Rufus stood, beside his father, in the receiving line as foreign dignitaries and local investors streamed by, greeting the President and his Directors. Some who knew Rufus greeted him, but many just passed him by with nothing more than a mere nod of their heads. And Rufus found this problematic as he was the Vice-President, as this behaviour felt dismissive. But what annoyed Rufus even more was that his father seemed disinclined to include Rufus in any of the introductions-A sense of foreboding overcame Rufus. Even though Tseng was glued to his side and Veld was on his father's opposite side, Rufus felt exposed; he maintained the facade of passive interest.
Looking around the plaza, Rufus saw about fifty people who, besides these dignitaries, had been invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Reporters from various media companies. Business Mogles, entrepreneurs and members of some of Midgar's wealthiest families. Anyone who needed reassurance that Mako was the way of the future and continued investment in Shinra would be in their best interest. But as Rufus's gaze scanned the area, he realized that Tseng was accurate about the plaza being too wide open. And this made Rufus feel nervous. So keeping half of his attention on greeting, the other half began scouting the area to see what other forms of security were in place.
The easiest to spot were the three top-ranking SOLDIER operatives known as First-Class. There was Sephiroth, Angeal and Genesis. Who, in their unique uniforms, openly patrolled the square. Rufus had thoroughly gone through their personnel files, re-acquainting himself on who they were and what they were capabilities were. However, Rufus found it odd that Sephiroth had no last name of the three of them. Any personal information like date of birth, place of birth, or familial background, was buried deep within classified documents so coded that it would take Rufus weeks to hack into these files. Rufus also found it suspicious that Sephiroth was the only person under Project S. In contrast, Angel and Genesis were classified under Project G. However, Rufus had been unable to decipher exactly what those differences meant as both were grouped under the Jenova project.
The following three SOLDIERs Rufus noted were two Second Class and a Third Class, judging by the colour of their uniforms. Zack, Rufus, recognized right away by the raven locks and partially spiked hair. The other two were nondescript as both wore standard uniforms and infantry helmets. And they, too, patrolled the open square, conversing politely with the guest, but their eyes belied their casual demeanour as they watchfully scanned the crowd for potential threats.
Sprinkled throughout the crowd, Rufus caught glimpses of black suits that were distinctive in their simplicity as Turk operatives. Rufus could not, as of yet, put names to all the faces, but he was pretty sure the red-head with a ponytail and bald man with sunglasses were Reno and Rude. The two newest to be promoted into the Turks. On occasion, Rufus saw a Third Class SOLDIER patrolling the outer perimeter on a motorcycle, which could only be Roche. Rufus chuckled to himself as he recalled this man's file. A Soldier of unique talent who had declined numerous chances for advancement. Citing his skills were best suited to a more mobile unit! In essence, Rufus had deduced that this man had refused promotions into higher ranks as it would have meant giving up the freedom of his bike and adopting a more structured role.
"I fail to see was is humourous about this pomp and circumstance?" Tseng inquired quietly in Rufus's ear.
Rufus smirked, and not to draw attention to himself, Rufus tilted his head in the direction where Roche was currently parked and overlooking the crowd.
Tseng saw who Rufus was looking at unbent enough to chuckle himself. "Ah yes, the speed-demon himself!"
It was then that Rufus had noticed the line of people had finally ended, and his father and Directors were now dispersing to mingle with the crowd, helping themselves to food and drinks from the trays that servers carried as they weaved amongst the guests. "Well, that's over and done with!" Rufus firmly stated as he helped himself to a glass of wine and a sandwich from the passing waitress. Next, Tseng helped himself to some juice and vegetable sticks.
"You are a prude!" Rufus laughingly stated. He was trying to shake the feeling of unease by teasing Tseng.
Non-pulsed, "I am on duty, Sir!" Tseng replies.
Rufus rolled his eyes. "Tseng, it is just you and I. Will you please stop addressing me as Sir?"
Tseng gazed into Rufus's eyes, hearing the honest plea in the younger man's voice and seeing how deep blue Rufus's eyes had become. Tseng's heart and groin reacted predictably, but, "In public? I won't! not only is it unprofessional. If I were to be overheard, it could be misconstrued and used against you!" It was Tseng's credit that he refrained from saying us. But Tseng now realized that whatever happened between them. His feelings, at least, were becoming more involved. And Tseng was undecided if that was a good or a bad situation for him to let happen. "We should also mingle!" He stated firmly.
Rufus internally sighed and followed Tseng as they slowly approached the stage. Dropping pleasant greetings to business people he knew and making acquaintances with those he was not yet familiar with. It would not do him any good to upset and alienate the current powers alongside or just underneath his father. But he perked up in delight when he saw Viviana and Xavier making their way towards him. But his hackles shot up at seeing Elfe's second lieutenant, Rayden, beside them.
Tseng was surprised at seeing the genuine smile on Rufus's face. But the frown that immediately followed had Tseng on high alert as he surveyed the trio walking towards them.
"Rufus, there you are, you, naughty boy!" Viviana exclaimed with sincere delight as step embraced him in a casual hug.
Smiling, Rufus returned the embrace. "Viviana, what a pleasant surprise! What brings you today?"
"Well, seeing as we missed your birthday party and Father wasn't able to attend this function. I volunteered myself! Killing two birds with one stone as it were." Viviana smirked as she handed Rufus a small wrapped box.
