Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII belongs to Square-Enix. No copyrights infringement intended.
A/N: AU.
In the Noon
"Professor," Ingrid said, "your son is waiting out there."
A while ago, the President had told Hojo that his son could use company near his age, and that Hojo's child was good enough to qualify. Rufus had even been interested. Hojo couldn't understand why his boy wasn't.
"He asked me if he could come inside," Ingrid continued, her voice amused in a way that annoyed Hojo. "I think he wants to watch you work."
He couldn't understand at all.
"Very well."
When Cloud walked inside with a beaming smile, Hojo looked away. He didn't know how to deal with it.