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Levin Menace: I recently went through a purge with my stories to fix any spelling or grammar mistakes I could, Hopefully, it'll be a little more comprehensive. And thank you for the kind words! Always nice to see someone enjoying my fic. And I agree with you. I love harems, especially when the MC has to earn it. It really adds spice when it's finally time to get to the lemons lol.
Guest: Thank you for the kind reviews! And don't worry, Scarlet will get hers lol. Every girl basically guaranteed I just got to get around to writing their scenes haha. And don't worry about not knowing what's going on. If I do it right, I'll explain all the relevant bits in the fic without you having to do any extra research. And yeah, the whole Inspire thing surprised me, too! I also thought Cait was just a really advanced AI, but it was pretty fun to theorize with once I knew.
000000
"Well… that was exciting," Jessie said with a grin, looking very out of place in her green engineering jumpsuit.
It was a rather unflattering potato sack – all utility, with no care for style – but somehow, the redhead made it work for her.
Probably because of how confidently she walked around in it.
The two of them had just walked out of Reeves' office – the man in question, dazed and confused, having a mini-crisis now that he knew Jessie was an eco-terrorist – the back of their hands touching, a finger or two intertwining, as they waited in reception for the elevator.
"Really? Cause I nearly had a heart attack." Cloud said grumpily, watching out of the corner of his eye as Jenova tried to hold the redhead's other hand, only to fail spectacularly when they phased through each other. Touching people other than the merc was apparently too advanced for his alien. "Are you sure it was a good idea telling him you're Avalanche?"
Jessie gave him a mock offended look.
"So say the guy who went from 0 to 100, threatening the man!" She accused jokingly, giving him a "stern" glare even as she shoulder-bumped him. "I distinctly remember Nayo saying play nice with Reeves… and I quote "threats are going to do more damage than good" unquote!" She laughed, stepping boldly in front of him, back to the elevator, and throwing her hands up in the air as she asked. "What happened to… you should try to compromise with him?"
"Not quite how she said it…" He mumbled in pitiful defense before straightening his spine, hands on his hips, looking down at her. "And I had no choice… that guy was a fucking boulder, getting ready to roll over me. He was literally all take and no give." Sighing in frustration, he ran a hand through his spikes, wondering how he could explain himself. "Right from the start, he had no intentions of being… "partners" with me. And that wasn't going to change any time soon. Reeves was basically just stringing me along until he got what he wanted." Shrugging his shoulder, the blonde took a step closer into his girlfriend's space, watching as she grinned a little wider. "All I did was beat him to the punch."
"Hey, no complaints from me," Jessie reassured him as she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck, giving him a peck on the lips. "You made a judgment call and did what you felt was best. And from the way Reeves looked at you – almost like you just stepped on his favorite puppy –well, I'd say, mission accomplished." Titling her head and giving a one-shoulder shrug, she added. "Better than me… I was ready to crash the fuck out on everyone when I found the bug. Heck, was about to set some bomb charges too, when Nayo called me."
Despite her grin, he was only 90% percent certain she was joking.
"Is blowing stuff up your first solution to everything?" Cloud deadpanned, his tone reprimanding even as he let his hands slide along her thin waist under the thick cloth, watching the skin of her neck burst into gooseflesh. Jenova watched longingly from next to them, a hand rubbing her neck, the other holding onto the back of his belt harness and shaking it, silently encouraging him to take things further.
(Yeah… just a little office sex to really get the morning going…) The phantom whispered eagerly, biting her bottom lip. (A pick-me-up to get us through the day…)
"It's a… knee-jerk reaction to most of my problems." The redhead admitted cheekily, leaning up to steal another kiss. "But don't knock it till you try it… you'd be surprised at how effective it can be!" Looking up towards the ceiling, like she was physically digging into her brain for examples, she said. "Got a pile of garbage you need to get rid of? One firebomb later… and what trash? An ex-lover stalking you? A few stink bombs will set them straight! Wedge, trying to steal from my stash? A firecracker or two will send that chucklehead running to his momma! Alligator in the sewer–"
"Alright, I get your point," Cloud said, cutting in before the redhead really got going with her hypotheticals. "But don't try and distract me, Rasberry," he murmured, his hands sliding down her hips and onto her backside. Funny enough, she did the same exact thing but took it a step further by giving his cheeks a firm squeeze, a saucy grin on her face. "Reeves… Avalanche… you sure that was a good idea?"
