Reno:
Reno wanted to fall to the ground and bless all the sacred entities he didn't even believe in. Finally, the storm had calmed. They had been stuck in that fucking tent-like thing for two whole days now. Two whole days of shivering in your underwear while Sephiroth hogged all the blankets for his precious Genesis, two whole days of getting soaked when you had to leave the tent to take a piss and two whole days of eating that canned crap.
But now the sun peaked through the clouds and the warmth started to return. He and Rude was currently sitting on the beach watching the ocean while their uniforms hung to dry on a tree behind them. Finally, they would get to wear clothes again. Even if his uniform did smell a bit iffy after being wet for two days straight... The Mako-freaks' uniforms seemed better off, since they mostly was made of leather. Well, at least Genesis' and Sephiroth's clothes were. Angeal pulled on his uniform without a fuss, but young Zack made a face as he sniffed his.
Eventually, he and Rude too gave up waiting for their clothes to dry completely and pulled them on. Reno decided he would request a new one when they finally got home, and this time Tseng couldn't even blame him for ruining it. Ha, the man couldn't even blame him for the destroyed chopper, since Reno had wanted to pull back earlier, but Tseng had insisted on them searching for a few more hours despite the bad weather. It sure felt good not to be the one to be blamed for once.
Damn it all, he would kill for a bottle of whisky right now. He was cold to the very core of his being, and it felt like he never would be warm again. Perhaps, he mused, he could convince Tseng to give him and Rude a vacation after this. To Costa del Sol maybe? That would be so nice... Hot, dry beaches, lots of alcohol and sex in a fancy hotel suite. Reno's dream vacation. Mm... Rude in shorts tanning on the beach... Delicious.
His perverted thought about Rude were rather rudely (ha!) interrupted by the loud roar of engines. Reno shaded his eyes and peered up at the sky. There, the huge form of the Highwind was closing in on them. He had expected another helicopter, but he supposed this made sense. Commander Rhapsodos was still sick, after all, and on this huge ship, he could receive treatment right away.
The Highwind whipped up rather large waves as it sank down and began to hover right over the surface close by the island. Now Sephiroth and Angeal had been alerted, and they both emerged together from the tent, Genesis carried carefully by the first. Zack, who had been sitting huddled close to the fire looking all sullen, brightened up and hurried over to them as well, grinning widely.
"Finally!" Zack cheered and clasped Reno friendly on the shoulder. Reno had to admit he liked the guy - he was honest, human and friendly. A good guy. And if you had seen the shit Reno had, you'd know that good guys were a rare breed. But as he saw Angeal smile down fondly on his mentee, Reno had to admit that guy too seemed like an okay fellow.
"So, what's the first thing you're going to do?" he asked the excited young man standing next to him.
"I'm going to head right over to my apartment and take a looooong and oh so warm shower." Zack said with a wide smile, clasping his hands behind his head and getting a dreamy expression in his eyes. Then he faltered some. "For the five minutes that are allowed for Third Classes, at least. You?"
"I'll report to my boss firstly, of course. Then I'll head to my place, drink a few beers and crawl into bed." Reno said with an equally dreamy expression. Damn, a beer would be so good right now...
"When we get back, you should come home with me." Angeal said to Zack. "You can use my tub or shower, whatever you want, and then crash in my guestroom."
Zack looked hesitant. "I don't want to bother you..."
"You won't. I promise." Angeal said with an honest smile and ruffled his mentee's spiky hair. "As much hot water you want. Think about it."
"Well, when you put it that way..." Zack said, looking slightly abash. "Sure. Thanks, Ang."
Reno almost rolled his eyes. They were being so shy and sweet around each other, it was almost painful to watch. As a Turk, he knew all the statuses of the First Classes, and knew the Commander and his mentee weren't dating... yet. But it looked like they were on their way to do so. When they got their heads out of their asses, at least.
