there with a hooded man a few steps behind him, leaning against the wall.
The brunet was holding a backpack on his left shoulder and his hair looked messier than usual. Under his stoic gaze she nervously arranged her hair and defensively crossed her arms on her chest:
- I wasn't expecting you.
- I know. Sorry, it's late but it's important. Can we talk?
She hesitated to let him in. But if Leon finally came to arrange their relationship she could at least listen to him. She couldn't help asking about Leon's mysterious partner:
- Can your friend wait here while we talk inside?
The man stood up from his slouched position and sighed heavily before starting to leave, His deep but somewhat tired voice answered:
- I'll wait downstairs.
- No, stay.
Leon's harsh voice echoed in the empty corridor, surprising both of them. He continued, less loud, briefly messing his brown hair:
- I mean, please let him in.
- You could at least introduce him to me.
- Right.
He mentioned to the man to come closer and once side by side. Leon nudged his shoulder. Getting the message, the man removed his hood: blond strands standing up in all directions. Rinoa tensed as bleu eyes focused on hers and Leon's next words made her stomach drop:
- Rinoa, this is Cloud Strife: Former-investigator at the Department.