The confrontation from yesterday evening played in her head as she silently followed Rufus and Tseng to the helipad on the seventieth floor of the Shinra building. She couldn't process why he was preventing her from proving herself to show that she could be trusted not only as a TURK but also as his fiancée.
It bothered her and unfortunately, she realized that Tseng had picked up on it and if Rufus had any idea he seemed not in the least bothered by it.
As they approached the helicopter, Rufus extended a hand to help her into the vehicle. She took his hand and stepped onto the helicopter followed by Rufus, Tseng and a SOLDIER cadet. Tseng quickly moved into the cockpit with a SOLDIER cadet and prepared the vehicle for lift off and within moments the vehicle ascended into the sky.
The two sat silently next to each other as the helicopter began its flyover of Midgar and soon began towards Junon. After a few moments of silence, Rufus was the first to speak.
"Have you seen the schedule?"
"No," Liv replied as she pulled her attention from the steel structures of Midgar and to the tablet that the man held out for her to take. Liv took the device and quickly began to review the schedule as if she were still on the field. She was a Turk at heart and though not being in her uniform she still placed the man's safety at the top of her priorities despite being his fiancee. She continued to scan through the schedule and noticed that there was a celebratory dinner at 6PM before they departed to Costa del Sol.
"Ah," Liv commented as she gave the tablet back to the man.
"You don't have to be present for the entire schedule. You can stay back at the suite if you would like. Tseng will replace you-," Rufus began.
"Perhaps I am interested in how they plan to incorporate more Mako into Shinra's weapons and SOLDIERS," Liv replied.
Liv stared at the man as she could see the man studying her and her words but his eyes were telling as they lingered. She had quickly understood that he wanted her in white whenever they were to be seen in public. Before she was able to view the schedule she assumed their trip to Junon was a PR stunt but there was more behind this trip. She chose a lantern sleeved mid-length dress with a square collar, the dress had a slit that came mid-thigh and matching white strappy to complete the look she wore her hair in a low ponytail paired with simple makeup.
"Suit yourself," Rufus replied and shrugged.
Liv stole another quick glance of the man, he had what looked to be a distant look on his face before he took his cellphone from his breast pocket and focused on it.
She had more than enough experience dealing with the domineering man, it took patience and resilience. This tour would be nothing to her but more importantly the man's behavior was puzzling, why he was giving her an out, was it an apology of some sort?
Though it was unlikely he would even consider apologizing to her she already decided she would be present and maintain the image that he had set for her of Sumire Donovan.
The helicopter ride was silent, Rufus seemed to work from his cellphone and Liv kept herself busy by finishing outstanding reports and reviewing the lifestream data that Tseng had given her.
"That data, why do you have it?" Rufus suddenly asked. Liv looked up at the man startled by the sudden question.
"I've been translating the data," Liv replied.
"Recently?" Rufus quirked an eyebrow as he glanced at her.
"Yes. This is my field of expertise," Liv replied as she arched an eyebrow. "Unless you've forgotten that bit about me,"
"No. I assumed there were enough researchers employed to do that instead of you,"
"Perhaps, they weren't capable enough to be trusted by Tseng," Liv replied sarcastically.
"Perhaps," Rufus replied and continued with his work.
It wasn't long until the helicopter arrived at Junon and began its descent from the sky and to the helipad. Liv glanced at the man who seemed to still be working until the helicopter had settled on Junon's roof helipad. On instinct, Liv moved to open the door when suddenly he reached out to stop her.
"Don't," Rufus said as he opened the door and stepped out of the helicopter. He extended a hand for her to take, Liv bit back a cheeky response as she took his hand and allowed him to help her out of the helicopter despite being fully capable.
"Thank you," Liv replied with a forced smile.
"Of course," Rufus replied with a smile and placed a kiss to her knuckles, his eyes focused on her. She could tell that he was already prepping for this moment since the moment they landed but knew it was time to play her part.
With her hand in his and a smug expression on his face, he led her down the red carpet that had been laid out for them. The walkway had soldiers in front of ropes that served as a barrier for reporters and paparazzi. As expected a flurry of questions were hurled at them as they walked, Heidegger quickly approached the couple and began to walk with them.
