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 9
Reeve emerged from the ship, blinking against the sunlight. The makeshift port was bustling, people running from place to place, preparing for the sudden intake of arrivals. Reeve felt a movement to his sides, where Vincent and Reno had stepped up to take their place behind their president. Finding their presence comforting against the strangeness, Reeve took a deep breath.
"You ready sir?"
Reeve just nodded to the whispered question, not bothering to identify the speaker. Reno probably. Spotting a young man standing just out from the ramp, Reeve stepped forward, once again a man of power and position.
'I hope these translators work.'
Seeing the three men approaching, the young man stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Greetings and welcome to Earth. I am Rubert Goman and I will be your liaison officer for the event."
"I am Reeve Vector of Gaia, President of Neo Shinra, and I thank you for your hospitability."
"You must be tired and thirsty after your long journey. Allow me to direct you to your quarters."
Stepping behind the young man, Reeve could hear hurried footsteps and Reno's angry growl.
'At least she made it. Otherwise she would have had to help the rest unload.'
Yuffie ran up and took her place between Reno and Vincent.
"Sorry," She whispered, feeling Reno glaring at her.
"Next time we say move out, we mean move out. Now try not to embarrass Reeve anymore," Reno snapped, glancing around at his surroundings.
Yuffie glanced towards Reno.
'Something's not right with Reno, but what is it?'
"You ok Reno? Something bothering you?"
"No, I'm fine. Now stand straight and try to look official."
"Tsh, fine."
The young official had led them to a small building decorated with the banners of Shinra. Yuffie gazed around as she followed. The place had been done up splendidly, with soft plush carpets and equally expensive furniture. The main bedroom – Reeve's – was exquisite, designed for a ruler. With two connecting rooms for servants, or in Reeve's case, Reno and Vincent. A smaller room for Yuffie and Amelia, the more advanced recruit, sat across the hallway. A large kitchen was connected to the dinning room, and a large TV had been set up in the living room.
'Not bad. I could get use to this.'
"When do we meet the other delegates?" Reeve asked Rubert.
"Tonight there will be a welcoming ceremony, and the introductions will be held then. Until then, you may wonder around the area and enjoy yourselves while the other participants arrive and the work begins. Any questions that you have concerning security or directions etc maybe directed towards the SeeD members walking around. They are easily identified by the black and gold uniforms, who will be happy to help you in anyway. If your security personnel wish, they may talk to the headmaster of Balamb Garden, who is in charge of the security of this event. He has made himself available for all of today and urges all security personnel to come speak with him so that there are no complications concerning security. There is a map by the phone of the complex. Now I must bid you farewell, and I hope that you enjoy your stay here on Earth."
"Thank you Mr Goman," Reeve said as the young man left. He turned around and surveyed the surroundings. Reno had already made use of the couch, visable only by the ends of his feet dangling over the arm. From the far bedroom he could here Yuffie's and Amelia's glees of delight as they explored their room.
'Nice to see that everyone's made themselves comfy.'
"Sit back and relax Reeve," Reno said from the depths of the couch. "We have an entire day before your appearance. Go and do something relaxing."
"Like you?"
"Na, I'm just making sure no one's put any pointy objects in the couch. So far I haven't noticed anything but they might have a timer on them or something. Wouldn't want you to miss the opening ceremony course you have to get a pin pulled outa your arse eh pres."
Vincent shook his head from his standing point by the kitchen.
"Sometimes I wonder how exactly you became the leader of the Turks."
"Cause of my charming personality and good looks." Vincent snorted.
"Certainly not for your attitude towards work. You're worse than a bum."
"Fine fine. Vincent, check out the perimeter and what not and I'll go talk to this commander dude."
"Commander dude, how professional."
"Ah shut up and help me get up, I seem to be stuck."
Reeve smirked as he watched the Turk try to pull his commander out of the couch, only to fail. 2 tries later and Reno was freed from his plush jail.
"Right boss, we're off," Reno said, heading towards the door.
"Wait! Can I come to Reno?" Yuffie yelled as she rushed down the hallway..
"Sure, but keep your hands to yourself got it?"
"Tsh sure, got it."
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"So who's this commander dude we have to see?" Yuffie asked, looking around at the sights. There were 14 sections, all with a building much like their own, decorated with the colours of the residents. East of the residential complex was several official buildings. West was a large market set up so that the visiting delegates could experience the tastes, sights and sounds of cultures from Earth and other planets. In the middle of it all was a large semi open stadium,. Where the delegates would meet.
