They first met as children. When Rufus finally fought his way to going to a public school, his father enrolled him into the best Midgar has to offer. To his horror the public school wasn't how he expected.
The other children avoided him. All because of who his father was. Except for one little Emilia Phoenix. Now she was the perfect example of an ugly duckling who grew up to be the most beautiful swan in the pond.
Long chestnut brown hair. When she felt fancy she had complicated braids on the back of her head and allow the rest to flow down her back. Sparkling blue grey eyes with flecks of light brown. A smile that can make any man weak. And a voice that commands all attention, which was a startlingly contrast to her slightly petite build and height.
Of course there were rumors. They both laughed it off. Despite the speculations Rufus and Emilia remained close friends. She was the first to help him come to terms with his sexuality. She was there at his side as he endured his first heartbreak. When he needed an ear to listen to his frustrations she was all ears at anytime.
Hence he encouraged her field of choice. Rufus supported her all the way. He was the one to realize she had a presence within her that can turn the tide in the courtroom. He saw it as she never lost her fire to stand up to what was right. She wasn't even afraid of getting on his ass when he broke the rules.
So Rufus stood by her side as she endured law school. He made it no secret that he did so. And he laughed as she stunned the world that she had talent. She proved herself that she didn't need his presence. But having Rufus Shinra in her pocket gave her a huge boost into her career.
He guided her to the right people to decide on a loan for her own law office. Within a years time she was able to pay it off due to her popularity. She was stern on who she accepted to work in her office from fellow lawyers, to the secretaries, to the janitors. She ruled with a kindness that held a stern undertone.
Hence why her nickname became Fire Queen.
The name fit. And as she walked into Tseng's office she didn't hold anything back on her appearance. Her hair was done all fancy, a circular of braids on the back of her head to hold the curtain of her hair in place. Her suit was black with crimson red accents. Instead of a skirt she chose a pair of suit pants. Her heels were comfortable yet stylish, the best of both worlds.
Cloud couldn't help but feel like an insect in her presence. She held herself up in a commanding way that rivaled Rufus. He could see why they made the perfect fit. He couldn't help but wonder that if Rufus didn't prefer men, he could achieve the world and then some with someone like her at his side.
"You must be my new client, Cloud Strife. I am Emilia Phoenix and I will be your attorney." She greeted with a kind smile and offered her hand.
He nods and grasped her hand. Surprisingly her grip was strong. Tseng pulled up another chair for her to sit beside the SOLDIER. Emilia took her seat and accepted a folder the Turk provided. Her eyes scanned the papers carefully yet efficiently, taking in all of the important information.
"I understand this might be painful, but can you describe to me what you remember that night? I want to be sure your memory is still fresh." Emilia never looked up from the papers she was reading over.
So Cloud cleared his throat and recounted everything. His voice shook on some details, but he found the sting of the pain was far lesser than when he told Tseng. She listened silently as she cross referenced with the notes.
When Cloud was done she finally looked at him in the eye. She took in the image of how he carried himself. Throughout the whole ordeal his shoulders never faltered. His eyes didn't shy from her. And Emilia saw what Rufus meant. Cloud Strife was special, and he didn't even realize it despite the biggest names of Midgar being drawn to him like fireflies.
Already she could see the mako green just barely taking over around the irises. They were specs of green floating on an ocean. They displayed the pain that he endured, still is. And yet there was a resilience. A strength of will to fight.
"All right. I first took on this case because of Rufus insistence. But I'm accepting it out of my own free will. Now that I've seen you for myself I understand what Rufus means." She pulls out her personal card, one she never hands out to anyone. "This is my personal number. Keep it safe in case you ever need to get a hold of me."
Cloud accepted it and placed it inside a pocket. He didn't understand what she meant. Why did everyone think he was so special? He didn't see it. He still had a hard time wrapping his head around the fact he was in a relationship with General Sephiroth on some days.