"Hmmm, not really…" She acknowledged easily with a shrug, seemingly unfazed by the question, let alone concerned. At his incredulous stare, she scoffed lightly and elaborated. "That was more of Biggs's call. He decided that if we're gonna jump the shark and just straight up threaten the guy, then we might as well lean into it and make Reeevs think the conspiracy is bigger than he can even comprehend." Leaning her head on his shoulder, her hands still palming him, she added. "Make him think you're in contact with multiple parties or outside organizations, hopefully scare him a little more. Might even even drop some hints that we're working with some Wutain patriots or Rhadorian remnants to spice things up."
Rhadorians? Wow, they were really diggin into the bullshit bag.
"Seems like a stretch…"
"Yeah, but that how ol'Bushy Beard is… big picture kind of guy." The redhead said into his collarbone as if that explained everything, her tone making it clear how much faith she had in her childhood friend's abilities. "He'd rather stack the deck in our favor as much as possible, then rely on one threat… especially over something none of us have ever heard of." She explained a little accusingly, offhandly citing his reluctance to properly explain what an Inspire was. But… probably sensing his uncertainty, she sotedn a little and added. "I'm not gonna pretend to know what he's planning – or even if he has one – but hey… as long as it solves our Shinra problem, I'm game for anything. Even if that means we gotta do some unconventional things. Playing it fast and loose… like a certain someone."
The rebuke, even if said jokingly, was loud and clear.
"I suppose…" Cloud agreed slowly, knowing he was being a hypocrite feeling so… especially after he endangered the entire mission following Jenova's advice. "And that I can't really be throwing stones after what I did…"
"No, you can't." She confirmed happily, before pulling her head back in order to look him in the face and asking casually. "What is an Inspire anyway?"
He could admit… her sudden question almost caught him off guard.
"That's… gonna have to stay a secret for now." He said slowly, scambling for another reasonable excuse as he glanced over at Jenova – who, for some reason, was rubbing her hands together almost menacingly – genuinely wondering how he would even begin to explain the phantom's existence. The answer was… he couldn't… and thus, wasn't. At least, not right now. Cloud was still coming to terms with his missing five years, the ramifications of it all. So, trying to explain the unbelievable existence of some parasitic alien that had sort of body snatched him was… well, needless to say, one existential life-altering secret at a time. He would still tell his girls eventually, just not right now. That wouldn't cause any harm… would it? "Trust me when I say it's better if I hold this one close to my chest for now. If I start spreading the details around, Reeves might freak and decide to burn bridges… maybe even throw us all under the bus out of spite."
Her eyes widened slightly at that, a little surprised by the assessment, but she recovered herself easily enough.
"Oh yeah? Not even if I offer you a… two-for-one special?" Jessie asked suggestively, jokingly giving him a lewd finger wiggle.
"Not even if I got my pick of the outfit."
She playfully snorted at that but nodded agreeingly, tactily acknowledging that more digging right now wasn't going to move him.
"Alright, alright, keep your secrets then… Specialist Strife." Jessie said tauntingly, with a shit-eating grin, teasing him about his abysmal military rank with Shinra. Her favorite pastime, now that he had told her about his missing five years. And what a conversation that had been. "Biggs and Nayo won't like it, but I'll trust you to tell us the big reveal when the time is right… hopefully by this year." She added cheekily, before asking ponderingly. "But speaking of outfits… maybe we should steal an infantry uniform for you? Hmm? Have you give me and the other girls a little show?"
Not a serious suggestion, he knew… just another joke to get him to smile, an attempt to replace his trauma with humor.
It had been both well and not-so-well received.
Tifa had been less than impressed by the redhead's apparent callousness, her frequent teasing at Cloud's captivity not being appreciated, having wanted everyone to be more delicate when they talked about his past. But the older girl had defended her jokes, saying that it was better to laugh at tragedies than cry all the time. And that, after what he'd been through, brooding over loss time was wasted energy… that it was better to smile at his new lease on life. Especially since the people responsible were already dead, and he couldn't change anything that had already happened.
Now, it'd be a different story if Hojo and Sephiroth were around, she had argued… but since they weren't, well…
Surprisingly, Aerith had agreed enthusiastically with that sentiment, putting Tifa on the backfoot.
"Hard pass," Cloud said idly, getting ready to lean down for another kiss. "I know your tricks… I give you an inch, you'll take a mile." Their lips met for a long moment, savoring the taste. "I let you put a collar on me one time … and now you think you can play dress up with me."
"But you looked soooo pretty."
"Yeah, yeah…" He said unimpressed, giving her ass a firm squeeze in mock warning. "Don't think I haven't heard all those make-up horror stories from Biggs and Wedge–"
"Damn traitors."