"Well, he's the headmaster actually, but I guess he's taking on the duties of Commander. Squall Leonhart's his name," Reno said, consulting a piece of paper in front of him.
'I recognise that name, but from where?'
"Oh! The hero."
"The hero?"
"Yeah, of the Sorceress War. Didn't you read the file Vincent gave you?"
"Not fully. I had other things taking up my time. I was going to sit down and finish it when we got back."
"Well, there was this sorceress that tried to take over Earth by processing over sorceresses. Squall Leonhart and his group managed to defeat her and her knight – another person she took control of – and saved the world."
"Ahh, what were their names?"
"Well, there was Squall Leonhart, Quistis Treppe, Irvine Kineses, Selphie Tilmit, Zell Dinich, and Rinoa Heartily – she's a sorceress. The sorceress who was under control was Edea Kramer who managed to break free and help them. The knight was Seifer Almasy and he was allowed to rejoin SeeD after the war, since he was possessed and didn't have any control. Hey, Almasy, isn't that your last name as well? Trippy."
"Just a coincidence."
'Seifer Almasy. Sorceress Knight. What part of lay low didn't he understand? Fuck. I hope he's ok. Why didn't he tell me?'
"Reno. RENO!"
"Oh what? Sorry Yuff, spaced out there."
Yuffie snorted.
"Some Turk you are. I thought you were meant to be observant. You were about to walk right past the commander's office."
Reno walked up and opened the door.
"Bait... I mean, ladies first," he snickered as Yuffie glared at him as she walked past.
"Hello, we're here to see Commander Leonhart about security if he's available."
"Yes, he's just talking to another personnel at this moment. May I take your names and ID code please."
"Sure... Xu," Reno said, reading the name badge attached to the girls' uniform.
"Please take a seat and the Commander will see you shortly."
Reno and Yuffie sat down.
"Boring," Yuffie yawned.
"Well, nobody asked you to come."
"Well, someone had to keep the poor lonely Reno company now that he doesn't have Cloud to cuddle up to anymore." Yuffie smiled sweetly at the glaring redhead.
"Thank you for making the time to come in and see me Mr Strife. Hopefully there won't be any misunderstandings or misfortunes concerning security."
"Thank you Mr Leonhart."
Cloud entered the main room with the commander of SeeD, stopping short as he saw who was waiting there.
'Reno...'Time stood still for the two men as they stared at each other.
"Cloud!" Yuffie yelled as she jumped up and gave him a hug, breaking the tension.
"I see you made it alright Yuffie."
"Course I did! Reno was looking after me. Hows Tifa?"
"She's good. She's resting up at the moment."
"Would she mind a visitor?"
"Of course not. You know what Tifa's like."
"Cool! I'm off with Cloud Reno. Come and get me when you're done here!" Yuffie said, bounding out the door, dragging Cloud behind her.
Reno stared after his ex before turning to the SeeD commander who had been standing passively through the exchange. Reno studied the young man for a moment. Messy chocolate brown hair hung over his face, with plush lips and cool, blue eyes that almost appeared grey, and he had a scar running in a diagonal between them, breaking up his features, but enhancing them at the same time. He wore the SeeD uniform with a few slight differences, and judging by the way he wore it, he didn't wear it much. He stood at around 5ft eight but had an air around him that made up for whatever height he lacked. The toned muscle that showed through the uniform told of a fighter than a paper pusher. Not someone you would want to mess around with, even if you didn't know of his history.
'A bit young for a commander. I say he's only 19/20 years old. Very pretty though. I'm sure I've seen him before, but where?'
Mako enhanced eyes met blue grey ones.
"Sorry about that. My name's Reno and I represent Neo Shinra from Gaia."
"Welcome Reno. I'm Squall Leonhart. Come into my office and we'll go over the security procedures."
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------
The day past slowly for Squall. From Security personnel's to SeeD to dealing with the soldiers lent by Galbadia and Esthar, Squall had been on his feet all day.
"Fuck, what a day that was."
"And it's only the start."
Squall looked up to see Seifer standing in the doorway in his white trench coat and black and blue attire.
"Where's your uniform?"
