Reno and Zack would rotate on being Cloud's buddy system for his mako injection appointments. Much to their relief Cloud didn't have any repeats of the first one where he heard voices. He also never showed any signs of remembering that part.
News of two Second Class SOLDIERs being dishonorably discharged and served with sexual assault charges spread like wildfire. As Tseng predicted the two men decided they want to fight the charges. He notified Cloud the moment he learned of this detail.
The date of the first court meeting was set for a few months away. So Cloud spent that time focusing on his training. A few times Zack called in Hawke for them to spar. And eventually Zack began to take Cloud out on missions.
Cloud also began his therapy. The reports from the doctor were boring, but Hojo was beginning to see a significant change of confidence from them. The professor also noticed the occasional glares from one of the Turks when he was Cloud's buddy for the appointment.
Although Hojo didn't have all the details, Cloud had informed he had a severe reaction. Throwing up, delirium, then sleeping it off. Upon awakening he had a ravenous hunger and boundless energy. Hojo suspected there was something else to the symptoms if a Turk was being suspicious.
It didn't matter. Hojo wasn't going to repeat that mistake again. He had administered too much J Cells. He eventually stopped giving J Cells altogether as he kept track of the progress of S Cells advancing in a higher rate of speed. With the mako it sped up the process.
Hojo also kept a close eye on Sephiroth. Thus far there weren't dramatic changes within his cellular structure. Even so Hojo sensed there was a change within Sephiroth. An awakening of some sort. He suspected Cloud had something to do with that.
Unsuspected that they were the center of Hojo's experiments, Cloud and Sephiroth continued to explore their relationship. As days turned into weeks the whole of Midgar began to have running theories. Whenever questioned they denied of such claims. On the outside they were just close friends.
But everyone knew behind closed doors the pair were getting it on. Surprisingly as a whole the SOLDIERs didn't care. By now Brandt and his whole gang were shunned. Those that weren't even being charged were treated the same as Brandt and Garrett. Soon enough the gang dispersed, some of them disappearing altogether.
Thus far only Brandt and Garrett remained strong in their friendship. When discharged Garrett found himself without a place to live. He ended up moving in with Brandt, who lived in a condo bought for him by his rich parents.
Already Cloud had a sense on how well this was going to go for those two. However he wasn't going to get his hopes up. Brandt hired a prestigious attorney to represent both him and Garrett for the upcoming trial.
Meanwhile Cloud was scrambling with his own attorney. He didn't have the pay for any of the best. Even if he pulled the strings of being a SOLDIER, most looked down at the fact he's Third Class and has yet to make a name for himself besides being suspected as Sephiroth's lover. Tseng was doing everything possible to try and pull strings, but he had his hands tied.
Then during one of his visits to Tseng's office for yet another attempt to hire an attorney, they had an unexpected visitor. The door opened to reveal none other than Vice President Rufus Shinra.
"Sir?" Cloud wasn't sure if he was supposed to salute or not.
"Tseng. May I borrow your chair for a moment?" The prestine blond in a crisp white suit addressed the Turk.
Wordlessly Tseng stands and leaves. Cloud watched him go, suddenly growing a little afraid. He turns just to watch the vice president sit in the previously taken seat. For a long moment they stared into each other in silence. It was as if they were sizing each other up.
"I can't recall the last time a Third Class SOLDIER has earned the spotlight." Rufus breaks the silence.
"... Sir?" Cloud had no idea what was going on. Why was the vice president here? Why did Tseng leave so willingly?
"You're famous and you haven't even done anything for it. Although perhaps sharing a bed with General Sephiroth will always gain some sort of attention."
At the insinuation Cloud visibly tenses. He focused on his breathing to rein in his temper. He had to remind himself this was the damn vice president in that chair across from him.
"Oh, forgive me. I am never subtle. I have no means to interfere with whatever arrangement you have with Sephiroth. I am here to get a better understanding of you. There's so much speculation, so many theories that it's hard to decipher which story tells the real you. It doesn't help you're shying away from the fame."
"What do you want to know and why?"
"You would make a good Turk with that attitude. You know how to ask the right questions. So there's brain and brawn in there. There's hope for you yet, Cloud. Can I call you that?" Rufus tilts his head a little.
"I don't think you would care if I said no." Cloud earned a soft laugh.
"To be fair, Cloud is a better name to address you by in comparison to Strife." Rufus flashes a handsome smile.
"And what do I call you then? Sir?"
"Hmm. I'll get back to you on that. But first, I want to get to know you first. What is your ultimate goal for being a SOLDIER?"
"To be a hero." Cloud said with such conviction the vice president actually went quiet.
"A noble cause. So I suppose landing Sephiroth was just luck?"
"I didn't join SOLDIER just so I could bed him if that's what you mean." Cloud narrowed his eyes, and this time Rufus laughed for real.
"And yet you took the chance once presented. Granted, if I were in your shoes, I won't blame you."
"Is there a point to all of this? I can't imagine you setting aside so much time out of your schedule just to meet me, some nobody."
"Oh, but see, you aren't a nobody. You're a somebody. I'm here, aren't I? I wouldn't be here if you were a nobody, Cloud."
"Cut the mind games. What do you want?" Cloud was losing patience.
"Know what, I like you. You've got balls to talk to me like that. So I'm going to make you an offer. You see, that was all a little test. I'm in the market for a personal bodyguard."