"-or seen that oversized dress you've been hiding under the bed," Cloud said, ignoring her attempt to distract him as he revealed what he knew, pushing her up against the wall as their bodies pressed together. "And don't tell me that's for you, because I check the size on the tags and–"
Ding!
Jessie put a finger on his lips, stopping his accusations, a look of faux-sadness on her face.
"Oh darn! There's my ride." She said with a convincingly gloomy tone, before snapping her fingers like the timing had vexed her. Gently shoving him off of her with an awkward "what can done" grin, the redhead sidestepped into the lift and gave the merc a commiserating half-shrug. "And just when the conversation was getting good, too! It was practically titillating. Oh well, we'll put a pin in it and save it for when we get home! Agreed? Agreed! Till then…" She trailed off, giving him a finger wave as she began rapidly pressing the close button, the metal doors slowly shut–
Cloud put his foot at the entrance, blocking the elevator and grabbing her wrist… giving his girlfriend a flat look before she could disappear from view.
"Where do you think you're running to?" He asked, unimpressed by her attempt to escape, not ready to let it drop as he twirled a finger at the small space, moving to step into the lift with her. "And this thing fits five people, genius. We'll take it down together, and you can explain to me–"
"Ah, ah, ah!" Jessie said, wagging a finger in his face before he got more than two steps inside, stopping him in his tracks. "Aren't you going after the wicked witch next?" After a moment of hesitation, he nodded, remembering he had other Directors to get through today. 'Oh yeah… Scarlet.' Seeing his confirmation, she said. "Well then, me and the boys need a chance to get ready for that lovely meeting." Tilting her head a little, she asked "innocently". "You remember, right? About how we gotta deactivate her security signals before you get sliced up by her attack drones?"
Cloud had forgotten…
His meeting with Reeves, the unexpected stubbornness of the man pushing everything else onto the backburner.
And from the sly smirk on the engineer's face, she knew he had.
"Yeah, I… remember…" He said lamely, his attempt at casualness falling flat.
"I can practically see the light bulb clicking on in your head." She said cheekily, before firmly pushing him the rest of the way out of the elevator, a fond smile on her face as she put a hand on her hip. "Take the next one, beautiful. In fact! Give us an hour minimum to dot our I's and cross our t's." As the doors began closing once more, she waved one finger in the air and said. "Go kill some time and put you feet up somewhere… hell, maybe get a coffee and muffin?" The door slowly began closing again, till she was just an eyeball and some quirked lips. "FYI… I hear all the cool kids hang out on the 59th floor."
000
'This is… a little more exposed than I was hoping for.' Cloud thought as he added a second sugar pack into his coffee, stirring it a little to distract himself from the staring eyes on his back.
Although… the gawking infantryman/cashier up front, waiting anxiously for Cloud to buy something, wasn't much better.
At least the teen (14 or 15, pimply faced) was only nervous – probably afraid the blonde was some officer he didn't know, and most definitely didn't want to offend – which… was better than the way most people in the cafeteria had reacted when he first came in.
(Maybe, but I get why Jessie sent us here… it's like hiding a tree in the forest.) Jenova reasoned with a lackadaisical wave of hand as she bent over to study the selection of muffins, muttering something to herself before looking up at him and pointing a thumb behind her. (Case in point… one doofus with a giant sword hiding among a bunch of other doofuses with giant swords. It's basically a planet full of hats! No way an outsider is gonna tell you don't belong.)
Fair, Jessie's idea was sound… probably more than the redhead would ever realize.
It still put an itch in the back of his skull.
Despite himself, Cloud found himself turning slightly to look at the room full of Soldiers trying to eat their meals – some of them coming in for a quick bite in between rotations, others for a late breakfast – most with their heads down, making quiet conversation with each other and eating their food… but occasionally peeking at the merc from the corner of their eyes, but always glancing away hurriedly as if afraid to get caught redhanded.
Well, that made him feel bad…
He regretted offhandly saying the cafeteria was kind of noisy, that there was no place to sit and think. It was the one time he spoke to Jenova out loud instead of in his head… and of course, every goddamn Soldier with fucking superhearing heard him mutter it under his breathe. And the Elites, unfortunately, seemed to take it as a tacit order… and in a flurry of motion, everyone had lowered their voices and given him a wide berth.
And by the time Cloud realized what was happening, the merc was just too awkward to fix his mistake – to tell everyone he hadn't been serious – which resulted… in two benches behind him getting cleared out to give him more space.
The merc wasn't even sitting down yet!