As Rufus unwrapped his gift nodded in understanding. Over the last four years, the three of them had celebrated their birthdays together, but Rufus returning to Midgar had put a wrinkle in their tradition this year. Conner Baasch, Viviana's father, also had a coal mining business and owned land in Corel that Shinra was interested in. So her presence here would foster the illusion that her father was interested in selling his business. The reality, though, Viviana, with her father's blessings, had been, for the past two years, the one who was running the family business albeit from behind the scene and through her companies Directors as her father had fallen too ill from prolonged exposure to being a coal miner in his earlier days and was no longer capable of running the day-to-day operations of his company. So this 'unveiling' was a perfect opportunity for her to step into the spotlight. As Viviana had no intentions of selling their mines and lands to Shinra, maintaining the charade was important.
Rufus smiled fondly as he opened his gift. A jewelry box that contained a chain of flattened Mythril-simple yet elegant. A phrase that Viviana and Xavier both use when describing their friend. "Here, let me put that one for you!" Viviana insisted. And as she leaned forward to close the clasp at the back of Rufus's neck, and knowing precisely what a Turk was and what they were capable of, she whispers, "Phase one has begun." Before pulling back and enthusiastically kissing Rufus on the cheek. "Perfect! Happy Birthday, Rufus" She grinned impishly.
Rufus could only chuckle as a blush stained his cheeks at his friend's public and loud display of affection. Likewise, Xavier laughed at his friend's discomfort induced by his fiancee's action. But it was a testament to their strong friendship and trust that this type of teasing never caused any stress in their friendship. So Xavier stepped forward to hand Rufus his gift to him. "Perhaps not original, but I noticed how careful you are with the set you have, so..." Xavier's voice trailed off.
Puzzled, Rufus accepted the gift and quickly opened it. Inside this jewelry box was a tie pin and cuff links made of Mythril and had diamonds, his birthstone, set in them. They were, at first glance, twin copies of the set that Rufus had received from his mother, but these were slightly larger and instead of being square, they were in the shape of a Hectagon. Rufus nodded to his friend, "These are lovely and thank you!" Xavier nodded back.
Rayden stepped forward, "The missus and I came together for this." The man replied in a soft-spoken voice as he handed Rufus his gift. Upon hearing this, surprise flashed across Rufus's face, knowing that Rayden referred to Elfe. Rufus opened the small jewellery box and spied a Mythril ring, stylized as a Pheonix with outstretched wings and a diamond set as its eyes. The meaning was not lost on Rufus as he slipped the ring onto the third digit of his right hand. "These are very lovely and thoughtful gifts." Rufus sincerely replied. "Thank you! But come, let me introduce you." Rufus extended his arm and led them to where his father was.
Tseng was intrigued. He had been at Rufus's side during this entire exchange and, without seeming to, had carefully scrutinized each of Rufus's friends. The couple, Vivana and Xavier, were closer and more comfortable with Rufus. Whereas the man, Rayden, was not someone Tseng would have considered a close friend. Perhaps one of those types who stayed on the fringes of the pack while still vying for the Alpha's attention. But Rufus's reaction to the gifts he had received had Tseng wondering if there was more than just a casual exchange of presents. Committing every detail to memory, Tseng would later draft a report to Veld on this encounter.
After introducing Viviana to his father and pleasantries exchanged, Rufus spent the next hour skillfully navigating his friends through the assemble, introducing himself and Viviana to various people of interest. Tseng was impressed as he noticed that Rufus was purposely directing these introductions to the people that his father had neglected to introduce him to. But what amazed Tseng even more was that Rufus knew who these people were. Their companies or business interests consisted of even small tidbits of personal information about them. He was effectively converting initial frowns of displeasure into pleasant smiles of surprise. Once again, the warning bells went off in Tseng's mind. What was the President saying about Rufus to these people? Just one more reason to stay extra vigilant!
Rufus sighed as he saw the pointed look his father sent his way as he and his department heads made their way onto the stage. "We'll meet up later!" Rufus stated to his friends as he placed a quick kiss on Viviana'a cheek and arm clasped with both men before leaving them.
Tseng followed. As they walked up the stairs to the platform, he casually inquired, "Friends of yours from school?"
Somewhat distracted Rufus shook his head and shrugged. "Xavier and I met at Anzuz. He and Viviana were already dating, and Rayden is a business partner of hers!"
The half answer felt off to Tseng, but he could not question any further as Reginald stepped up to the podium and began speaking.
Rufus only half paid attention to his father as the man droned on. Even when the spotlighted Directors were introduced, Rufus continued to survey the crowd below them. He wanted to gauge the people's opinions accurately and from what Rufus could see. The people were enthralled! They were eating up his father's words hook-line and sinker. Rufus grimaced as he concluded it would take more than his father's demise and his words of promise on his part to change their minds. Perhaps instilling a sliver of fear in the uneducated might change the direction of opinion? Perhaps not! But whatever direction Rufus ended up taking, he'd be damned if he was going to throw money around the way his father did!
It was then that a few things happened. Rufus heard Tseng yell, "Get down!" as two gunshots rang out. As he felt the man tackle him into a crouching position. Just as Veld did the same with his father and the Directors on the stage quickly exited the platform. The crowd gathered in the square became a screaming mass that turned and tried to flee en masse. And Director Lazard could be heard issuing orders both to seek out the perpetrators and for others to handle crowd control. Veld's, "Reno! Rude!" and their reply, "On it, Chief!"
But in that quiet moment where reality seemed to suspend itself. Rufus's ass tucked neatly into the crook of Tseng's groin. Tseng's arms wrapped around him, using his body to shield Rufus. Rufus felt the result of this intimated position. And unable to stop himself from shifting so that his butt ground against the stiff firmness of Tseng's hardening cock. And Rufus chuckled as he heard Tseng groan and retort, "Sir, please stop!" before the all-clear was given, and Tseng escorted Rufus to the waiting car as Veld with Reginald and had their charges whisked back to the safety of the Tower.