The Pager and the Propostion

Tifa Lockheart had no idea she had gotten into this situation. Join the Turks! What an unbelievable notion! But it was still true. Tifa sighed as she sat at her desk, paperwork littering her workspace. Her pager rang and she jumped out of her seat, still getting used to the vibrating sensation on her hip. She took it out of her pocket and glanced at the screen.

The President's Office.

Sighing, she rose from her seat and began her trek to Rufus' office. Reno and Rude stood outside the door in the middle of a punching match. Elena appeared behind Tifa and rolled her eyes. "It's okay," she said to Tifa's puzzled look, "they're just trying to confirm their manliness by throwing a few punches."

Tifa giggled. Elena elbowed her playfully. "Wait til you see 'em when they're drunk."

Tseng took that moment to appear and Elena became flustered. "Gentlemen," Tseng cleared his throat, "the president is waiting." Reno slipped one last punch before running inside the office, Rude closely on his tail. Tseng sighed and turned to the two female Turks. He nodded to Tifa and then glanced at Elena, who blushed and smiled shyly. She looked down at the floor, not noticing how amused he was or how tender his gaze had become. Tifa bit her lip, and he turned to go inside. Elena sighed with relief, and straightened herself.

"Yikes. Man, I get so nervous around him."

Tifa shook her head. Elena was clueless.

The Turks stood at attention in Rufus' office and the president rose from his chair. "At ease," he said quietly. Reno relaxed immediately by resting his elbow on Rude's shoulder.

Rufus made eye contact with each Turk and finally rested his gaze on Tifa. "Welcome aboard, Tifa."

The former barmaid nodded. "Thank you, president ShinRa."

His eyes flickered before going back to the business at hand. "I am flying to Junon for a conference this weekend. I'm going to need one of you to come with me. I don't care who it is, but decide among yourselves. Make sure Tifa knows what these events are like before having her volunteer."

Reno cackled and Tseng rolled his eyes. He turned to her. "They're very boring, and there's a low risk of any assassination attempt on the boss. The security is tight, and all you do is stand behind the president as he makes his speeches."

Elena nodded. "They're quite boring."

Tifa was eager to learn. "Well, I would like to know everything there is about the Turks, and if that means I have to do boring stuff, then I'll do it as best as I can. I don't mind going."

"You won't be saying that once the weekend is over!" Reno interjected, making Rude smirk. Rufus' eyes rested on Tifa. "As much as I would like to reprimand my employees for lack of respect, they are right. It's your choice, Tifa. They usually draw straws for this job."

Tifa stepped forward. "I'd be happy to do it, boss." Tifa couldn't believe her ears. Three years ago, they had tried to kill eachother. Now she was working for him and playing bodyguard. What a sick, yet amusing twist of fate.

The decision being made, the Turks exited one by one and Tifa was the last to leave. Before she exited, Rufus called her.

"Yes?" she came back over the desk, a faint smile on her face. He sat back down at his desk. "I've never asked you why you decided to join the Turks."

Tifa sighed. "It's a long story, sir. May I tell you about it sometime this weekend?"

Rufus nodded. "I look forward to it. I like to get to know my Turks quite well, as I trust you with my life."

Tifa nodded. "Thats understandable, sir. Will that be all?"

"Yes, thank you."

Tifa made for the door.

"Tifa?"

"Hm?"

"I'm glad you're with us."

Tifa looked back and they made eye contact. His gaze held her to the spot for a few seconds before she whispered, "So am I."