Gods, he was such an asshole…
'I'm pretty sure someone's gonna figure it out.' He countered anyway, ignoring his conflicting feelings as he made conversation. He poured a bit of half-and-half into his paper cup – making it more milk than coffee at this point – as he glanced over at Jenova, who was now pressing her face into the display glass. Bringing his drink to his mouth to take a sip, he tilted his head back a little to indicate the rest of the room. "Especially when I got a cafeteria full of Soldiers staring at me like I'm their long-lost son.'
(Who? Them?) She asked rhetorically, throwing a dismissive wave behind her… which resulted in a few of the peeking Elites trying to wave back half-heartedly, much to their own confusion. (Even if they did know something – and they don't – it's not like any of them are gonna snitch on you.)
'How can you be so sure?'
(I'm basically their goddess … what disrespectful scumbag is gonna rat on their Patron?) The alien said absentmindedly, straightening up from her crouch to lean back and stretch her spine. Hands on her hips, she glared at the muffins as if they had personally affronted her and asked irritably. (I can't decide which one I want… they both look delicious! Why can't we just get both, you cheapskate?)
Sighing tiredly as he sipped on his coffee, Cloud caught the cashier's attention to let the young teen know he was ready, showing him two fingers.
"One chocolate, one blueberry." He said simply, but as he reached for his wallet, the worker – (gods… did Shinra always recruit this young?) – was already nodding wildly in agreement, moving almost frantically to bag the treats and present them quickly to the blonde as if his life depended on it. "Uh… thank you. How much do I owe you?"
"U-Um... Soldiers don't have pay in the Lounge, s-sir." The nervous infantryman stuttered, gently placing Jenova's treat on the counter before backing up and rubbing his arm awkwardly. "Or.. at leat, everything is comped as long as you keep it below a hundred gil minimum… a-and don't try to take anything home…" The teen trailed off moresely, wincing a little as he swallowed hard, as if afraid he was about to get a dressing down.
(Hell yeah! Eating on Shinra's dime!) His parasite said happily, trying to swipe for the bag… only to hit it with all the force of a dried-out leaf floating on the breeze.
"Huh, that's uh… neat," Cloud said neutrally, not wanting to show just how ignorant he was about the Company's policies. He didn't really think the infantryman would be a problem, but the blonde had been making too many slip-ups lately and needed to tighten up before it became an issue. Plus, with the way the boy was glancing at the Soldiers in the room longingly, and at Cloud almost hopefully… he knew he needed to get the fuck away from the teen before he worked up the courage to ask some uncomfortable questions. So, slowly picking up the bag, he gave the kid a short nod, rapping his knuckles on the counter before saying. "Thanks for the help, kid… have a good shift."
Without waiting for a response, Cloud was already looking away, trying to–
"I-I… wait, sir!" The cashier said loudly before the merc had turned completely, hand half raised with his question. Mentally cursing himself for his slowness, Cloud reluctantly looked at the red-faced teen expectantly, already dreading the questions about to be asked. But as the seconds ticked by, the infantryman's resolve seemed to crumble – embarrassment and shyness warring on his face – before eyes drooped down till he was looking at the floor with red ears, barely managing to whisper. "I-I mean… I just want to say…" sigh "Have a good day…"
After a pregnant pause, Cloud gave the kid a stiff nod before turning away swiftly to make an escape, feeling both relieved and guilty.
(What… the hell was all that about?) Jenova asked incredulously, once they sat down at one of the unoccupied tables across from each other. Elbow on the surface, she leaned a cheek on a fist and looked up at him curiously.
'He… was trying to ask for advice on how to get into Soldier.' Cloud answered reluctantly as he unwrapped one of the muffins and fiddled around a bit with the baking cup. At her confused look, he rolled his eyes and elaborated. 'I know from personal experience he was, because… well, he was doing all the same things I did when I was in the infantry and was hoping to get into the program.'
(Really? Like what?) She asked distractedly, a look of sheer concentration on her face as she reached out a finger to scratch at the dome of the muffin.
'Like… working shit jobs for Shinra in order to be near Soldiers." He admitted grudgingly, tearing the muffin into smaller bites before popping a piece into his mouth. As he chewed, he tiredly leaned his face into the other palm, recounting his more embarrassing army days. 'As stupid as it sounds now, me and the other hopefuls would think that… by just being near them, we were gonna somehow pick up some hidden tricks or tips. Maybe somehow impress them enough that they would sponsor us or–'
(So… just help him out, you gatekeeper.) Jenova cut in with a wave of her hand like it was the simplest solution. Placing both elbows on the table, chin resting in the middle of her palms, she blinked sleepily at him as she said. (I mean, don't go full-on Zack Fair with him and become his best friend or anything. And I get not wanting to be responsible for the kid, but you know… pay it forward and all that good stuff. Offer him a little advice or encouragement, and make his day.) Licking the rim of her mouth as if trying to savor a flavor – a pointless action since she was piggybacking off his own senses to taste anything – before nodding sagely. (Hmmm, that's the good stuff...)
