AN: Day 3. I'm reasonably pleased with how well this is going, but it's taking longer to write each day than I expected. Still, I hope you are all enjoying it, and thank you for the reviews! There will be more information about the group tomorrow!
Pairing: Rufus/Vincent
Warnings: Violence, foul language, male x male relationships

Vincent opened his eyes early the next morning, staring up and backing away slightly in surprise at finding a pair of ice cold eyes staring down at him. He relaxed a moment later as he remembered where he was. He stretched, forehead creased as he wondered why his boss was watching him sleep.

Rufus blushed, moving further away and murmuring an apology, before taking a deep breath to console and focus himself.

"You were late. I came in to wake you." He hoped that the other man would be satisfied by that explanation. Since Vincent gave no sign of protest, he felt reassured, and headed out. Vincent followed a few moments later, and he led him to the limousine, sitting beside him on the way to the headquarters. Once they were there, he headed up to the helicopter, a slight shiver of concern running down his mind when he saw Reno sitting in the pilot's seat of the helicopter. It wasn't that he didn't trust Reno, more that Reno didn't have the best history of piloting flights. He crashed frequently, but he had never caused any major accidents, and no deaths.

The helicopter lifted up off the ground, and Vincent paled slightly. He had not had much experience with flying, and he only wanted to be in a plane under Cid's control. Not that Cid would be near him anymore. He didn't like him now, not after he was working for Rufus. The helicopter flew high above the country, heading to the town of Neibelhiem. Aside from turbulence, the flight was reasonably comfortable, and Reno even brought the helicopter down without any problems.

Vincent was the first out of the helicopter, leading the way to the manor. He didn't want to go here, but Rufus had said it was necessary. As it happened, he didn't reach his old prison. As the others were disembarking from the helicopter, a burst of smoke went off.

"What the hell?" Reno shouted, automatically bringing out his electromag, the rod crackling with energy as he switched it on.
"VINCENT! GET BACK HERE!" Rufus screamed, gathering the Turks around him. Vincent ran back, looking around and trying to find out what was causing the commotion. He reached the main group of Turks just as a volley of shots rang out. Reno tried to drag Rufus back towards the helicopter, but found the way blocked by flashing metal piercing the disorientating smoke. Rufus was panting now, his entire body trembling. As a child he had been involved in several hostage situations, and he had no desire to repeat the experience. He clung tightly to the closest person to him, memories forcing him to act far weaker than he normally would be.

Vincent turned around in shock at finding someone wrapping their arms around him. He was shocked even more to find that it was Rufus clinging to him, hands fisted tightly in his cloak. He automatically stroked his hair, to try and reassure him, even as he aimed the gun at one of the people holding a sword. He shot off one bullet, trying to weaken the ring of attackers around them. A gap appeared, and he pulled Rufus through, Rude and Reno following close behind, firing off shots and bursts of electricity at the attackers.

Reno overtook the others, reaching the helicopter first. He switched it on, flicking the switches and preparing for takeoff. This wasn't meant to be happening. He sighed in relief when Rufus was bundled into the helicopter. The other two didn't follow.

Outside, Vincent and Rude were deep in a fight. They had been overpowered, and yet Vincent kept fighting, dragging Rude who had been knocked out closer to the door. He pushed him in as a bullet hit the back of his neck, piercing his spine and knocking him to the floor. Any other man would be dead, but his immortality and the demons within him meant that he kept on breathing. Reno saw him fell, and made a decision. He pushed the button to slam the door closed, and kick-started the engine, lifting it up off of the ground.

Rufus screamed out when he realized what was happening, reaching over to the door and trying to wrench it open. Even though he knew the basic idea, the fact that in an emergency you might have to leave someone behind, he couldn't cope with it happening. Especially not Vincent. He had been the one to propose Vincent worked here, and he was becoming more and more certain that he had made the right decision. He had got to protect him. He screamed as they rose higher, only the locks on the doors stopping him from throwing himself down. His mind was filled with the picture of Vincent asleep, a slight blush across pale skin, mouth slightly open.

Back on the ground, the assassins evaluated their bounty. This was far from what they wanted. They had been expecting to kill their target, Rufus Shinra, and instead they had found themselves presented with a pale young man who was still breathing despite all the reasons that made it clear he shouldn't. The most major of which was the bullet through his skull.

The leader used tweezers to pull the bullet out, smirking at the way he stuttered and struggled as his body healed the wounds. He looked at the blood pouring out, smirk widening as he heard the man whisper.
"Rufus…" Maybe he could be of use after all.