Title: When Rude Met Reno
Authoress: Vitalini
Rating: T
Summary: Its not easy being a Turk, but what does it take to become one? While Rude is discovering what it really means to be a Turk, Tseng finally thinks he's found a way to calm a certain redheaded devil causing havoc in the Turk department. Join Rude and many new faces as they come to face the reality that is ShinRa.

Warning: Violence and language if there is anything else I'll warn you about when it comes.

Disclaimer: I only own any original characters and the fic- obviously, apart from that I own naught

Author's note: This is perhaps one of my better chapters It is quite serious but that's okay since I'm not good at making people laugh cries. The good news is my dad seemed to like it and thanks to everyone's advise I am improving! I also combined two chapters together when I wrote this but the file was so big I had to split it up anyway, though I'm not sure if that was the problem since it wouldn't let me post it even when I did that 0.o.

Yay it finally loaded up, I've been trying to get this to appear for the last few days and it wouldn't

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The lights gently hummed over his head as he strolled down the corridor. Rude was currently under this strange isolated sensation where he knew he belonged to this place but at the same time did not feel part of it. Maybe he needed a new suit.

He'd 'run' around the building once already with the others but they'd restricted themselves to the more common areas to explore, so he'd only been here and there in the massive complex, which had been more than enough to satisfy their curiosity or it was when they came across some rather sinister looking labs. From what he had seen of the building there was not much to it. There were plenty of small boring office spaces and in these crammed workspaces were groggy looking individuals catching up on paperwork or starting an early shift.

He didn't think walking around the building at the crack of dawn would do much to wake him up, but it was better than lying uselessly in his bed alone with his thoughts. On a positive note he could start mentally mapping the area so he'd be able to navigate in the future, he thought gloomily.

There were many training areas beside the one they had had to meet in yesterday. These places had been built with considerable space between them. He considered if they had particular equipment in each, there was a justifiable reason for having so much space taken up with training facilities that they had to squish hundreds of office blocks as one would sardines in a tin in the limited space left over.

He hadn't expected some of the things he'd come across, but in his current mood all he managed to do was bat a eyelash at such strange discoveries and move on. His steady footfalls crossed from carpet to metal, the muffled beats suddenly sounding loud and hollow as they echoed down cool corridors. He liked it when it was quiet it allowed him to think. That wasn't always a good thing, but it was good to think once in a awhile. There was always noise distracting his thoughts lately, bringing him back to the present.

He wasn't sure if it was a peaceful feeling that swept over him or just cold air, whatever, it was quickly dispelled when he realised he'd wandered back to those labs. A soft wailing came from behind a steel door, someone shouted, a door slammed and it was quiet again. On that note, he decided to head back.

It wasn't long before he was aimlessly travelling again, having forgotten to ask Tabby or John where the common room they were supposed to be meeting at was, he was reluctant to ask directions now. That could have been the cause of his sleepless night last night since he disliked uncertainty. He enjoyed adventure as much as anyone else did as long as he knew what was going on, he anticipated a bit of the unknown but when it came to something as simple as location, he considered that it'd be nice to know. Otherwise, what is the point of knowing the rest?

His drifting caught the attention of a senior. She could not have been much older then he, she was quite tall, her head just passing his shoulder. Her extremely long blonde hair had been drawn back in a high pony, a single bang covered her left eye. What caught his attention the most were her startling deep sapphire eyes, so vivid it was difficult to make out her pupils. Her abrupt appearance, (not her physical appearance but the fact that she had come right up behind him) had frightened him so, that he only remembered the end part of her directions. Okay and he had been slightly overcome by her stunning appearance as well.

Taking a left turn, he finally saw the pale beech door she had described. It was set apart from the offices by a small side entry. Doors led off to restrooms along the small corridors length. He went straight for the end door; his feet were starting to hurt now after three hours of walking up and down the same corridors. It was not surprising that he had so much trouble finding the place; the entry was hidden behind plants so that he had overlooked it completely.

To his surprise, there was already someone in the lounge area. Walking past the cushions seats and couches he headed for the bar at the far end as he cautiously approached the individual, the person looked vaguely familiar. As he got closer he realised whom it was, and stopped in his tracks. Reviewing his options, he could either retreat or sit down in the nearest seat. He paused undecided for too long. Tseng swivelled round in his chair to face him, wearing a kind smile.

"Your about early this morning." He stated casually. He ignored the hasty salute, too busy sweeping dust off his suit that had clung to it off the bar. "…Oh, at ease. Unless stated otherwise, of course."