"Miss Donovan do you intend to work for the Shinra Co?"
"Mr. President, does this mean that Shinra will be taking steps to become a greener company?"
"When is the wedding ceremony?"
"Miss Donovan! How will this affect your life's work?"
"I will continue my research and pursuit of knowledge about the planet and the Cetra," Liv replied in passing with a smile.
"Oh! Miss Donovan!"
"Welcome to Junon Mr. President, I trust that your ride was a pleasant one?" Heidegger began.
"It was fine, I had better company this time," Rufus replied as he glanced to Liv. Liv glanced to Heidegger, a feminine smile on her lips as she nodded to the man. She knew the man still saw her as a TURK and knew there was a fine line of employee versus a person of status and wealth.
"Miss Donovan," Heidegger nodded.
"Heidegger," Liv nodded as well.
They were all aware of the cameras and the eyes on them as they maintained their quick and formal pleasantries.
"Would you like to rest before we begin with the planned schedule Sir?" Heidegger asked as he reached and opened the door for the couple.
As they entered SOLDIER cadets along with the TURKS awaited them bowing as they passed.
"Mr. President," Rude began and bowed slightly, Elena bowed as well, and Reno gave his signature smirk and head nod to the blonde. Rufus nodded to the three as he passed, Liv quickly looked at her comrades, her eyes settling on Reno as his pale green eyes were already on her. Their eyes met as she and Rufus passed them and stopped at the elevator to the presidential suite.
"Sir—" Heidegger began.
"After lunch, we can begin with the schedule," Rufus began as he called for the elevator.
"Y-Yes Sir," Heidegger replied. "Would you like guards-?"
The elevator doors opened.
"No. I have all that I need here," Rufus replied as he motioned to Liv.
Heidegger, SOLDIER cadets, and the TURKS watched as the couple entered the elevator and disappeared behind the steel doors.
"Three, two, and…" Reno began.
As if on cue, the larger man sighed heavily and turned angrily to the SOLDIER cadets in the hall, immediately the cadets quickly began to file out of the hall to avoid the man's wrath but the three TURKS stood unfazed by the man as they waited for someone or something.
"You—" Heidegger began as he towered over Reno.
"Chill out Boss…you did all you could," Reno replied casually and shrugged. "Not my fault you're not the Pres' favorite anymore,"
"Listen here punk, you wouldn't amount to shit without your position, and you know it," Heidegger hissed.
"Look whos talkin'" Reno laughed.
"Director Heidegger, this behavior is unbecoming of you. Harassing an employee of Shinra is beneath you and will not be tolerated,"
Tseng's voice came from behind the man causing the man to straighten himself before he 'hmphed' and walked away.
"What a pain in the ass," Reno scoffed.
"I'm still surprised by his behavior honestly. I thought he would be more professional," Elena sighed heavily.
"He's butthurt because he's no longer the President's favorite," Reno sneered.
"Even so, that's not professional at all," Elena sighed troubled by what she had just witnessed.
"He is not our concern," Tseng began. "We have approximately ten minutes before we meet with the President—"
"So when were you going to tell me about Liv?" Reno interrupted Tseng.
"I wasn't," Tseng replied as he looked at Reno.
"Why not?" Reno's brows furrowed at the man's response.
"It didn't concern you; and you had more than enough chances to ask her yourself," Tseng replied. Reno opened his mouth but the blonde spoke sooner.
"It was for her safety, right?" Elena asked Tseng sighed.
"Liv is capable, if she wanted to divulge information about herself she could have but chose not to," Tseng replied.
"Then is it real?" Reno asked, annoyed by the man's stubbornness.
"Is what real?" Tseng asked.
"Their relationship," Reno crossed his arms. Tseng gave his crimson-haired subordinate a quick glance over before he spoke.
He was aware that Liv and Rufus' sudden engagement did seem to draw questions from all sides. Despite that he was silent about the situation to his team, he had omitted this information to ensure the success of the President's plans for marriage.
