Picks up where "Rufus" left off. Another drabble for Rufus/Cloud. I can't believe I'm giving this combo any time at all. :D

Please enjoy the humorous fluff!! Yaoi lime Warning!!

Double Take

Stepping through the doors of the New Shinra Building, Cloud proceeded to the President's office. This place was a far cry from its former golden glory; a two story structure with just enough staff to remain efficient. He often made deliveries here and suspected it was a misguided attempt to keep tabs on him. Thinking the Turks might be tracking him actually didn't bother Strife at all. They'd tailed him before and they likely would again.

Every time Cloud arrived the routine was the same; the merchandise was checked and initialled. He would then get the Presidents signature, return to the front desk to be paid and then leave.

This time the former mercenary felt nervous and uneasy. The dream he'd had two nights ago remained vivid in his memory. Thank Gaia I woke up or I'd really be twitchy. The thought made him smile as he passed through the double doors of the presidential office. This room was actually quite modest and utterly lacking the overblown opulence Cloud associated with the syndicate.

Both the President and Tseng were standing in front of his desk, along with Reno and Elena. The three Turks had been having an animated conversation with the blonde executive when Strife made his unannounced entrance. Now all four were staring at him.

"Knock next time." Rufus stated dryly, then raised one eyebrow. "Is something funny, Strife?"

He still had a stupid grin on his face. Schooling his features into the usual stoic expression, Cloud merely shrugged. "I brought your package, you need to sign the receipt."

"Humph." Rufus turned towards his desk for pen and continued to address the former mercenary. "You look different when you smile, Strife."

As the executive turned back towards him; his vivid dream combined with all the separate memories he had of Rufus. Heartless, cunning, deadly and not at all predictable. Curiosity was swirling through him as the President waited for the required document. Why the hell not? Cloud moved forward suddenly, pressing his lips against those of his former enemy. Slipping an arm around the gunman's waist and cupping the aristocratic chin with the other, Cloud deepened the kiss slowly. Rufus opened his mouth, arching unconsciously into it; his hands gripping the desk behind him.

The would-be SOLDIER could hear the sound of three guns being cocked and cared not at all. He pressed further into the kiss, pulling Rufus more firmly against him. Several minutes passed, leaving the two men breathless when they finally parted.

Sure enough all three Turks had their weapons trained on the blonde warrior. Producing the receipt, Cloud pointed to the dotted line. "Sign here."

Rufus Shinra held up one hand and the Turks slowly lowered their guns. Stunned and speechless he scribbled his signature and Cloud turned to leave.

"Wait."

The most feared man next to Sephiroth clutched his arm tightly. Cloud paused, looking at Rufus's face. The Shinra President's eyes were wide, his face open, questioning… vulnerable. No one moved and the AVALANCHE member saw for the first time how young this man really was. A year his junior, maybe two.

Looking at the hand, which held his arm, Cloud noticed The President's wrists were fine boned and delicate. These hands could fire a variety of guns with deadly accuracy. Clad in layers of white silk, Shinra's heir was effeminate and beautiful. This body had borne suffering, emotional and physical, which rivalled Cloud's own. Lips that could spout lies and spin webs, able to convince thousands that even the most heinous of acts was justifiable. Those lips were half-open and still moist from his kiss.

Removing the hand from his arm and feeling deeply conflicted; Cloud Strife managed a weak smile.

"Don't worry Rufus. I wouldn't know what to charge you for that."