Tseng patted the seat next to him and waited for the Rookie to sit. He decided to take this opportunity, perhaps to get to know the quiet man better. There were a number of promising rookies that interested him, he hoped he'd find a permanent partner for the company mischief from this lot, but at the same time he was quite reluctant to put said mischief through any more pain. The redhead proved to be quite efficient on his own but things could not stay this way. It took Tseng a moment to remember that the bald Turk was now sitting next to him.

"Sorry, I was just thinking." Tseng spoke, his tone was detached and distant making Rude believe he wasn't saying it to anyone in particular.

Rude shifted uncomfortably in his seat, he did not know how to react. It was strange having a superior causally sitting and talking. True they were not really discussing anything, more like resting in serene stillness enjoying the tranquillity between them. You could even call it companionable silence if you wanted.

Gradually the room filled up, Rude recognised all newcomers as his fellow rookies, there were a few he didn't recognize, they most probably came from Lithia and Robin's side. Eventually his motley crew arrived. Tabby frantically searched the crowd of people. Now that they had arrived there were 21 people here including himself. As soon as she spotted her bald friend, she raced over, getting a few stares in the process. Not caring that he wasn't in the best position to be pounced on she flung herself at him, wrapping her arms round his neck.

"We were so worried about you!" she detached herself, neither noticing the looks they were getting nor the fact their superior was sitting less than a arms length away. Rude noticed Tseng softly chuckling at the scene though he had been amongst the few that had raised eyebrows when she had hugged him.

"Why?" He frowned; he did not see how he had done anything to cause concern, and he was not enjoying the attention. Sometimes he worried about her over caring nature. She had come from Rocket town, where the most exciting historical fact about the place was that it sited the first successful rocket launch into space. She had little idea what she was getting into becoming a Turk, as far as he knew she just wanted to make her parents proud. She could have picked a less risky career he thought.

"You weren't in your room when we came to fetch you and since you didn't turn up at the meeting point, we wondered what had happened to you." He stared blankly at her for a second recalling the last few words they'd exchanged the night before, he'd totally forgotten. Now he felt bad.

"Sorry, I got up early and ended up here." He glanced over to the other two, Marko was holding up John and Jim was waiting for him. He should have left a note or something but then he didn't think he'd end up here. He felt sorry for them; they looked as if they had run around the entire complex, knowing Tabby she most probably would have. "You didn't spend too long looking for me?"

Looking up he saw her smiling, "it's alright were not mad, and a senior told us that you were here so everything is fine."

By now, Jim and John had made there way over. Unlike Tabby, they noticed Tseng and saluted, "sir."

Tseng sighed when Tabby gasped and immediately stood to attention. It triggered a chain reaction and soon everyone except Rude was saluting. The second in command rolled his eyes. "At ease. Well since most of you are here, I might as well get Veld. There's no point waiting around." Calmly he stood up and passed the crowd of anxious rookies. They were an interesting bunch.

"You like friends in high places I see," John commented, eyes twinkling as he teased Rude, "getting pally with the superior eh?"

Rude shrugged, John could believe what he liked but he'd hardly call sitting next to someone and saying absolutely nothing was getting 'pally' with them. By nature, he didn't feel like commenting on why they were sitting together either. John did not pursue the matter already distracted with the other people in the room.

"There's so many!" Tabby exclaimed, once she had finished counting them all. He heard somewhere that a large number of the rookies this year were specially recruited and just had to be 'refined' as Trent so kindly put it at the academy.

He could not imagine this number normally being brought in all at once, unless something big must have happened. The company was in the middle of huge war with Wutai now, there had been terrorist uprising since the war began, who were trying to get the company while a majority of its forces were abroad, and this meant more work for the Turks. Not to mention quite a few had been assigned reconnaissance missions in Wutai and then they were even more stretched because of whatever other plans the president had, it was not surprising ShinRa were recruiting as many talented individuals as they could. Last year an ex-gang Lord had tried to steal a ShinRa motorbike or something like that, Rude had no idea what the man had been trying to prove but he'd been brought down, quite brutally if the rumours were true by the hands of a young Turk, but instead of being punished he'd been offered a job. If that didn't tell people about the current situation the company was in nothing would. For the record and to complete the story, that man was apparently working hard to be the number one Turk but still had to beat the one who had caught him. That story was brought to you thanks to, Jim.

"I heard Tseng's got his eye on one or two of us; say he's got something big planned for them." Jim was again spouting more of his boundless knowledge. How he found out any of this was a mystery to Rude.