"Umm, ah," Seifer's mind flipped back to his shredded uniform, ripped apart by Angelo as he 'played' in the cleaners.
"I couldn't be bothered putting it on. It doesn't really matter though. It's not like I'm on patrolling or anything."
"No, but you are working in the Commander's Office, and someone might see you every once and a while. You should really be dressed in your uniform."
"Ah take that stick out of your arse Squall." Squall sighed.
"What is it that you want Seifer?"
Seifer's gaze fell to the floor.
"I, um, just want to, um, apologise for what happened the other night."
"Why?"
"Why what?" Seifer asked, looking perplexed.
"Why did you kiss me that night?" Squall asked softly.
"I... don't really know. Why did you kiss me back?"
"I... don't know."
Seifer laughed as he walked up to Squall's desk.
"Well, don't we know the mysteries of the universe," he said as he placed his hands on the desk and lent in closer to the sitting brunette. Squall raised his head to meet Seifer's gaze. Seifer's green gaze. Seifer's green glowing gaze. Squall narrowed his eyes.
'His eyes glow like the personnel's from Gaia...'"Seifer, I don't suppose you know some one called Reno or Cloud?"
Seifer blinked, straightening up.
"Not from the top of my head no. Why?"
"It's nothing. I require these forms to be filed away. Finish these up and you may leave for the night."
"Sure thing puberty boy."
"Seif..." the door closed as Seifer let himself out. Squall lent back into his chair as he studied the two profiles in front of him.
'He lied, but why?'---------------------------------- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------
Reno walked up slowly to the set of buildings that housed Tifa's group, and more importantly, Cloud.
'It's ok, just go in and get Yuffie and get out, that's all you need to do. Stupid girl, forcing me to come here. Not very subtle is she?'
Stopping at the door, Reno took a deep breath to calm himself, plastered his 'cool as a cucumber' look on and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Cloud's voice called out.
"It's Reno. I've come for Yuffie. Is she still there?" Reno called out, breathe hitching as he heard Cloud's voice.
'God I miss him...'The door opened, revealing Cloud.
"She's inside," Cloud replied, refusing to meet Reno's gaze. He stepped aside to let the redhead enter.
"Cloud I ..."
"I don't want to hear it Reno. Yuffie's in the kitchen talking to Tifa," Cloud replied angrily as he turned away and stalked off. The two females watched the exchange from the kitchen doorway.
"Oh, what happened there?" Tifa whispered to Yuffie.
"They had a big massive fight a while ago and broke up. Cloud never told you?"
"No. What was it about?"
"I don't know. Reno refuses to tell me and I wouldn't dare mention Reno's name to Cloud at the moment. All I know is Reno did something to piss Cloud off real bad and they broke up."
"So Cloud's single now?"
"Yeah, Quick, to the table. Reno's coming."
The two females skirted to the table and sat down in time for Reno's arrival.
"Yuffie, come on," Reno said stormily, not even greeting Tifa.
"Oh, but..."
"Now Yuffie. You can socialise later. You have to get prepared for tonight. Now move it."
Yuffie stuck her tongue out at Reno, earning a scowl from the redhead as she stood up.
"Tsh fine," she replied as she lent over and gave Tifa a hug. "See ya later Tif. Tell Cid and the rest that I'll see them later on ok?"
"Yeah sure, thanks for coming."
"No problems Tifa. Bye!" Yuffie said as she bounded out of the kitchen. Reno turned towards the brunette.
"Um Tifa."
"Yes Reno?"
"How's Barrett doing?"
"He's still in a coma with no signs of waking up yet. Why?" Tifa asked suspiciously.
"Just curious. Reeve would like to know in any case," Reno replied as he let himself out. When Reno left the complex, Tifa did a little dance of joy.
'Yeah! Clouds mine now!'--------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
Cloud watched as Reno left. Closing his bedroom door he laid across his bed and stared at the ceiling.
'Fuck.'
He still hadn't forgiven Reno over the Barrett incident, despite Yuffie's best tries to get them back together.
"What did he do to make you so mad?"
"None of your business."
"But Re..."
"Yuffie, if you wish to live your remaining life, don't mention his name to me – ever."
Cloud rolled over onto his side.
'Maybe I've been a bit hard on him,' Cloud thought, remembering the look on Reno's face as he turned away.
'He seems to be sincere... oh I don't know!' Cloud punched his pillow a few times, trying to get comfy.
