Cloud Strife had picked up a part time job at the Honeybee Inn. He was actually dared to send in his application, but he was called in for an interview then was hired. So he quickly had to learn to balance work between ShinRa and the Honeybee Inn.

At first he was a receptionist. It was awkward when he would blush whenever people made passes at him. Some regulars would even come by just to see him instead of the Honey Girls or Boys.

Until Andrea himself caught sight of him.

Cloud diverted his gaze, sensing the scrutiny. He honestly didn't believe he was an eye catcher. And yet the more he worked here, he was really beginning to wonder. And now the man who ran the Inn was eyeing him up and down.

"How old are you?" Andrea noted the still baby fat cheeks.

"Sixteen."

"A little young. How about you be one of my dancers?"

"What?" Cloud was caught off guard.

"You're too young to be a Honey. But I am in need of a fresh face of beauty. So how about a dancer?"

"I... I guess?" Cloud didn't know what he signed up for, but he knew he would be an idiot for turning this down.

He learned very quickly that he was a natural at dancing. And he wasn't prepared with the outfits Andrea designed for him to wear, but after a few successful nightly dance routines he grew to like this new job.

It got to the point he lost interest in his failure of becoming a Soldier. At one point he walked out during training and never looked back. Not even Zack could persuade him otherwise.

"Spikey, come on. I see it in you that you can make it! Why won't you stick around a little longer? I'll even train you one on one!" The hyper active First Class Soldier begged.

"I can't. I've tried three times, Zack. Failed all three exams. So what's the point? If I can't make it into Soldier, then there's no reason to being stuck in Public Security."

And just like that Cloud pushed past his best friend and left. On the way out he passed by a redhead in a suit who heard the whole ordeal. Cloud ignored him and continued to pack and leave.

Soon as he turned eighteen, he became a Honey. Some nights he was a Honey Boy. Others a Honey Girl. Andrea taught him that beauty has no limits. No boundaries with gender. So when he felt like throwing people for a loop he allowed Andrea to add hair extensions and the make up.

Cloud was quickly a crowd favorite.

And with the fame came a flood of secrets. He couldn't count the amount of men and women who would pour their hearts out to him. Problems with the marriage, relationship, whatever. That was all the boring stuff.

Then employees of ShinRa started seeing him. Now his job as listening to their woes wasn't so boring. He was grateful no Soldiers or Public Security guards ever had the balls to visit such a reputational location in Wall Market.

Cloud learned a lot about the in and out of the company in a span of a few years than he did in his time in Public Security. He learned details that the public didn't know about the former Director Lazard. Apparently he was an illegitimate child of the president.

Of course he would hear anything and everything about Zack. His charm and easy going attitude has earned him much respect and love from all over Midgar. But of course he was still in the general's shadow.

Cloud still didn't know what to think about his once hero. In one hand, he felt as if he let him down. On the other, he recalled what Sephiroth once said in an interview.

"If you find what brings out your passion, then by all means pursue it."

Who knew it meant putting on make up and a dress?

Whatever. He wasn't ashamed. He let go of that sort of mind set a long time ago. Cloud was making a name for himself in the under city. He figured there was no looking back at this point. No reason to pine over what could have been if he had stayed in the company.

Until the night Reno entered Honeybee Inn.

"Hello! I hope you're enjoying - " Cloud whirls around and bumps into the suit. He recognized the uniform and couldn't help but stare up at the smirk.

"Oh. Don't mind me, sweetheart." He snickers.

Cloud snapped out of it. For now it looked like the Turk didn't recognize him. It's not like they got to meet. He recalled the first and last they saw each other was in passing, the day Cloud left. But then why was he here?

"What can I do for you tonight, handsome?" His voice purred in his best female impression.

Tonight he had done his best make up with extensions. Even with the bee outfit, it gave the illusion of some sort of forming breasts on his chest. Cloud was grateful for his somewhat feminine figure.

"Actually, is Andrea in tonight?"

"Oh, honey, he's always available. But you need an appointment." Cloud didn't like where this was going.

"This is ShinRa business. I already told the one up front that I gotta see him. So, shall I have to go through you, too, sweetheart?" The last word stung as he whips out his weapon.

Cloud peers over his shoulder to see the poor receptionist knocked out. The poor man was slumped over on the desk. Really? He didn't have to go that far. With a disgusted noise Cloud whirls around to lead the way.

"Just so you know, you didn't have to go that far with the receptionist." Cloud dropped to his natural voice.

"Whoa - hold up! Is that your real voice? Hot damn you're good!" The Turk whistles. "Hey, wait a minute. You look kinda familiar. Have we met before?"

"I would have remembered you if we did."

"Oh so I'm memorable enough for you? Good. Cause I plan to drop by for you gorgeous."

Oh. Please, no. Cloud wanted to shrivel up and run away. He entered the dance room where Andrea was preparing for the next show.

"Cloud! My dear, it's a little early for the..." Andrea trailed off as he caught sight of the suit. "What business do you have to come here?"

"He knocked out the receptionist." Cloud informed, which brought a sigh.

"Ladies, go help the poor man in the front." He sent the others off so they wouldn't listen. "Cloud, would you mind taking over as the receptionist until we get a new one?"

"Sure, as long as it gets me away from this dickhead." He was glad to get away.

"Hey! If it's about knocking out the guy, I'm sorry!"

"Whatever." Cloud rolled his eyes as he walked out. He really thought this will be the end of it.

"You want me to do what?" He wasn't sure if he heard them right some minutes later.

"You are going to work with Reno on a case. Someone from the company is leaking information. And apparently they frequently visit here. So we need you to narrow down who it is."

"Excuse me? Don't we keep everything private?"

"This is a special case. For this person is also a suspected murderer."

"So whaddya say hot stuff?" Reno is beside himself.

"... Fine. But one step out of line and I'm kicking you in the balls."

"I like you." The redhead snickers with a smirk.

Cloud refused to vomit out of pride at that moment.