'Me… and Zack are very different people.' Cloud began to argue, already a dozen reasons why it was a terrible idea to fraternize with the employee at the tip of his tongue… and each one sounding more and more selfish by the second. ' Zack is… was the ideal Soldier. The kind that wanted to do good… and put his money where his mouth was. Did you know he once carried two injured infantrymen 15 miles down a mountain to get them airlifted? Even shouted down the base Commander that tried to get him to abandon the troopers for the mission?' She shook her head, waiting patiently for him to continue his thoughts. 'That's someone to look up to… but me? I'm a failure and an imposter, the last person anyone should be taking advice from. And– and– '
He stopped abruptly, forcefully fighting down the dark thoughts, the self-doubts that had plagued him since childhood.
No more backsliding.
Cloud was better than that… had to be better.
Which meant no more comparing himself or worrying about What-ifs.
That was going to be one hell of an uphill battle.
(You okay, spikey?) Jenova asked rhetorically, a knowing look in her blue eyes.
'Yeah… yeah, I'm good. Old habits, creeping back up is all…" Cloud said tiredly, pinching the space above his nose to calm himself. 'Look, let's just drop it for now. Maybe when I'm not in the middle of a potential life-or-death mission… I'll consider being nicer to random strangers.'
(Meh, no skin off my nose.) She said agreeingly, crossing her arms and giving him a shot nod.
'Good, because… I wanted to say thank you for earlier.' He said earnestly, if awkwardly, feeling a little shy now that he finally got it out, before taking a hurried sip of his coffee to distract himself. Seeing her surprised look and subsequent bright smile, he pushed forward. 'You really came through for me… and I appreciate it.'
A surprised blink… followed by a wide grin.
(Aw, you big softie.) Jenova teased, sitting sideway on the bench in order to give her knee a jaunty slap, her smile growing bigger by the second. (Well, you're welcome… and maybe now you'll take my advice a little more seriously.) She added ribbingly before saying a little more sincerely. (Never forget! We share the same body… so whatever's good for you is – in a roundabout way – good for me too.) Giving him a casual shrug of her shoulders, she said jokingly. (Hell, if you told me you wanted to become the king of Gaia or something… I'd be 100% behind you.)
It was a bit of an extreme scenario she was painting, but oddly enough, it was actually reassuring.
'Yeah… I think I'm starting to realize that.' Cloud said slowly but appreciatively before letting his gaze wander to the rest of the room's occupants as he collected his thoughts. Idly finishing off the rest of the muffin, he tapped a thumb on the lid of his coffee and asked. 'Since we're on the topic of it… got any advice on how to deal with Scarlet?'
(All that and more.) The alien said simply, adjusting her position to face him fully again as she opened her arms wide, as if in presentation. (You're looking at a treasure trove of experience in seducing women across millennias. With the right prep, I've yet to meet a woman whose head I can't turn!) Giving him a wide grin, she pointed at him and said cheekily. (And your pretty boy face is gonna be a dagger in that old biddy's heart–)
'...what about my face?'
(-no matter how shriveled and black it is.) She continued, ignoring his question as she twirled a finger to encompass the whole cafeteria and said happily with a twinkle in her eyes. (Even better, we got a room full of the perfect tools to bring that beautiful power-hungry she-devil into our bed… well, if you're willing lean on me and act a little out of character, that is.)
Confused by her words, he gazed idly at all the Soldiers around them – the only notiable thing in the whole room besides the vending machines – with many of them ducking their heads the moment his eyes caught theirs, before asking. 'What… did you have in mind?'
(Well, first things first…) Jenova began, resting her elbows on the table as she connected her fingertips together to form a tent, and asked seriously. (Did you know that when women turn 30, they slowly fade out of existence?) At his surprised look, she tilted her head and shook it grimly before continuing. (And that, at the tender age of 40, they're practically nonexistent from a sexual point of view?)
At that "revelation", Cloud slowly closed his eyes, already feeling a headache forming in his skull.
(I know, I know… the very concept is despicable, almost painful to even think about.) She said, nodding sagely, giving the merc a comiserating look like they were comrades-in-arms, misreading his actions. (For connoisseurs like us, leaving any beautiful woman alone is unthinkable.) Interwining her fingers, resting her chin on the knuckles, she said sadly. (But unfortunately, it'll be a stark reality for someone Scarlet's age.)