'Its just so hard to tell with Reno, he could look you in the eye and lie, and get away with it. It all comes down to trust. In the 8 years we were together, did I ever learn to trust him? Should I trust him over this?'
'He's never lied to you before, trusted you with secrets he hasn't told his friends who he has known for far longer than you. Why would he start lying to you now?'
'To cover his arse.'
'And why would he want to cover a delicious arse like that?' the traitorous inner voice said. Cloud smiled as images of Reno's arse in tight black pants popped up.
'Yeah... hey! Damn it! Can't even win an argument against myself.'
'So go see him and argue with him instead of your mind.'
'Ah shut up.'
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Tifa slowly opened the door.
"Hey Cloud, you ok?" Cloud frowned.
"Yeah..."
"It's just that I heard that you and Reno broke up and with him coming here and all..."
Cloud smiled up at the brunette.
"I'm fine, really. You getting ready for tonight?"
"Just going to. I'm feeling quite nervous though."
"Don't worry. It's going to be good."
"Ah Cloud."
"Yes Tifa?"
"I was wondering if you would be my escort for tonight – as friends of course."
"Yeah sure."
Tifa beamed.
"Thanks Cloud, you're the greatest," and she quickly gave a peek on Cloud's cheek.
"I'll go get ready now then," she said before leaving the room, closing the door behind her, leaving Cloud standing in the middle of the room, hand pressed against his cheek.
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"Welcome one and all to the Intergalactic Planetary Trading Association..."
Seifer watched from his hiding spot up in the rafters of the Stadium.
'Just because I can't be seen doesn't mean that I can't watch.'
The event had proceeded with out a hitch, with all the delegates arriving smoothly. The announcer droned on, introducing the delegates but Seifer tuned them out, only interested in the delegates from Gaia. Pulling his trench coat around him, Seifer watched from his vantage point, wind blowing softly around him.
"And from Gaia, the President of Neo Shinra Reeve Vector."
Seifer sat forward and watched as the older man stepped forward. He had aged over the years, but he still managed to keep his innocent boy look. Seifer use to love making him laugh, just so that he could see his eyes light up. To Seifer, it was strange to see a man's eyes display so much emotion in front of everyone. Walking up behind him was the Turk, Vincent Valentine, from before his time, whose long hair blew softly in the breeze and the metal arm gleamed under the lights.
'Have some problems with him if he doesn't side with Reno.'
Seifer's eyes settled on he redhead beside him.
'Reno...'Seifer blinked furiously before wiping his eyes with his sleeve. It wasn't until he saw his foster father when he realised how much he missed him. He hadn't changed that much, thanks to Mako. Someone had pulled his hair into a nice ponytail tied at his nape, flowing down to just below his waist. His hair was tamer than before, but a few strands had rebelled against the gel and hung down around his face, free from the glasses that held them in place. Seifer finally moved on to the girl in between the Two Turks, Contrast to the males, her hair was short, cut above her shoulders, and she wore a uniform simular to the Turks, though Seifer doubted that she was part of the Turks.
'What was her name? Ah yes, Yuffie from Avalanche,' Seifer thought, frowning as he tried to recall information on her.
'Wuitian, about 26 years of age, ninja, joined Avalanche at 16, threat rate – small.'
Reeve finished his welcoming speech and made his way to his area.
'I wonder where Cloud is...'"And the President of Jouissance, Tifa Lockhart."
Seifer focused on the group that could cost him his new life – Avalanche. Most of the members were there, Tifa Lockhart, Cid Highwind, The cat like creature Nanaki (which caused some of the crowd, including SeeD to gasp as he greeted the presenter,) and Cloud, his foster father's supposed boyfriend.
'I wonder why he's not with Reno. He hasn't changed a bit either. I'm glad for that.'
Seifer scanned the group again.
'Hn, that's funny. Barrett's not there. I wonder what happened to him?' Seifer sighed.
'If he's not here, then that's one less threat to me.'
Seifer fidgeted as he made himself comfortable for the following hours of the welcoming gala, soaking in the visions of old friends and old enemies.
AN: Once again, I went overboard with my chapters. I'm not to sure I like the way that I caught Cloud in his 'thinking mode', but might just be me. Remember to read and review, I like to hear how people respond to my fics, even if its helpful criticism.