Cloud made a face. Was this man serious?
"Isn't that what the Turks are for?"
"Yes, but I would feel a little safer knowing I have my own personal SOLDIER should rebels like AVALANCHE takes a stand on my life. Or if there was ever an assassin sent by Wutai."
"Then why not use a First Class? Or any of the big three? Why some nobody Third Class SOLDIER?"
"Because they already have their hands full. Their fame has peaked. Yours, however. Yours is just beginning to climb. Perfect to shape and mold into my own personal bodyguard while you're still Third Class. Of course, you will continue your SOLDIER duties until I call."
"I have yet to see any benefits from this." Cloud crossed his arms.
"I was just getting to that, dear Cloud." Rufus leans back, smiling a wicked smile. "Soon as you sign my contract you essentially have all of my power at your disposal. My resources, my influence, my support. In essence I can make a call right now and with a snap of my fingers I can have the best attorney of all Midgar agree to represent you."
"Yeah, right." Cloud scoffed.
"You don't believe me?" Rufus reached for the desk phone. He put it on speaker as he dialed a number.
"Hello this is Phoenix Law Offices, the best of Midgar lawyers for any case, how may I help you?" A secretary answered.
"Can you get me in touch with Emilia Phoenix?"
"Who is this speaking? She's busy at the moment I can have her call you back."
"This is Rufus Shinra."
"The Rufus Shinra? Excuse me a moment, I'll get her in touch with you, Sir." The secretary put him on hold for a moment.
Cloud stared at the phone. Was this really happening? He recalled when he and Tseng glanced over a list of lawyer offices they came across Phoenix Law Offices. Tseng mentioned it was pointless to call them because they won't represent any SOLDIER unless they were First Class.
Sephiroth had made the offer to pull some strings on his end. But Cloud had refused. It would be a public confirmation that they were together. He was paranoid that it would put a huge strain on their relationship.
"Rufus, honey! To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?" A different voice spoke. She sounded young and soft, and yet there was an underlying command in her voice that she wasn't afraid to use if possible.
"It's been too long, hasn't it? How are things between you and John?" Rufus worked up his charm.
"Things are wonderful! We're getting ready to be married next year. But I'm sure you're not calling to catch up? Tell me, what's the favor."
"You know me too well, Em. I was just wondering if you were interested in possibly signing on to represent Cloud Strife in his upcoming trial."
"He's Third Class, isn't he? You know my rules, honey. I'm not a charity case."
"But what if it's me asking? I will provide all the payments necessary to afford you and your services." Rufus wasn't going to budge.
"Hmm. I assume you got me on speaker? Is he there with you?"
"Yes, ma'am." Cloud stammered.
"So polite. Let me guess, you're having trouble finding someone to represent you. And Rufus here is making you an offer. What is he asking for in exchange?"
"My service as his personal bodyguard." The young SOLDIER bit his lip.
"Really? He's been searching for years to find the perfect fit to be his chosen bodyguard. He's chosen you?"
"He's special, Em. If he accepts my offer I won't let him go. If he were my type and single I would be interested in that regard. But alas, I have to pass on him." Rufus smiles as Cloud squirms.
"Careful, now. I hear a lot of talk on who he's with. If it's true you don't even want to cross that man." Emilia warns with mirth in her voice.
"I don't have a death wish. So, what will it be, Em? Will you do it for me?"
"Know what, throw in a lunch date and you got yourself a deal, honey."
"I'll be happy to oblige. Anything for you, Em. You're the best." Rufus had his charming smile back.
"Cloud, dear? I assume you're working with Tseng as well?"
"Yes, ma'am." Cloud was at a loss.
"I'll get in touch with him to meet you sometime this week and we will coordinate on a day you're not off saving the world."
"Okay." Was all he could stammer.
"All right. I have to go, you interrupted me at a very important meeting. I'll call you sometime for that lunch, Rufus."
"Anytime, Em. You know my personal number." Rufus hung up the phone. Then he pulled out a piece of paper and unfolded it.
"You came prepared?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.
"I'm always prepared, Cloud." The vice president reached for a pen.
"And if I didn't agree?"
"Then I would have walked out that door a long time ago. So, since I upheld my end of the deal, won't you do the honors?" Rufus held out the pen.
"How long will I be your dog?" Cloud knew he was trapped. The vice president got him.
"For as long as you're a SOLDIER and I'm alive." Rufus had a glint in his eyes.
"...Fine." Cloud snatched the pen and signed on the line.
Rufus folded the contract and placed it back inside his suit. All the while that charming smile never faltered. Rufus knew he had him and Cloud wasn't sure whether to admire him or feel disgusted.
"I will be in touch. Oh, and Cloud? You can call me Rufus." The vice president stood and took his leave. A minute later Tseng entered.
"What were his terms?" The Turk inquired as he sat back in his chair.
"I'm essentially his dog for the rest of my life." Cloud crossed his arms.
"Not all bad, considering. It could have been worse for you." Tseng was surprised.
"Is he always like that?" The blond scowled at the prospect.
"In time you will get used to it. Mind you, he's been raised with the whole world under his fingertips. He has years to learn and grow."
"I don't know if someone like him can change for the better." Cloud had his doubts. At his words Tseng smiled.
"The future isn't set in stone. With a snap of the fingers anything can change."
It clicked in Cloud's head in what type Rufus preferred.