"You can ask her yourself. Let's go,"
This wasn't her first time in the Presidential Suite in Junon, the last time she was in the suite was nearly seven years ago when the late President Shinra was to disband the division.
When the two had entered the Presidential suite Liv immediately noticed the change, the decor had been changed from the warm and rich tones of red and gold to a much cooler tone of white, black, silvers. Another change in the suite that caught her eye was the transformation of the sunny patio and into a greenhouse with views of the ocean.
Without a word, Rufus went over to the patio and quickly gave it a once over before he sat the table clearly meant for the couple. Liv silently followed the man as she quickly took in the changes that had taken place in the suite. The patio had neatly trimmed ferns, blooming orchids, and other various plants were purposely staged on shelves, hung from the ceiling, in corners, and lastly on the table was a bouquet of peach roses.
As the two sat for a moment before the wait staff was at their side with menus, a tray of beverages, and small horderves. Just as quickly as they arrived, they left the couple alone after taking their orders.
"You're distracted," Rufus commented quietly.
"Perhaps," Liv replied as she looked at the peach roses.
Silence fell between the two again, Rufus sipped his coffee as he studied the woman across from him who seemed enthralled by the peach roses. He was aware that she had been quieter than usual, though he made no attempt to mention it earlier. She went from wanting to know about him at their first outing together, wanting him to trust her to the silent woman across from him.
When she proclaimed that she wouldn't be a trophy wife he found it commendable, he already knew of her record as a Turk- she was tenacious, ruthless, cunning, and never missed her mark. Outside of being a Turk she was a woman of status, wealth, knowledge, charm, and enjoyed her studies from what he had learned. Their ideas of the world differed and perhaps all those things are what kept him interested in her.
"Tell me," Rufus began, Liv looked curiously at the man as she waited for him to continue.
"What do you think of all of this?"
"What do you mean specifically?" Liv asked cautiously as she eyed the man.
"My father's reign of Shinra," Rufus clarified.
"Are you asking my opinion as a Turk or?" Liv began.
"As my future wife," Rufus replied as he placed the napkin across his lap.
The word itself was foreign to him, the idea even more foreign but he did not fight against it. He watched a series of different emotions wash over her soft features before she spoke. But before she could respond, the waitstaff had returned with their requested lunches. At that moment two waitstaff stepped on to the patio and placed their requested lunches in front of them. Liv thanked the staff before they bowed and walked away.
"I believe your father had no concern for the lives of the people of Sector seven above and below the plate," Liv began. "The fact that he has included Wutai into this false narrative of working with Avalanche and forcing Mako Reactor Five to…" Liv trailed off as she remembered the carnage and death of the explosion of Sector Five's Mako reactor.
"Go on," Rufus said as he ate his meal, seemingly unbothered.
"Forcing the reactor to malfunction and self-destruct," Liv finished as she saw the man nod.
"That sounds like information you sought out," Rufus commented.
"I had my suspicions," Liv replied. Rufus chuckled softly as he continued to eat.
Liv looked down at her food, deep in thought. He was correct, she did look for more information about the sudden explosion of Mako reactor five until Tseng recommended that she ceased all inquiries into the incident.
"His fear tactic is an interesting one, but now I am the one left to pick up the pieces of what he left behind," Rufus began.
"What are you going to do?" Liv asked as she placed the napkin over her lap.
"Fear…is a good motivator for change…I intend to continue to use it to my advantage," Rufus replied before he slipped his coffee.
"You still intend to use fear just like your—" Liv started
"I am nothing like him, I suggest you remember that," Rufus stated firmly. "The concept is similar but the execution is important,"
"…I see," Liv replied as she finally began to eat her meal.
Rufus took note of how quickly she bit her tongue, he sighed softly.
"What would you suggest Miss Green Princess," Rufus asked sarcastically, Liv looked up from her food and gave the man a suspicious look.
"I'm surprised you're asking. It sounded like you have everything figured out already Rufus,"
Rufus chuckled and shook his head.