"I need you to understand that as soon as we walk into that courtroom, the energy will shift. Shock, anger, awe, and questions. Everyone knows who I am and my reputation. I have never once folded against my own rules."
"Until now." Cloud understood where this is going. The corners of her mouth tugged into a tight smile. She was beginning to see he didn't just have the looks.
"Until now. I know this might sound like I don't have to say this, but I'm going to give you some advice. When we walk in there I want you to hold your head high. Walk with confidence. Don't rush yourself to our assigned seats. Keep pace with me and allow our combined authority make them tremble."
Cloud had his doubts he could do that. But under her intense gaze he nods. Unlike Rufus, who he challenged without fear, there was something about her that he couldn't deny her what she wanted. A part of him recognized why she earned the spot of being Rufus Shinra's personal lawyer.
"Afterwards the press will swarm with questions. All of them will be pertaining on how you got me to agree to take this case. Some might even insinuate Rufus Shinra and ask what you did to earn his support."
"I didn't do anything. He waltzed in here and I called his bluff." Cloud scowled, but he knew she was right.
"I know. Trust me, I've known him for years. But the important thing for you to understand is that you must ignore all questions. Don't even acknowledge them. Pretend they're flies meant to be swatted away. Let them speculate."
"Okay. I'll try my best." The blond nods.
"Think of it this way. We are currently sitting in the tallest building of Midgar. If you look out the window you will see how small and immaculate the rest of the city is." She sensed his nervousness and decided to try a different perspective.
"I don't see anyone as below myself. If anything I am less than them." Cloud admits.
"You're a SOLDIER. Third Class, but a SOLDIER nonetheless. As you rise in the ranks you can say yeah, this happened. This broke me. But it's behind me now. Like a phoenix rises out of the ashes you are made new. I can see it already, you just have to believe in yourself."
Her words moved him in such a way he never felt before. And Cloud nods, this time with more confidence. Emilia gives him a reassuring smile.
"Remember once this is all over you can walk away and never look back."
"Yeah. I'm sure Rufus will keep me busy." The blond comments, earning a giggle.
"Oh he will proudly show you off, just to warn you. That's his favorite part of his job is to show off." Emilia returns to the folder.
"Why am I not surprised." Cloud sighed.
"Because it's Rufus Shinra. But enough talk, it's time to get serious. We should practice for the courtroom, starting with the way we walk, sit down, and go over possible questions. Tseng, would you be a dear and be the judge and the defense attorney for us?"
"Even better I'll grab someone to be the judge and I'll be the the defense attorney." Tseng had a different idea. If they were going to simulate a courtroom, they might as well do it right.
"Oh yes, that's even better." Emilia agreed.
Tseng left and returned with Reno and Rude. Together they brought in more chairs, and set it up to where it somewhat resembled a courtroom. Two sets of chairs on the left and right a distance away from the office desk where the mock judge will sit.
"Rude, you'll be the judge. Reno, you're going to be my client." Tseng instructed.
"Why do I have to be the asshhat?" The redhead scowled.
"Because you can't pull off a convincing judge." Rude moved to stand behind the desk.
"Yeah, yeah." Reno rolled his eyes.
So they went over the walk. It took a couple of tries and simple instructions and tips from Emilia. Once she was satisfied with his performance, they continued on with the practice while the Turks got into character.
Cloud realized very quickly why Tseng took it upon himself to be the opposing attorney. He carried himself with authority and knew how to ask just the right questions to get under Cloud's skin. After all Brandt hired a prestigious attorney, thus it won't be easy for Cloud despite having Emilia Phoenix.
As they progressed Emilia would pause the simulation for tips and suggestions. Cloud was instructed to never falter his gaze and must keep his shoulders straight at all times. When he struggled with words Emilia taught him tongue twisters and tips on how to think before he speaks.
And above all else he must never, never look at her for any help. Even as Tseng started on the hard questions, Cloud must not look at Emilia for guidance. He must prove that she wasn't holding his hand through this trial. It was very hard but Cloud managed.