The Highwind had just touched down, and the large latch at its underside opened. A way more sturdy boat than Reno and Rude had used was lowered down. In it sat Tseng, stony-faced as usual. He soon reached the shore, and stepped off. The Turk scanned all those present to see if someone was missing. Seemingly content everyone was there, he motioned for the boat. "Step on board." he said calmly. "The General, Commander Hewley and Commander Rhapsodos are issued to go first, and then we'll come back for the others."
Everyone complied without a fuss, all knowing their places. Sephiroth stepped onto the boat, sitting down carefully with the only half-awake Genesis in his arms. He bent down to whisper something in his ear, but it was too low for Reno to catch. Angeal and Tseng both stepped onto the boat as well, and then they were on their way.
It felt so wrongto see the boat leave them behind, even if Reno knew Tseng wouldn't leave them here. But still, he couldn't help feeling like that. He could see that he wasn't the only one feeling that way, too. Rude looked emotionless like usual, but young Zack looked pretty distressed, even if the boy tried his best not to let it show. Probably wanted to look strong and impress his mentor and love-interest, or something like that, Reno thought with a low snort.
Reno shivered once more in his half-wet suit. And how he wished for a fucking cigarette! Unfortunately, his package had been completely soaked during the rain and was useless. Hm, he wondered if someone on the ship had any fags... Didn't that Highwind guy who piloted this ship smoke like a chimney? Hopefully, he would have a cigarette to spare...
Sephiroth
Finally. Finally they were rescued and could get away from that damn island, after spending five way too long days on it. Sephiroth, who normally prided himself in being a very composed person, had to admit he was pretty agitated by now. Genesis, poor, sweet Genesis, looked so sick. He was pale, had large shadows under his eyes and was barely conscious when Sephiroth lovingly eased him down on the bed in the medical bay on the Highwind.
Sephiroth was surprised to notice that Hollander's normal, strong dislike seemed to be lacking when the man rather politely asked him to leave the room while he examined Genesis and treated him. He also told Sephiroth that young Rufus Shinra was on the ship and had requested a meeting in an hour on the bridge of the ship.
So Sephiroth left his boyfriend in the competent hands of Hollander and exited the room. He couldn't say he liked the arrogant Hollander, but he knew the man would never be cruel towards his experiments if it was avoidable, unlike Hojo who took delight in other people's pain.
A member of the crew showed him to some guest quarters which he would occupy during the 12 hour flight. He first used a lukewarm, wet washcloth to get the worst of the grime off his uniform, and then hung it to dry. Then, he took a long, long shower and washed his hair which had gotten both blood and dirt in it. Finally, after about 40 minutes he felt somewhat clean again and re-dressed. He decided food and such mundane things could wait and went over to the medical bay again to check up on Genesis.
Hollander had left by now, a clear sign everything was well, hopefully. And sure, Genesis did look a lot healthier now. He had gotten back some color in his face, at least. Several machines were connected to his body via big needles, making Sephiroth's whole body itch with distaste. He had to fight himself not to rip them out of his boyfriend, reminding himself firmly that they were there to help Genesis, not harm him. He sat down on the single chair next to the bed, and took his beloved's pale, limp hand in his. He hated it when Genesis was vulnerable like this. Genesis was a fighter - so fiery and competitive, always able to stand up for himself. That's some of the things Sephiroth loved about the beautiful redhead. His spirit. He wasn't supposed to lie here like some pale, broken doll.
Unable to stand it in this hospital-like place anymore, Sephiroth decided it was time to head over to that meeting the brat wanted. Probably his father had set up some sort of briefing for the situation during their absence. Uninteresting. But since he had nothing better to do at the moment he decided to go there.
When Sephiroth walked inside the rather large room, he noted that everyone else had already arrived. They were situated at a round table in the middle of the room. Sephiroth acknowledged Angeal with a nod and sat down beside his friend. Since Angeal didn't imminently ask about Genesis, Sephiroth assumed that he had gone to see the redhead already, or asked Hollander.