She took a moment of silence as if to empathize with all the older women of the universe.
Deciding to trust in her, Cloud shoved his irritation down and asked. 'And where does that leave us?'
(In a… surprisingly paradoxically but advantageous position.) Jenova said with a scholarly air, pointing one finger up primply, before a sharp grin graced her lips. (Because I know the perfect solution to our Christmas Cake dilemma.)
000
"...you want to negotiate?" Scarlet asked distainfully, crossing her arms under her chest as she gave him a flat look… although the effect was ruined by the sight of Jenova standing next to her, open-mouthed.
Still as mesmerized now as she was the first time they walked into the office.
'Hey! Pay attention you.'
(Whu…?) Jenova asked stupidly, her head only half turned as she blinked rapidly. It was almost as if she was afraid Scarlet was a dream that might disappear if she looked away. Absent-mindedly, the small woman climbed onto the desk and squatted next to the beautiful scientist, arms around her knees as her eyes roved the woman's body wonderingly. (Those pictures in the Headquarters don't do this woman justice! I mean… look at the size of those things!)
And indeed, the Director of Advance Weaponry was a vision.
Angular features that struck a fine balance between hard and soft, almost like it was cut with only precision and perfection in mind. Sharp blue eyes that twinkled unintentionally with both intelligence and cruelty, like she was constantly mocking the world. And on the top of her head was spun gold, long blonde hair done up in a braided half-twist that spilled in rivulets just behind her neck.
And then there was her body…
She was about as tall as Tifa, but with a bosom that was nearly a cup size bigger than his girlfriend's. Proudly on full display in her low-cut red vest, the opening in front of the crimson ensemble told Cloud this was a woman who was proud of her assets and wanted the whole world to know it. To her sides, her bare arms framed her torso and waist, all slim and toned, before flaring out into wide hips and shapely legs. And he knew from there was long slit on the side of her dress that display miles of leg, covered teasingly up to mid thigh with stockings.
An overall shape that would put an hourglass to shame.
Absolutely stunning… if one ignored the ever-present smirks on her pouty lips, the way her swan neck and nose tilted up to look down on people, and the constant flicking of rage and cruelty in her electric blues eyes.
"Just a joke." Cloud admitted genially, raising his hands by his side in mock surrender, giving her his most winning smile… which unfortunately had her narrowing her eyes in suspicion. Somewhat justified… even if it wasn't in the way she might've been thinking as he prepared himself for the next part of Jenova's plan. "I wasn't going to tell you anything important anyway, no matter what you offered, because – and this hurts me to say – I really don't trust you."
She blinked rapidly at that statement, looking at him incredulously like he were the stupidest creature she had ever laid eyes on. Which was fair. He was trying to act as randomly as possible in order to keep her off balance.
The merc learned from Reeves not to let these Directors get too comfortable, too in their element, or the tables might get flipped on the country boy again.
He didn't exactly have another Inspire card in his back pocket to threaten her with.
Although… maybe he should dial it back a little, considering how tightly she was gripping her pen, as off she wanted to stab him in the neck with it.
(Don't forget, you have to be confident at all times, bold even!) Jenova said, advising him as she spun a little on the desk to look at Cloud. (Even when you're wrong, play it off like you're still right. Women love confidence… it's a real panty dropper, you know? Oh, and–)
"But thankfully, that's not an issue for us." He began before her mood could turn even sourer, pointing a finger at the beautiful scientist. "Because you need me…" The merc pointed at himself. "Just as much as I need you. And that's really all the 'trust' we need to make this little conspiracy of ours work." Leaning back in his chair, he gave her a non-commital shrug of his shoulders before crossing his arms. "Case in point… who do you think been hiding your funny troop movements from the other Directors?"
A shot in the dark, one that Nayo had only been 70% certain was true…
Thankfully, Scarlet immediately stiffened – almost imperceptibly even to his Soldier eyes, if he hadn't already been looking for tells – giving herself away before she regained control of herself.
Cloud could practically hear the gears in her head turning.
"Conspiracy?" She said casually, with deceptive calmness. "A dangerous word to describe a conversation where a whole lot of nothing has been said… especially when all I've heard from you is a bunch of crying about how you feel underappreciated." Then… the slightest smirk appeared on her face, as if she just caught him in a slip-up. "And what's this nonsense about troops? Are you sure you're not in the wrong office? Because Public Safety is on the 63rd floor, just around that droopy potted plant. And I'm sure if you hurry, you might even be able to catch Heideger before he goes for his three-hour lunch." Planting her elbows on the table and interlacing her fingers, she rested her chin on the bridge. A sharp smile split her lips as she said. "And I'm sure if you ask him nicely… the fat fuck will take you on that date your so despereate for."
