'The vice president's office is here, Reno…He works a lot with the Turks, and as you have only just joined, you must introduce yourself to him personally.'
'Er…ok, thanks Tseng…' Reno trailed off. He always felt that this guy talked like he was reading a textbook. Made conversation a bit weird. But then again, everything in Reno's life was weird right now. Tseng cleared his throat lightly to hurry Reno along, and the redhead complied. He grasped the handle of the door and entered, trembling slightly for some reason. He had heard that the vice could be as bad or worse than the president when unimpressed…and he was determined to impress today. Even if he had forgotten his tie. He closed the door behind him.
The light reflecting off the bright white décor stung Reno's eyes momentarily. He was faced with an immensely long office, at the end of which sat a white desk and a black chair, the back to him.
Typical. Wants to scare me as much as he can.
Reno had no idea what he was to be faced with when was noticed. He thought of the president briefly – in his sixties, fat, short, wrinkled. He had had many wives, and it was likely the vice came from the first few. So…that would make him what? About forty? Probably just like his dad. Short, fat. Reno grew almost sick with fear as he approached the desk, and as he slowed to a halt, he coughed lightly, hoping to gain his attention.
It worked, and the chair turned suddenly. Reno's mouth dropped as he saw what sat opposite him – a boy of no more than around fifteen or sixteen, blonde hair falling over his face, eyebrows knotted in concentration as thumbs furiously tapped the buttons of his hand held console. He sighed abrubtly and paused, switched it off and set it down. As Reno continued to gape, the vice finally looked at him. Blinking a couple of times, he looked as confused as Reno did.
'So…I assume you are the newest addition to the Turk's ranks?' he said. Reno snapped up straight, vaguely intimidated by the vice's perfectly elocuted statement.
'Yes…sir. I was told to come and introduce myse-' The vice cut him short with a hand. Suddenly, he sank in his chair and smirked slightly.
'Look, don't bother with all that 'sir' stuff. I can't stand it. I can't stand this,' he motioned around, '…it reminds me of my stupid father and his hopes for me.'
Reno just blinked. He hadn't expected that spiel just for introducing himself. Shinra Jr leaned back, and then lazily motioned that Reno should sit down. He obeyed. The vice leant forward again, and leant on his hand.
'…I'm sorry, I'm just in a really bad mood today. What's your name…?' he said gently, closing his eyes gently. He looked shattered. Reno still was slightly stunned that the delicate teenager in front of him was the vice, and failed to speak for a second or two.
'…Reno Turizuki,' he mumbled.
'Oh…' the vice replied. Reno furrowed his brows, and relaxed slightly.
'Come on then, what's yours? I only know you as 'the vice',' he said, with a little more confidence.
'Yeah. Not many people do know my name…I'm Rufus. In fact…I think I remember reading something that was sent to me…You're the one they plucked from SOLDIER, right?'
Reno nodded. Folding his arms, he decided to chat a little.
'Uh-huh…Funny, couple o' years ago I was just another slum rat, I joined soldier for some money and got through the ranks almost as fast as Sephiroth…surprised they didn't pick me earlier,' he jested. Rufus smiled lightly, then frowned.
'But…you're like what, fifteen? Sixteen? Any earlier would be evil…I mean, I hate this. I'm fifteen and could be taking on the company any day soon…'
'Yeah, but I'm fifteen and I'm part of a black ops squad…They both suck, dude…' Reno replied. An odd silence descended on the two as they thought on this. Way down at the other end of the office, Tseng opened the door to hurry them along.
'Excuse me sir, but Reno must continue on with his day…' he said slowly. Reno rolled his eyes. Tseng seemed like such as ass-licker. Rufus leant back again and nodded. Holding out his hand, Reno shook it as he stood up. However, just as he turned, Rufus grabbed the arm nearest him. Reno twisted round and looked at him inquisitively, only to find the vice rummaging through a side draw.
'Sorry…don't go just yet…' he murmured. Reno waited and unexpectedly found a pair of goggles thrust into his hand. 'Your hair all in your face was annoying me. Use these to keep it out…'
Reno mumbled thanks and walked back to Tseng, thoroughly confused by this short meeting.
Weird kid.