After a few grueling hours of this they finally switched so Reno was the one being questioned. Cloud moved back to sit next to Emilia and Reno took the stand.
"This is where you must remain calm. No matter what he says, you can't react. Just breathe and don't let it show. Remember he is the one being charged so this is his future on the line. He will make up anything he can to get out of it." Emilia whispered into his ear.
Cloud slowly nods. He was already slightly prepared for it. He looked up to Reno, who looked uncomfortable.
"Cloudy boy? I just want you to know, don't take any of this personal. And if you're gonna hit me, don't hit the face." The redhead didn't want to do this. But he knew he had to put on a good show. The more practice the blond had the better.
"I'll keep that in mind." Cloud's hands tightened into tight fists. Emilia stood to cross examine Reno.
"So tell me what happened on the night of the party."
"Started out fun, you know? Good music, drinks, lots of people." Reno confidently leans back in his chair, his body relaxed as he got into character.
"I see. How did you meet Cloud Strife?"
"I saw him in the corner by himself. So I thought to myself, know what, he's cute. I'm gonna go talk to him. So I did. Offered to refill his cup and we started talking."
"I see. What did you talk about?"
"Oh you know, the SOLDIER program. The glory, the fame. Everything that came with being a SOLDIER."
"And how did things progress from there? How many drinks did you have?"
"Two cups, maybe? He had more. Kept insisting so I gave him more. And then uh, as we talked he started feeling me up." The snide smirk almost undid Cloud.
Emilia resisted glancing over her shoulder to check on her client. Rude tensed, ready to defend his partner. When Cloud didn't move or make a sound she continued.
"So you're saying he initiated contact?"
"Yes, ma'am. I usually don't like getting down with someone I just met, you know? I like getting to know them first. But I figured why the hell not? He's cute, he obviously wants me. So I took him to a private room in the back."
"Was he willing? All the way?"
"Of course! He wanted me. He didn't fight, never said no. If he said no I would have stopped. You know? I'm not that kind of guy."
"What happened to his face? When did your friend get involved?"
"Oh that was an accident. When he told me he dreamed of threesomes, I called in my friend. And well while he was sucking off my friend he fell and hit his face at the edge of the bed. That's how he hurt himself."
By now Cloud was seething. His arms shook. He grit his teeth so hard so as not to say anything. Reno met his eyes and the redhead almost lost concentration. He made a guilty face but didn't address the obvious pain and fury that the blond felt.
A hand placed itself on Cloud's shoulder. Almost immediately his anger reduced greatly. It was as if the mysterious hand absorbed the emotion from him. Cloud forced himself to concentrate as Emilia continued questioning Reno.
"And what happened next?"
"He fell asleep on us. By that time the alcohol was hitting me so I left. My buddy came with me and we went to another buddy's house for a night of video games and hang out."
A few more questions later Emilia checked her watch and called it a day. Immediately Cloud slumps in his chair. For a whole lot of sitting around he was exhausted. Reno tentatively approached and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything I said. But you understand, right?"
"Yeah. I understand." The words were forced, but Cloud reminded himself that this was Reno.
"You were amazing, Cloud. I'm very proud of you. Do you think you need more practice or is this enough?" Emilia cupped his cheek tenderly.
"Maybe one more practice? Give me like, a few days. That was hard." He knew his limits. Cloud wasn't sure if he could endure two days in a row of this.
"I'll schedule with Tseng for next week. This way we have one last practice run before the actual trial the week after."
Cloud felt his stomach drop. He forgot that the first day of the trial will literally be within two weeks. He agreed to the suggestion and Emilia left his side to go over and compare her calendar with Tseng's to choose a day. When they decided on a date Cloud was free to go.
Stiffly the blond made his way to the elevator. Later that evening he couldn't eat. Sephiroth embraced him and Cloud broke down. Eventually he fell asleep in Sephiroth's arms. The general held his lover tightly as he watched over him the whole night.