"Your sarcasm is cute," Rufus chuckled. "You should also make sure to remember I don't ask for opinions very often,"
"I—" Liv began
"Sir,"
Liv turned her attention to Tseng and the other Turks that stood near the entrance to the patio. Rufus sighed as he turned to look at the man.
"Tseng," Rufus began as he took the napkin across his lap and wiped his mouth. Without warning, Rufus pushed back his chair and stood, Liv took a quick glance at her half-eaten meal and then to the man. Rufus entered the suite without a second glance to Liv, she took a quick moment to finish her meal, wipe her mouth, and quickly followed the group.
"You've seen all of our data boss. I don't know how much more you want," Reno began.
"And you're sure they are flowing North and have nothing to do with magnetized poles," Rufus questioned.
"That's…." Reno trailed off.
"Unfortunately, we are unsure about that piece but," Tseng began. "There is an unproven theory that is relatable,"
"An unproven theory? Why waste my time with unproven information," Rufus began as he turned to the man.
"It's because the research has been halted," Liv spoke up. Rufus and the others turned their attention to the woman as she approached them. Rufus crossed his arms as he leaned on to his desk unamused at how she interjected into their meeting.
"Enlighten me,"
"It's true that the veins they've investigated are flowing north and have been flowing north for the past two hundred years but based on records from the early Cetra this was not always the case and changed after the calamity from the sky fell and damaged Gaia," Liv began to explain as she approached the group and held up her phone to show a holographic map of the location of the northern pole.
"If you are familiar with the lifestream, you know that it can heal and nurture life, everything that is born from the lifestream will return to the lifestream but the calamity from the sky crashed and made what we now know as the Northern Crater, all veins of the lifestream will indicate they are flowing north in an attempt to heal the wound," Liv continued.
"My mother and I were researching this and were on the last phase of research of the Northern Crater and the lasting effects on the planet,"
"Wow…" Elena commented quietly.
"She is an expert in this field sir," Tseng said.
"Why hasn't there been any further developments in this theory?" Rufus asked
"I was recruited by Veld and my mother changed her focus to locating the City of the Ancients," Liv replied.
Rufus gazed at Liv for a moment before he nodded and spoke.
"I see…well this presents a new opportunity," Rufus began as he looked at his wristwatch. "And a change in plans,"
"Sir," Tseng nodded.
"I'll get in contact with you all shortly, be ready," Rufus said as he looked to the elevator doors opening, the Turks also turned their attention to the doors as well.
"Mr. President," Heidegger began.
"Shall we?" Rufus turned to Liv.
"Of course," Liv replied.
Reno silently watched Rufus and Liv head towards the elevator with Heidegger and disappear behind the doors.
"Well that was a wild ride," Reno commented.
"I can see why Veld recruited her…" Rude murmured.
"Yes," Tseng sighed as he thought back to the time he and Veld approached her years ago.
"She's good at what she does," Elena nodded.
"We will most likely receive new orders before the day is over," Tseng began "In the meantime…"
"You look tired Tseng," Elena commented
"I'm fine," Tseng replied as he quickly brushed the woman off. "You three are on standby until further notice. Keep in mind the President expects to be on their way to Costa del Sol this evening," Tseng reminded them of the man's schedule.
"Dismissed," Tseng nodded to three Turks, Rude nodded and turned to leave followed by a flustered Elena. Tseng glanced at a smug-looking Reno.
"What is it Reno?" Tseng asked.
"Suggesting an unproven theory…what are you up to Tseng?" Reno asked the edges of the man's lips began to curl into a cat-like grin.
"Providing the best information, I can," Tseng replied.
"Sure, whatever," Reno shrugged as he too exited from the Presidential suite leaving the man by himself. Silently Tseng watched the crimson-haired man disappear from the room before he breathed a sigh of relief and sat down on the sofa.
It was a gamble he had to admit but he trusted that Liv wouldn't leave him to hang dry and was even more thankful that she took the initiative and explained the theory that she and her mother worked on. They were both aware of her limited time before the man would want her off the field.
He wanted to do as much as he could for her.
He wanted her to be happy.
Several hours later Liv returned to the Presidential suite with Rufus and immediately collapsed onto the leather sofa.