Further remarks were cut off when the door was suddenly burst open and slammed shut. Rude, along with everyone else turned to find a panting and even more dishevelled than usual looking Redheaded Turk. They stared as he pressed his ear against the door face twisted in concentration.

Abruptly Red sprinted across the full length of the room in a heartbeat. Rude felt the force of the wind left in the young man's wake press against him. As quickly as he had appeared, he was gone. Rude wondered if he showed up everywhere in this manner.

"Jeez, what was that about?" someone in the room said, voicing what most were asking themselves. Rude was not the only one left mouthing like a goldfish, no one could find a reasonable explanation for such behaviour.

Behind them a door clinked and Red's head popped into view, "you… didn't see…. anything, yo," he panted. A loud shriek pierced the air and in a flash, he disappeared again. Something was telling Rude that Red had something to do with that shriek.

For the second time that day the door became dangerously close to coming out of it hinges. "WHERE IS HE?"

The woman moved into Rude's line of sight. She was extravagantly dressed, sporting a rather revealing red dress that was more suitable for eveningwear than company attire. Her blonde hair, that was once immaculate as her clothes had been, was now in disarray, how they had gotten that way remained unclear. She was brandishing a red shoe threateningly at them, the heel hanging limply as she waved it around. Blue earrings swung madly at the sides of her face as she began searching the place, demanding to be told where the 'devil' had gone. No need to ask who she was referring to by that.

He guessed everyone was just too overcome to say anything since no one volunteered the information. She tore into the sofa, causing those sitting on it to leap out of her way. Next, she peered behind the curtains, chairs and even bookshelves, while emitting continuous growling noises. Steadily she worked her way up the room. Despite the fact she'd fallen from grace for the time being, Rude realised she must be a senior official. This complicated the situation; he'd much prefer being allowed to do something to control the volatile woman before she tore the whole place apart.

One rookie made the terrible mistake of standing up as she stepped across him. Immediately she turned on him, waving the broken shoe in his face, "you tell me where he went. NOW!"

The poor man winced as she all but screamed down his ear. He was a considerably short person and she towered over him, leering down until they were nose to nose. Slowly a shaking hand rose to point at the door they'd last seen the redhead go through.

"He's in the closet?" she straightened, smiling, wickedly to herself, "not the most unique of hiding places, I obviously expected better." Her voice- when it wasn't on maximum pitch and volume- rang with authority and contempt. Swiping her fringe back to the side she stalked towards the indicated door.

As her skeletal hand wrapped around the door handle, there was a collective intake of breath. Rude wasn't the only one curious about the outcome of this drama. As far as they knew, the redhead was trapped.

She opened the door, shoving it open all the way, so everyone could see inside. The Turk wasn't there.

She went in examining the small space, spinning this way and that, as if she expected him to jump out at anytime. She studied the shelves, her annoyance increasing. Finally her head snapped back to glare at the crowd of rookies.

"Trying to make a fool out of me too?" she yelled, walking out of the closet like predator advancing on its prey. Jim whimpered behind him, yesterday's confidence completely gone. John gulped and Tabby backed away. They were not the only ones eyeing the woman warily. Unable to do anything to stop her as she was a superior; all they could do was to defend themselves as best they could, without causing her any harm. "The company doesn't need any more Turk trash littering the place, I'm going to talk to the President about this and well see what he- Ah Tseng, so glad you finally arrived."

Her quick change surprised everyone, she almost sounded happy. Tseng strolled into the room eyeing the strange woman curiously, "something happen Scarlett?" His voice was calm and even but Rude detected a slight hint of amusement in the man's all too innocent tone.

"Why in fact something has," she stated as if they were talking about something as casual to the weather. She seemed to have forgotten she had been ready to claw into anyone of them a second ago as she lazily breezed past them to stand closer to Tseng. "You've been letting your little subordinates run wild again, and I just can't allow it, especially when my most expensive dress is ruined in the process."

"My sincere apologies, Scarlett" Veld walked in behind Tseng, coming round to face the blonde-haired woman.

Scarlett's expression changed. Her red lips curled in disgust as she eyed the old Turk. When she spoke next, it was to the commander, and all the silkiness fell away, "Are you incapable of keeping your brats in line? This department is more trouble then its worth. Tseng I want your pet brought to me by tonight, I will deal with his punishment personally, since you're incapable of making a lasting impression. I'll teach the little bastard a lesson. And if he doesn't come then I'm reporting this to the President." On that merry tune, she pushed her way past the two men and walked as dignified as one could while appearing to have been pulled through a hedge backwards.