The humor at the end stunned him more than her bold-faced lies.
(Kind of a lame joke… but laugh anyway!) Jenova said, rubbing her finger and thumb on her chin, as if in idle study as she looked Scarlet over. (Let her know you guys share the same humor. Flip it on her and make her feel confident, too! Brave even! Then, once you both start feeling a little bolder around each other… that's when the real magic starts happening!)
Cloud let himself laugh, throwing his head back… genuinely surprised by her setup, even beyond his alien's advice.
Encouragingly, after a startled blink by his reaction, a slightly more honest smile appeared on her face at someone enjoying her off-color joke before it was squashed an instant later.
"Thank you, I needed that after my terrible morning." He said honestly, still chuckling a little before leaning back a bit to study her. Idly tapping two fingers on his armrest in rhythm, he said consideringly. "You still think I'm trying to trick you somehow… trying to get you to admit to something incriminating. Fair enough… a healthy amount of suspicion goes a long way." Nodding to himself a little as if coming to a decision, he stood up abruptly, grabbing his sword – ignoring the way her eyes flickered to her gun – reholstering it, before placing his hands on his hips, and stealing some of Reeves words. "And you're absolutely right… I've been too vague. Expecting trust without giving you anything to prove my sincerity. Well, let me fix that." Stretching a hand out towards her, palm up as if in offer, he said. "Let's take a walk."
(That's the ticket… keep a steady balance. It's tricky, but you're doing well.) The Phantom said, nodding approvingly, squickly crambling off the desk to stand next to him as she critiqued his flirting. (Establish dominance but also let her feel like she can take control when she wants. Be persistent with your interest, but don't be too aggressive. You don't want it to teeter towards sexual harassment. Trust me, I've been down that thorny road many times.) The small blonde wiggled two fingers as she continued her explanation. (Make her feel safe, but also imply danger so she gets that special tingle in her–)
Scarlet stared at his hand like it was a poisonous viper…
"And why the fuck whould I go anywhere with you?" Scarlet said stubbornly, getting a mullish look on her face and crossing her arms with finality, her spark of humor gone.
"Because…" Cloud began, giving her a noncommittal shrug of his shoulder before hedging out jokingly. "I'll let you buy me dinner afterwards?"
If looks could kill, the merc would have dropped dead at that moment.
But before the Director got ready to do more than glare, she let her eyes wander to her desk, where she was no doubt still getting error messages, thanks to Jessie's shenanigans. To her experimental gun on the tabletop, as useless now as it was earlier. Then to corners of her office where her security droids had laid dormant all this time, not moving an inch. And finally, on to the Buster Sword hanging off his back, the edge of the sharp blade peaking out near his left hip.
Mental math calculated… and likely found very wanting, she reluctant reach out to clasp his hand, standing up as well.
It was a weird feeling for Cloud, knowing his very presence was an implied threat, no matter what he intended. That… every request or question from him had an underlying implication of violence that had people imagining the absolute worst.
Mmmh, another thing to wonder about later.
Instantly, she let her eyes rove him up and down consideringly, with him doing the same.
"Funny… for some reason, I thought you'd be taller." Scarlet casually threw out, watching out of the corner of her eyes to see how he'd react as Cloud led her around her desk, till she was facing him.
He could admit… that stung a little.
No matter how many years passed, shots at his height still managed to get a bit under his skin, dig into that childhood insecurity over being the smallest kid on the playground. Thankfully, it was just a little… because, honestly, it wasn't anything he hadn't heard a million times before, growing up in Nibelheim or even during his army days.
Instead, he did what he would usually do if Jessie or Nayo were acting particularly bratty or pushy in bed.
He got physical.
The merc abruptly pulled the scientist towards him till they were flush against each other, their close heights almost lining them up together perfectly. And before she could speak, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, trapping her against him, their faces only inches apart. During all of this, he idly noted how her palms reflexively pressed flat on his chest in surprise… and maybe even a little fear of sudden movement.
"I'm tall in all the ways it counts," Cloud said with a smirk, boldly pressing his hips into hers, liking how her heart rate spiked at his words and actions… although whether it was from adrenaline or fear, he couldn't tell. Hell, for all he knew, it might've been rage he was hearing, and she was getting ready to claw his eyes out. But… in for a penny, in for a pound. "And if you play nice… be a good girl, maybe I'll even let you taste it."
