The next memorable birthday party was for Cloud's, nearly a full year into his career as a Turk. He turns twenty one, and Reno decided to drag him into some club on Loveless Lane.

"Heyo! Tonight is this boy's birthday! How about a round for the birthday boy! Tabs on me!" Reno announced as they entered.

Apparently he was a regular here, because everyone applauded. Cloud accepted and drank a few drinks. Then Reno pulls him into the dance floor.

"Think you can keep up?" He challenges.

"Oh, baby, you know I can." Reno snickers.

They dance together for a long time. Reno would pull him to the bar for a few drinks. Then they're back on the dance floor. This was the best birthday so far for Cloud.

At one point however Cloud was so drunk he lost Reno in the crowd. He was beginning to panic and call out. He didn't receive any answers. Then he felt hands on his hips and he relaxed.

What was the harm in letting Reno have a bit of fun?

Hands explored, a mouth gently kissing his neck. It was all so hot and amazing Cloud melted. He moans and those hands turned possessive at the sound. He turns to face the other when he was passionately kissed. Cloud didn't fight it as he wrapped his hands around broad shoulders.

Huh. Reno wasn't this tall. Right?

Maybe he was too drunk for this. But damn that mouth was too good.

"Oi! Get off my babe!" Reno's voice interrupted the make out session.

In a panic Cloud pulls away. At the same instance he was being pulled by the redhead, who was glaring daggers at none other than Roche. Cloud found it hard to resist vomiting, but he managed.

"Oh, but it looked like he was enjoying our little dance." Roche winks, and Cloud then couldn't hold back his alcohol anymore.

Reno pats his back. The smell drove Roche away and the redhead slowly guides him out of the bar. Cloud gripped onto his arm tightly, making sure he wouldn't leave his side again.

"Did you really have to do that with him? What's he got that I don't?" Reno was beyond hurt.

"I thought... He was you." Cloud gasped out. "I was searching for you when he found me."

"And that asshole took advantage? Fuck it, I'm kicking his ass."

"No, no, leave him alone." Cloud insisted, still holding onto Reno with vice like grip.

"He took advantage because... Wait. Hold on. You mean you finally wanna have some fun with me?"

"Is that bad?" Cloud blinked.

"No. No of course not, babe. C'mon. Let's go to my place."

The Next Morning

"So did you two have fun?" Tseng greeted them the next morning with a stern look.

"Is something wrong?" Cloud wondered.

"You two are wearing each other's jackets." Their boss deadpans.

Quickly the two switched back to their normal jackets. Cloud was blushing all the while. Reno didn't seem to care.

"Relax, we didn't go very far." The redhead assured both of them.

"Really? I don't remember a lot." Cloud was skeptical.

"You don't remember me about to fight Roche?"

"No but I hope I stopped you."

"Don't worry, you did."

"Cloud. You're needed with Cissinei on a job. Go to her for the briefing."

"Sure, boss." Cloud was used to the serious tone of his boss by now that he hadn't noticed Reno stuck behind.

"Okay, what's the deal? I never seen you look so sour before in my choices." The redhead glanced at his boss soon as the blonde was out of earshot.

"Did you two go very far?"

"No. He had a meltdown once he processed Roche almost fully used him without his consent." Reno was still frowning. "But seriously, why are you so protective over him that I'm not good enough for him?"

Tseng processed the information. At the mention of Roche taking advantage of the blonde, his face soured even more if possible. However, he seemed a little relieved that it was at least stopped. Reno did always have impeccable timing.

"Perhaps a later time you will know that answer. It is not my secret to spread around."

So then it was the vice president's problem? Reno guessed it was so, because Tseng wouldn't care what happened between the Turks so long as it didn't become a feud. Reno went to his desk wondering what he got himself into.

xXx

Cloud's next mission with a Soldier was Zack. And although he was happy about it, this one was just boring. All he was allowed to do was help Cissinei fly the helicopter.

Meanwhile back at base Reno was finally being brought into the loop. Him and Rude. The pair were brought into the VP's office for "business".

"Gentlemen. I am placing my trust in you both that whatever you hear from within my walls never leaves." Rufus eyed them.

"Sure, boss." Reno raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, sir." Rude nods.

Rufus takes a moment to gather his words of choice. In the end he decided to be blunt about it since there was no other way.

"I suspect my mother isn't dead. And the proof of this theory is Cloud." He pulls out something from within his desk. It was a family photo. He placed it on the edge of his desk, facing the pair.

"Hold up." Reno squints. Although the photo was old, he still recognized the president with a much younger Rufus. And beside them was an all too familiar face.

"She looks like Cloud." Rude finished.

"That can't be a coincidence." The redhead compares the face of Mrs. ShinRa with Rufus. "In some ways he kinda looks like you too, boss."

"Elena said as much the first party they attended." Rude added.

"Yes, but I see some of my father in him too, now that I stepped back and watch him. But I can't help but wonder if most of what I see is my mother. I don't remember much of her." Rufus had a far off look in his eyes.

They all heard the story. Of how the now supposedly late Mrs. ShinRa met her end in a violent helicopter accident. But with this photo and Cloud's striking resemblance, they couldn't help but wonder if that was even staged.

"Who would go that far to fake someone's death though?" Reno couldn't help but wonder.

"No. The real question is why would someone go that far to fake one's own death." Rufus corrected.

"You all remember Lazard. I never got the chance to meet him. Was never allowed. I didn't think much on it at the time, until the rumors began. But that was too late."

"So you think the big man didn't want competition in line for the company or something?" Reno followed his train of thought.

"That would be my guess. Maybe he threatened for her to have it removed. From what I remember of her, she was stubborn. She was the only person to put him in his place." He recalled fondly how she stood up to the man to spend more time with his son.

Moment passed, and Rufus went back to being serious.

"You two keep this secret to your graves. This is still merely speculation with no proof."

"Yes, boss."

"Yes, sir."