As soon as she'd gone, Veld released a heavy sigh. "Tseng go get him."

The Wutai man nodded and headed straight for the closet, the door had swung back so it was slightly ajar. Tseng simply stuck his head inside, looked straight up at the ceiling, saying as he did so, "She's gone, come down."

There was a soft thud and the redhead appeared behind Tseng as the second in command went to retake his position next to Veld at the centre of the room. "We'll talk about this afterwards, stay put."

Red shrugged before flopping carelessly into the nearest armchair. John's face scrunched up at the young rookies actions. They had never seen someone act so disrespectfully and to the commander no less. Rude wondered why no one had said anything about it yet, indeed both Tseng and Veld were looking at Red but appeared neither particularly angry nor even annoyed. Tseng's amusement still lingered since he'd come in. The older Turk just just looked tired as he rubbed his forehead.

"Right," only then did Rude realised no one had saluted Veld's arrival but he didn't seem aware of this either, "Firstly I'd like to congratulate you all on successfully completing your exams and missions. Most of you have had to go through more than your fair share to get to where you are today, I hope that you will use your abilities to serve this company and learn from every ordeal you have faced in the past and in the future. I don't need to tell you this, but in this job there is no place for those who cannot cut it. Your job isn't the only thing on the line." A snort followed his speech; again, Veld chose to ignore Red's lack of discipline and carried on, "Secondly, you will not be called for duty until a few traditions are taken care of. However, I shall request your presence at five o'clock, tomorrow evening, here. In the mean time, what you do is up to you, though I would recommend you use some of the time to get your bearings. I think that is all, you are dismissed. Tseng, I'd like a word, if you please."

There was a moment's pause before everyone started to file out. The noise gradually increased. Rude didn't feel like going anywhere just yet, he was still tired having not slept well the past two nights. Tabby seemed eager to start exploring again but John plonked himself down next to Rude, sighing as he did so. They weren't going anywhere any time soon.

"Hey," he turned to whisper in Rude's ear, "know anything about that guy?"

He indicated to the back of the chair Red was still presumably sitting in. Jim saw John's gesture and saved Rude the effort of explaining, "That's the trainee we were telling you about."

John eyed the chair again and smiled. "Well looks like I was right about the crazy and suicidal part."

Tabby, strolled back to them not wanting to go alone. She had obviously heard their discussion as she added, "He maybe an oddball but I think he's kinda cute."

"Feeling's mutual, honey." Tabby visibly jumped when Red's voice called over to them. They had not realised the redhead had overheard.

Finding the stool uncomfortable now, Rude decided to move to the now free sofa. Standing up, he gestured to the others to follow. As he passed Red's chair he saw the redhead curled up, arms resting on the top of his knees as he examined his nails. He eyed them with bored curiosity, his bright irises gleaming under half closed lids. Red watched them as they went and sat on the squishy sofa before going back to his nails.

Beside him, Jim sighed contently a look on his face like a satisfied cat. He didn't look like he'd slept well the night before either. John and Tabby were being rather reserved, most probably embarrassed that their bold opinions had been overheard. Tabby was still blushing, she couldn't even hide her red cheeks with her hair since she'd tied it back into a short plait.

Red lost interested in his nails and stood up as well. For one scary minute Rude thought he was going to leave. Instead, he walked over, quietly sat on the glass coffee table, and stared straight at them. It was quite unnerving. He continued looking at them with thoughtful contemplation.

"Are ya just gonna sit here all day?" He said at length, his gaze wandered to the window behind them. He appeared disinterested but the question came out mildly amused.

"Er, no."

"'Kay." They lapsed into an uncomfortable silence again, but Rude's reply had caused a small smile to appear on the younger man's face. Red looked across their ranks some more, then at different things in the room. Rude couldn't help but compare him with a curious child, he was acting like a baby that'd been put into a room for the first time.

When Red shifted his goggles higher up, it reminded Rude that he needed to thank him. "Hey Red." The rookie swung his head round - he'd been looking at the bookshelf on the opposite side of the room.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. For saving us and for the glasses." Unfortunately, it came out more awkward then he had intended.

Slowly the smirk that Rude had seen so often on that pale face appeared, "They come in useful, yo?"

"Yes, particularly since we went to Costa del Sol."

"Told ya you needed them more than I did." He looked at Rude slyly, his tongue once again protruding between his teeth. Somehow, Rude did not mind at all. Suddenly Red stood up, stretched and began walking around the room. This allowed John, Tabby and Jim to exchange curious glances. The redhead was acting odd.