"My feet are killing me," Liv sighed heavily.
Rufus silently went over to his desk, a small smirk on his lips as he passed by the sofa to see the exhausted woman stretched out.
"Your input wasn't needed but I do appreciate the annoyance you were to Heidegger," Rufus commented.
"You're welcome," Liv replied.
As Heidegger gave a tour he made sure to show off the power of the SOLDIER cadets Shinra had amassed, new technology and more Liv made sure to question the man about the uses of Mako and the possible health risks and concerns of the individuals being subjected to Mako treatments.
It seemed an annoyance to Heidegger and a show to Rufus but she did have concerns for their wellbeing and the fact that Chu Minamoto, the first and only female in SOLDIER had been affected by the supposedly standard injections that all Second and First Class SOLDIERS received.
She thought back to the conversation she had with Chu before her final mission with Zack Fair and Sephiroth. She hadn't forgotten about it, there was no way she couldn't forget.
"Yes. I haven't forgotten. Thank you,"
Sitting upwards of the sofa she turned her attention to the man, he seemed to be on a phone call. She then turned her attention to her cellphone and the missed messages from Reno. She knew as soon as the man discovered that she and the President were in a relationship he would be hounding her with questions.
Reno
Yo.
Stop ignoring me
You know what I want to know
Miss Green Princess
LIV!
Livvvvv
Liv
Did I ever tell you how annoying you are?
Liv finally replied to the man's messages as she checked her work email for any additional information on Shinra operations.
Reno
How the hell did ya get the president interested in you?
Were you EVER gonna tell me you Pres were fuckin?
Liv
Out of all of the things you ask…
it's complicated.
Reno
So, it's a front
Liv
Read the previous message again.
Reno
So?
Liv sighed as she read the man's message and placed her cellphone back into her clutch
"There's still time before dinner if you would like to freshen up and rest," Rufus began as he slipped on his black-framed glasses.
"What are you going to do?" Liv asked.
"Work," Rufus replied and removed his signature white coat and loosened his tie.
"If you wanted to get rid of me, all you had to do was ask," Liv said as she slipped her white high heels on and stood. Rufus silently watched the woman as she grabbed her clutch and straightened her dress.
"Tseng is waiting for you outside," Rufus said as he sat down at his desk unbothered by the woman and began working.
Liv exited the suite and saw that the man was indeed waiting for her.
"Tseng," Liv sighed. "Save me,"
Tseng smirked slightly as he gave her a quick once over
"You're doing fine," Tseng replied with a nod.
"I half-regret attending that tour with Heidegger," Liv began.
"In heels no less. You've outdone yourself," Tseng added.
"I had a point to prove," Liv replied.
"I know," Tseng chuckled. "Come with me,"
Tseng began down the hall, Liv followed the man and tried to keep in step with him but had trouble. Tseng slowed his step to help her keep up with him.
"Is there something wrong?" Liv questioned. Tseng took a quick look around the hallway before he spoke in a hushed tone.
"Avalanche members have been seen in Junon," Tseng began quietly.
"Oh?" Liv replied softly.
"The others and I are on alert, but you also need to be on alert just in case they are targeting the President," Tseng continued.
"Yes sir," Liv replied, feeling her trained Turk side being switched on.
"I have my suspicions their target isn't the President, but we must be ready for everything,"
"Of course," Liv nodded
Liv and Tseng continued to an elevator that took them to the streets of Upper Junon, and a black car awaited them.
"Where are we going?" Liv asked as she eyed the car.
"President Rufus has booked you a rejuvenation session at the top spa in Junon," Tseng replied. "As well as shopping for tonight's dinner,"
Liv sighed softly as she looked at her wristwatch, there was at least four hours until their dinner.
"What is this supposed to mean?" Liv asked as Tseng opened the door to the car for her. Though she was a subordinate, she was the President's fiancée and was to be treated as such.
"He is changing his mind about you," Tseng replied. "He doesn't do things for many people,"
"I can see that, but he could have just told me like a normal person," Liv sighed Tseng chuckled.