Rufus Shinra cleared his throat vainly to gather attention among the gathered men. "Thank you for coming, everyone." he began. "I have something very important to speak of with you. And I mean I, not my father. He is unaware of this conversation."
Sephiroth quirked a white eyebrow. He had to admit he was slightly intrigued to see what this was about.
"I'm not going to beat about the bush, since I see no need to. I want to bring down my father, and I want your assistance." He looked straight at Sephiroth while saying the last part. Sephiroth only snorted in disdain. What kind of childish game was the brat playing?
"Of course, I do not expect anyone to participate in my schemes without a proper reward." Rufus continued without minding Sephiroth's belittling expression. "Nothing is free in this world, after all." He smiled a wry smile. "I have already promised Professor Hollander here a treat. He will get to be the head of the Science Department under my rule. So I have them on my side, as well as the Turks, of course. Now, I just need the SOLDIERS on my side as well, and then my power will be complete."
"So Hollander gets a treat for joining you." Sephiroth said sardonically. "And my treat is...?" Did the boy think they were dogs?
"Hojo's demise." Rufus said simply and honestly, almost making Sephiroth flinch in surprise. "By your hands, of course."
Sephiroth was silent for a few seconds, taking the words in. "But what of all Hojo's experience and knowledge? That will be a loss for your company." He was, of course, intrigued and tempted by Rufus' words, but he knew of Hojo's value and doubted the sincerity of the young Vice-President's words.
"General, Hojo is a fool, with a fool's dreams. And so is my father. I have no wish for their experiments. I want good, healthy SOLDIERS and nothing more, and by now the technology Hojo and Hollander both developed is so stable that any of Shinra's medical personnel can use it."
No experiments. The words echoed in Sephiroth's head. No pain, no suffering. Only Mako treatments for the recruits. Nothing more, nothing less. He glanced at Angeal, and without a word he knew his friend thought of the same things. Almost unnoticeable, Angeal nodded at him. "I accept your offer, Rufus Shinra." he said and gazed with great seriousness on the young man. "But I must warn you. Do not play me, or you will end up dead."
Rufus showed the true fearlessness of a Shinra and just nodded despite the grim threat, a small smirk playing at his lips. "Excellent, General. Believe me, I have absolutely no plans of betraying you. Partly because I got no death wish and partly because I need you for my New Shinra. Now... for our plan. Tseng, would you do the honor?"
The Turk, who had stood in silence behind his young charge, stepped forward and took the chair next to Rufus. "After we get back, you will be given a few hours of rest and then the President will gather you all for a board meeting, which will be guarded by me, Reno and Rude. Hollander will be present, as well Hojo, Scarlet, Heidegger and Reeve. The President believes Rufus to be in Costa de Sol currently, but he will make an appearance at the end of the board meeting."
"And how will the board meeting proceed?" asked Sephiroth and quirked an eyebrow at the immaculate, expressionless Turk.
"First Hojo dies by your hands, General." Tseng continued. "Then Scarlet and Heidegger by mine."
"Why Scarlet and Heidegger?" Angeal asked with a frown. Sephiroth knew his friend didn't like unnecessary killing.
"They are corrupt. And they will never accept Rufus' reign over the company, and the changes he intend to make."
"But you won't harm Tuesti?" Angeal continued. Sephiroth understood his worries. Reeve Tuesti was, without a doubt, one of the Planet's most good and honest men. Killing him over a power-struggle seemed like a waste.
"I have no intention of harming Reeve." Rufus filled in. "Where my father have been lacking in his role as my parent and role-model, Reeve have been nothing but kind to me. I intend to keep him in my new company, if he is willing, as my Vice President. He doesn't know of this operation yet, but I don't doubt he will stand by my side. He... disagrees with a father's ways about treatment of civilians and the environment. With New Shinra, he will gain more power to change things."
"So now we know now what will happen during the meeting." Sephiroth mused. "Tell me, how will it end?"
"I will make my appearance." Rufus said casually. "And I will kill my father."