Disclaimer: Not Mine, Square-Enix

Warning: This fic contains Yaoi, which means guy-on-guy action, drug use, swearing and descriptive scenes (mainly containing blood and guts) that might disturb some people. Do not read if you don't like. Flamers will be used to roast marshmallows on. Not suitable for kiddies.

Chapter 4

"Would Reno Almasy please report to the presidential office immediately."

'Damn, what the hell do I do this time?' Reno thought as he left the Turk office to make his way to see the president. He hadn't changed much over the 10 years, an added effect of mako. His thick red hair was now down to his waist, but he still looked as though he was in his early to mid twenties, rather than the 32 years that he really was. Back in the early day when Reeve had started the rebuilding of Midgar (now called Neo Midgar), and Neo Shinra, the Turks had a major haul over, becoming a independent organization with no ties to any particular organization, hiring themselves out to the highest paying customer. The uniforms had changed as well. Gone were the blue suits that showed that they were the larkys of Shinra, now the uniforms consisted of a black Chinese-collar top that ended below the waist and was tied at the waist with a belt, with dragon designs sewn in black silk thread, only visible when the light hit them, and disappearing in the darkness. It was Elena's idea, as a way to symbolise the Turks nature. Reno wasn't to sure at first, but the top grew on him. The pants were also black, and were loose fitting; followed by black boots and a black trench coat for wear out of the office. Embroidered on the back of the coats in the same black silk thread was the same dragon symbol that was on their tops. Again, Elena's idea. Ranks were told by the colour of the rims along the collar, sleeves and hem. Black rims denoted a recruit, dark blue was for the normal ranks, the second in command had a dark red rim, and Reno's top had gold rims, denoting that he was the leader. Sure, they weren't made for wearing on missions and all that – they had a different uniform for that, with the exception of the trench coat, that was used for both uniforms, - but it looked tidy and presentable, and was what they wore when dealing with bodyguard duty.

When Neo Shinra was rebuilding Neo Midgar, Reeve had approached the Turks, with the intention of hiring them on. If it had been anyone other than Reeve, Reno would of declined, with the plan of avoiding getting back involved with something that had Shinra in its name, but Reeve had always been classed as a friend by the Turks, so Reno agreed, and had a contract written out stating the conditions of the business. Sure, Reno trusted Reeve, but he had to have some safety guard, just in case. The Turks moved their main office into the Neo Shinra building, and did simular jobs as when Shinra was in charge, but the Turks continued to take on other jobs, just as long as they didn't interfere with their job at Neo Shinra. This had suited the Turks fine, and had continued their services with Reeve over the years.

"You may go in now sir" the receptionist told Reno as he sat in the waiting room. Without acknowledging the lady, Reno walked through the large doors and into the presidential office. It was a large spacious office, designed for comfort as well as business. The wall along the side was a large window allowing sunlight to filter in, bathing the room in a natural glow, giving the office a 'homely' feel to it. At the far end of the office facing the door sat a large mahogany desk, where a figure sat, entranced in the files in front off him. Reeve had taken on the rebuilding of Midgar, building both Neo Shinra and Neo Midgar from the ashes of their former selves. Many were worried that history would repeat its' self, but with the invention of electricity, and Reeve's ability to be everybody's friend, many fears of another tyrannical company soon dissipated. Over the years, the company grew, until it was nearly the size of the original Shinra, sparking fears anew in some. But truth be told, the only reason why the company had grown so big was that they were no other large companies prepared to deal with transport, weapons, space trade, and so forth, so Reeve had build divisions to deal with those areas. The only other company that was starting to look into weapons and space trade was Jouissance, a new up and rising company set out to topple Neo Shinra from it's perch. The pressures of running such are large company had taken it's toll on Reeve, with fine grey hair showing through his lush black hair and goatee, giving him a salt and pepper look, despite being only 2 years older than Reno. He had a constant tired look to his face from the many nights that he spent working overtime to keep the city running smoothly, but despite this, his warm brown eye still held a sparkling glow to them, and his face would light up whenever he talked about his city that he had designed and built from nothing. Reeve clearly enjoyed his job and did it well, but Reno wished that he would take a break every now and again. His vice president, a young girl by the name of Fiona, was smart and down to earth, perfectly capable of running the company while Reeve took a well-deserved holiday.

"You wished to see me sir?" Reno intoned as he walked towards the desk.

"Yes Reno. Please, sit down" Reeve said as he motioned to the chair across from him with his pen. "I've been wanting to talk to you about the attacks that have been happening on our power plants recently." Reno lent forward, curious.