A soft thudding brought their attention back to the rookie. He was now standing near the chair he had been sitting in, while bouncing a small rubber ball in his left hand. Jim seemed to get over his uneasiness and finally spoke up, "Why are you doing that?"

"Cas I'm bored, yo." He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. A few more bounces later Red spoke again, "You use guns right?"

Jim was taken aback by the sudden question but nodded anyway, "I see, yo. Think ya'll be as good as the legendary 'two guns'?"

"Who?"

Red gave him a funny look, "Odd ya haven't heard of him. Well you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him, they say he's got the fastest draw around, so you wouldn't even see him draw before ya dead, yo. Scary thought, eh? He was Don Corneo's underling for a while and he's gotta weird way of doin' stuff. Where did you all come from, yo?" He looked at them fiendishly after he'd said this.

"We all came from the academy," John spoke up, "we volunteered."

"Oh, so ya didn't tear into a whole load of people to save a friend, none a ya ex- detectives or mercenary or anything, yo?"

They shook their heads, not sure what the redheaded wanted out of them but he did look disappointed.

"Well my brother was offered a place because he was well known in our village for his sword skills." John offered a slight bitter tone edged his words.

"And ya just tacked along? Odd reason for joining, but it's better than mine, yo." Red tapped his chin in thought, still managing to bounce the ball at the same time, "Who's ya brother?"

"Marko."

"Who?"

"The tall one who was with us," Jim offered, "dark brown hair, grey eyes, muscular." Red continued to look at him quite blankly and Rude tried to think back to see if he'd said anything to Marko.

"The model" Rude stated. This didn't inspire any reaction for quite sometime but eventually Red responded.

"The guy who had his knickers in a twist, yo?"

John snorted at this, it may have been the way the young trainee had said it but John wasn't the only one holding back laughter. None of them particularly liked Marko since he was rather stuck up most of the time and he in turn didn't hold back his negative feelings towards them. Having Red- who was more or less a total stranger- so casually state one of Marko's shortcomings in such terms was delightful.

"You could say that." Rude nodded.

Red looked seriously back at John who'd controlled himself, "Hate ta tell you this but I think ya brother's an ass, yo."

Rude was shocked, the redhead hardly knew Marko but he already formed that opinion of him. Okay so Rude's wasn't much different but he'd been around Marko a lot longer than Red, unless they'd crossed paths at the academy or something. John was in fits.

"I thought I'd took that off you?"

"Not this one, yo."

Everyone, except Red hastily stood to attention when Tseng returned. He nodded at them, his humour returning somewhat, "If you'll excuse us."

Walking over to Red, he snatched the ball mid bounce. The redhead pouted but didn't stop Tseng.

"Can't I keep one, yo?" he sulked. Tseng ignored his complaining; taking hold of his elbow, he dragged him out the door. "See ya around, yo!"

Alone now the others found the full use of their vocal cords again.

"Well he maybe on the strange side but I like him." John concluded, settling back down into the sofa.

"You don't say? Well at least you know I wasn't lying to you about him." Jim lay down similarly to John. Tabby sank back too. Rude hesitated for a moment before doing the same.

"For once." John teased, earning himself an elbow in the ribs. "Hey Tabs, who do you like more, Rude, Lyon or that kid?"

A loud sigh could be heard from Tabby's end before she spoke, "What makes you think I like Rude or Red?"

"Ah so you do like Lyon then."

"…"

"I wondered how old he is, looks a bit too young to already be a Rookie." Jim pondered aloud, obviously not following the conversation.

"Don't know though there was someone else who was taken in from an orphanage when she was very young and trained at the academy. I think she was the youngest ever to become a Turk." Tabby informed her fellows earning raised brows; someone actually knew something other than Jim.

"Must be taking them in young then," John commented, "maybe it's getting like SOLDIER."

"Nah, otherwise they'd be hundreds of rascals running around." Everyone laughed at Jim's statement. It was pleasant just sitting here and talking. "You two, any luck finding that Reno character or have you finally given up?"

"Haven't found a single thing, he must be really reserved or something."

"She sounds so disappointed doesn't she?" John straightened, "Listen Tabs just give up looking, there is much more interesting stuff around than a reclusive smarty pants."

"I suppose your right," she got up to and looked down at the three men, "who fancies sparring?"

"Me!" Instantly John was on his feet closely followed by Jim. Rude took his time, wondering where they got their energy from….

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A/N: Okay so this wasn't exactly too serious but I hope you enjoyed it anyway! the rest is in the next chapter...