"As you know, the attacks have been going on over the last few months, with a small resistance group sneaking in and destroying the main power grids, cutting off power for days on end. Not causing much harm life wise, but making us appear inefficient to the people. Before, it was believed that it was a small rebel group doing this, but thanks to the information your people have managed to gather, it looks as though it is Jouissance that is behind the attacks, disguising it as a small rebel group. You do know of the situation between us and Jouissance." Reno just nodded. Barret Wallace and Tifa Lockheart formed Jouissance shortly after Neo Shinra was born. The two had a major disagreement with Reeve over the future of Neo Midgar and Neo Shinra, fuelled by Barret's distrust of anyone who worked for Shinra. They broke off from Neo Shinra, selling their shares to Vincent, and formed Jouissance, becoming the main competitor for Neo Shinra. Unwilling to become a part of the rivalry, most of the group sold their shares, with the exception of Vincent and Yuffie, and went their own ways. Nanaki returned to Cosmo Canyon and continued his Grandfather's work on the planet. Cid took his wife Shera and two daughters back to Rocket Town, where they opened a mechanic school, training engineers and pilots. Yuffie remained in Neo Midgar and opened up a materia shop, and was soon doing good business. She kept in good contact with Reeve and Co, often popping around for a coffee and chat. Vincent had taken the position of Second in Command of the Turks, dealing with the training of the new recruits, and was one of Reeves most trusted advisors. Cloud on the other hand was the only person who didn't join the group in forming Neo Shinra. After the Crisis, Cloud had retreated into his shell, and took off one night, leaving Tifa in tears. Not hearing from him for a couple of months, the gang was shocked when he appeared on day at Neo Shinra headquarters with Reno, who had been away on Turk business. The gang had offered him a part in the shares of the company, but Cloud had declined, preferring to keep his distance from the company. He moved in with Reno, and started writing a chronicle on their journey, as a way to spend his time. After the success of his first book, he took to writing full time, writing several fantasy novels, all which had become best sellers.

"Sorry Reno, stupid question I know." Reeve said apologetically. "I require you to infiltrate Jouissance headquarters and find out what their motives are. These attacks just doesn't feel right."

"I understand sir, but…"

"But?"

"But I'm wondering why you didn't request Vincent for this job. He's far more qualified in espionage than I" Reno asked.

"Because of his link with Barret and Tifa. Something is extremely fishy with this situation and I need to be able to count on the person acquiring the information to bring back a full report. Though it seems unlikely that he wouldn't do such a thing, he still might take the information back to the others and try dealing with whatever he found themselves – the ties within the group are strong, as you might know," Reeve replied.

"Their bond with you wasn't so strong."

"That is because the dealt with Cait Sith, not me, and I was a spy at one stage" Reeve replied. "Not the best way to form a bond, but I must of left some impression or Vincent, Cloud and Yuffie wouldn't be classed as my closer friends."

"True," mused Reno. "You can trust on me to find out what's going on sir."

"Good. Just remember, this mission is classed as top secret, and no one is to find out about it, including Cloud. I don't want to put him in an awkward position because of his friendship with Tifa."

"… Yes sir."

"Thanks Reno" Reeve said, leaning back in his chair. "You're dismissed."

Reno nodded in acknowledgement and left the office, mind already on the task of preparing for the mission; 'What the fuck am I going to tell Cloud…"

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Cloud was lounging on the back deck when Reno got home, watching the sunset. Reno took the time to watch his lover unnoticed. The blonde was still a fine specimen, despite his new profession – he still worked out everyday with his sword. His blonde hair was longer, down to shoulders, though he still kept it in the same style. He had ditched the solider uniform a long time ago, instead opting for a tight dark navy sleeveless top and form fitting pants which weren't too tight, but still managed to show off his nice arse, or at least it was to Reno, though he might be a bit bias on the matter. Now the light of the sunset played across the porch, bathing the blonde in hues of red, pink and orange, highlighting Cloud's blonde hair in tones of red and gold. Reno smiled as he walked up behind Cloud, wrapping his arms around his waist, startling the blonde.

"Hey babe," Reno murmured into Cloud's neck.

"Fuck Reno, you gave me a fright" Cloud replied, leaning back into the Turk. The two just stood there in silence, watching the last of the sunset to disappear, replaced by the beginnings of night-time. Cloud twisted around so that he was facing Reno, and wrapped his arms around the others' waist.

"So how was work?"

"Tsh fine. I have a new mission that's going to take me away for a few days though" Reno replied.

"Oh, what is it?"

"Sorry babe can't tell you that. Orders from the pres."

"Fine then" Cloud said stonily, and turned away from Reno.

"Oh Cloud, don't be like that. I trust you, but I have my orders not to tell anyone, and that includes you I'm afraid" Reno said as he grabbed Clouds' waist and pulled him around to face him again. Cloud looked up at Reno, giving him his best glare. Unfortunately, Reno was quite immune to his glares by now, so all that resulted from Clouds efforts was a quick kiss on the lips.

"Your right Re, I'm sorry." Cloud said as he pulled the redhead down for a kiss. "Its just that you've been going away so much lately that I'm starting to feel a little bit left out."

"I've been wondering why you've suddenly gone like a possessive wife on me." Reno chuckled at the look on Clouds face.

"I'm sorry Cloud, but I have to go and do this mission. Maybe afterwards I can take a few days off and we can get reacquainted" Reno said suggestively, leering playfully at the blonde.

"Why not now?" Cloud replied huskily, reclaiming Reno's lips in a passionate kiss, hands roaming their bodies with practised ease.

"I love you Cloud" Reno murmured as he pulled Cloud down on the two seater.

"I love you too."

The next-door neighbour drew her curtains and turned her radio up loud – very loud.

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Cloud gazed at his sleeping lover. He had never thought that he would of ended up with the reckless Turk, or any male for a matter of fact. Cloud smirked as Reno rolled over, causing the sheet to slip further down his body. 8 years together and Cloud had never gotten sick of looking at his lover's form. Cloud had bumped into Reno a month after the Crisis. He was travelling around the southern coast near Mideel, and had stopped at a nearby inn, where he came across Reno with a young boy, around 8 yrs of age, with blonde hair and mako bright green eyes. Clouds first thought was to run the two through with his sword, but instead sat down and shared a meal with them. Despite his misgivings, dinning with the two had been a pleasant experience, and by the end of the night, the two men were talking as though they had been best friends, instead of worst enemies. "When the two left in the morning, he left with them. It wasn't so bad, Reno was enjoyable company and had a way of getting a person to talk without them realising – Turk training Cloud guessed. He had told Reno much about his past – what he remembered – about his troubled relationship with Tifa, about the loss of Aeris, the fight against Sephroith and what it had cost him. In return, Reno told him about his life, what it was like to be a Turk, about his lover Rufus and his adopted son Vincent, and his promise to keep the boy safe. Despite the past history between the three, they had grown close in the few months that they had travelled together, and Cloud was genuinely upset when the two had left to find a safe place for Vincent. Cloud had planned to return to Neo Midgar when Reno had left, but instead decided to await the Turk's return before heading back. After rejoining the group he decided to just sit back and relax for a while, writing a chronicle of the Crisis. When Reno offered him a room at his place, Cloud quickly agreed, much to everyone's surprise. It was still another 2 years before they got together – Reno was still mourning for his lover and best friend Rufus, and Cloud for Aeris, the flower girl who had managed to touch his heart, despite his best efforts to keep it hidden away.

Cloud could still remember clearly the night they got together. It was Clouds 23rd birthday and the two had been sitting on the two seater on the back deck, looking at the stars and talking about inconsequential things, when Reno had lent in and gently laid a kiss on his lips, before pulling back a bit, waiting for Cloud's reaction. Cloud was a bit shocked by the kiss, but surprised both Reno and himself by pulling the Turk in for another, more heated kiss. They had been together since then. Cloud knew that Rufus would always have a place in Reno's heart, much like how Aeris would always have a place in his heart, but he knew that Reno loved him, and that he loved the redhead back. Unfortunately some of the others wouldn't of understood, so the two had kept their relationship hidden, until Tifa walked in on them making out one day. Tifa had been trying on and off to get Cloud's attention for years. She had decided to pay a surprise visit on Cloud in her sexiest clothes, thinking that Reno was at work, hoping that Cloud would announce his undying love for her. Needless to say she was not expecting to see Cloud and Reno lip locked in a passionate kiss and missing half of their clothes on the living room couch. It didn't help that Reno had laughed at the look on Tifa's face as well. Tifa had ran off in humiliation, told everyone some bizarre story about what had happened and refused to talk to Cloud for months. This had upset Cloud – he classed Tifa as a good friend, and hadn't wanted to hurt her feelings, but he couldn't help whom he loved. After sometime Tifa came around, though their friendship was on shaky grounds at the best, and she absolutely despised Reno, due to the fact that he worked for the opposition and, in her eyes, had stolen her boyfriend away from her. It was always quite interesting when the two were in the same room together. The others had taken it a bit better, with the exception of Barret. Reeve wasn't that surprised, he had known about Reno's previous relationship with Rufus, and had been hearing all about Cloud's great arse for the last two years. Vincent didn't seem to care, along with Nanaki, passing it off as none of their business. Cid didn't accept their relationship at first, always trying to talk Cloud into leaving Reno for Tifa, and have a proper relationship without sin, but when he saw how happy Cloud was with Reno, he eased off, though remained uncomfortable about the relationship. In return, the two held off doing anything front of him. Yuffie was happy that they had gotten together, and wasn't bothered by their relationship in the slightest. She even came to the movies with them, despite the odds of them actually watching the movie being quite slim. Rude and Elena didn't mind, already knowing Reno's preference. Barret on the other hand had never accepted them. Upset over the way that Tifa had been treated, he cut of all his ties to Cloud, even refusing to attend group outings if Cloud was going to be there. Cloud sighed, and lent close to the sleeping redhead.

"Wakey wakey sleepyhead" Cloud whispered as he nibbled on Reno's ear.

"Mmm I don't wanna"

"Oh, but then you'll miss all the fun" Cloud replied, slowly trailing his hand down Reno's chest and under the sheet…

rrriiinnnggg!

"Ah fuck! Stupid fucken phone!" Cloud yelled, throwing his hands in the air.

"You going to get that Cloud? Reno asked, fully awake.

"hn, I guess." Cloud grabbed a pair of boxers and stormed over to the phone.

"What do you want?" he growled into the phone as he roughly pulled his boxers on.

"Well hello to you too Cloud. What, did I interrupt something?" Tifa purred.

"You really want to know?"

"… No, not really."

Cloud sighed. "What can I help you with Tifa?"

"I'm just wondering if you're doing anything over the next few days."

"No, nothing planned as of yet."

"Well, why don't you join me and the rest of the gang out at Mideel, as a holiday get together. Barret's staying here to run Jouissance, so you don't have to worry about making waves. I guess you could even bring Reno along," Tifa added in, with less enthusiasm.

"Na, he's busy. I'll come though. When and where?"

"Cid's going to be doing the rounds with the Highwind tomorrow morning so around 11am good for you?"

"Yeah that's fine. Oh yeah Tifa, I was wondering, who organised this?"

"Reeve did, I was surprised that he invited us, but he said that it was a group reunion, with no ties to business. I don't have anything against Reeve personally, just his company, so I decided to go along. Barret refused but that didn't surprise Reeve. Why?"

"Just curious" Cloud answered, glancing towards Reno. "See you tomorrow."

"Sure, bye!" Cloud hang up the phone and turned towards the bed.

"Reno babe,"

"Yeah Cloud?"

"I'm no big fan of coincidence, but I'm finding it a bit strange that you have to go on a top secret mission over the next couple of days and Suddenly Reeve's throwing a big do for the same amount of time, inviting both Tifa and Barret along for the fun" Cloud said silkily as he wrapped his arms around the waist of the sitting redhead.

"So?"

"So, there must be something going on concerning Jouissance, and you've been sent to deal with it." Reno looked down, unwilling to lie to his lover.

"I can't say Cloud, but it won't put your friends in danger, I can promise you that."

"Really? Can I trust you enough to believe that?"

"Of course you can Cloud!" Reno exploded. "We've been together for 8 years and your asking me that! I've trusted you with information that no one else knows, the least you can do is be able to trust me on this."

Cloud sighed and nuzzled into Reno's neck.

"I'm sorry Reno, I trust you, but you must remember that you're also a Turk and my friends are opposing your company. That mix generally doesn't bond well, especially with the secrecy. They are my friends, even Barret, and I don't want to see them get hurt. I trust you, but as a Turk… you do what you have to for the sake of your company."

Reno sighed and wrapped his arm around Cloud's shoulder, planting a kiss on the top of his head.

"I hear ya Cloud. It's nothing like that, I promise you. I'm not sure why Reeve's holding the get together. It might be because of the mission, but most likely he finally took my suggestion to have a holiday, but," Reno intoned seriously, "You mustn't say anything about your suspicions to Reeve or Tifa. Reeve would rather work side by side with Tifa than against her, and if there is anything suspicious going on concerning the two, there won't be a chance for that. Promise me."

"I promise." Reno captured Clouds' lips in a passionate kiss.

"Good. Now that that's been sorted, how about we go find something to eat, and you can get back to showing me what fun I would have been missing…" Reno said suggestively.

"Or maybe," said Cloud, capturing Reno's fingers in his mouth, sucking on each one suggestively, "We could just skip dinner and have some of that fun now" as his hand wondered downwards. Reno just grinned.

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The dark figure dropped from the air vent and glanced around. Shortly after Cloud had left, Reno had started preparing for his night's work, going over stolen floor plans and working out his plan of action. Nightfall had seen Reno crawling through the air vents until he reached the 3rd floor, leaving him to climb the last remaining floors to the presidential office, where he would find the relevant files and clues that he was to recover, and get out of there.

'Piece of cake'

Reno arranged his trench coat so that he was able to access his weapons with little fuss, though he doubted that he would need them, and walked towards the stairs. It was then that he ran into Barret Wallace.