(Eh, I would have said all you inches went into you dick.) Jenova said as she quickly hopped into his body to cop a feel of Scarlet. (I guess what you said more or less means the same thing, if not exactly with the same spice. So… good job anyway, I guess.)
He watched the scientist scoff distainfully at his bravado… but noticed the slightest dusting of red across her cheeks – the way her fingers curled into his sweater, even leaning bodily into him a little – which told the merc the sudden skin contact was affecting her.
Mmmm, maybe Jenova wasn't blowing smoke when she said all he needed to do was smile at Scarlet?
He knew he had to be somewhat aesthetically pleasing – he had three girlfriends, after all, with potentially three more on the way – but handsome enough to turn to head of a virtual stranger? Now, that was just… so hard to believe. All his life, he had been too short, too skinny, too prickly–
*Smack!*
A sharp clap resounded in his mind.
(Hey, hey! Enough of that!) Jenova scolded, a sudden image of the woman with a marker in hand, standing in front of a planning board titled "The Christmas Cake Dilema", with pictures, notes, and doodles covering every inch of the surface. (Have your pity boy introspection on your own time… and not when we're trying to seduce a 12/10!)
"Paws off, pervert," Scarlet said warningly, her eyebrows furrowing as the corners of her mouth turned down sourly. However, her words didn't quite match her actions. She shoved him weakly on the shoulder as she tried to wiggle out of his arms, not even attempting to step apart from him, her body almost leaning into him instead of away. "If I feel those hands drop any lower, I'll gut you."
Wow.
(Oooh, she's playing hard to get.) Jenova said enthusiastically, carefully analyzing the Director's actions and categorizing them along her board. (Okay, okay, back off a little bit to show you respect her words, but not all the way. Leave a hand on her or something, you know? Respect her autonomy, but toe the line.) She began hastily annotating some of her doodles. (I know it's confusing, maybe even contradictory, but trust me! I know what I'm talking about! Make sure you keep up the flirting too; let her know you're smart enough to read between the lines. But don't make it too obvious you know she's interested, dance around it a bit–)
"Are you ready?" Cloud asked idly, ignoring her threats as he watched her face, unwrapping his arms and letting them slide along her waist till he was resting his hands on her hips, giving them a firm squeeze… really hoping he wasn't about to get slapped. "Got everything you need for our field trip? Coat? Wallet? Keys?" He tilted his head mockingly at the pistol on the table. "Gun maybe? A girl's gotta stay strapped, after all. It's a short walk to our destination, but you never know when I might take advantage."
"You're hilarious," Scarlet said sarcastically, throwing him a flat look, before "reluctantly" taking his offered elbow primly as he guided them towards the door. "And this better be worth my time, Strife… because, unlike the rest of you layabouts, the President expects me to get things accomplished when I'm in the office."
Instead of answering, he just smirked at her, opening the double doors before leading them out.
And waiting for them was a squad of Soldiers…
Nearly a dozen of them.
Instantly, the blonde woman stiffened in surprise at the sight, the shock of entering a room full of killers unprepared.
The Director's heart was spiking to unhealthy levels, no doubt her internal alarms kicking into overdrive. Externally, her hands tightened unconsciously around Cloud's elbow, holding him in a death grip as her eyes rotated frantically around the room. Likely, visually and mentally checking every security protocol and system she had in place, and cursing whatever evil god left her so vulnerable.
Credit where credit was due, though, she didn't let her unexpected fear control her. Because just a scant second later, she turned to quickly glare at Cloud before raising her chin haughty at the other men, saying acidly. "What–"
"Soldiers!" Cloud barked out, causing all the men to immediately scramble to the center of the reception room, lining up as each straightened into a crisp salute. They held their pose as the merc sternly looked them over, pretending to inspect them for any slip-up before ordering. "Present yourselves! Names, ranks, and duties!" Raising a finger before they got started, he amended. "Just the relevant bits, mind you, for my presentation."
(I don't always like flexing my authority.) Jenva said smugly, anticipation and giddiness welling up inside of her at the final step of her plan came to fruition. (It almost feels too easy at that point… girls falling over themselves for a taste of my power.)
And the Soldiers began…
"Bartholomew Moors, Sir!" A tall brunette said first, stepping out of the line-up to present himself to the two blondes. "I'm a Third-Class, currently working as one of Director Heideger's security officers and field Captians!"
At the merc's nod of acknowledgement, he stepped back, and a stocky blonde took his place.
"Aaredin Summers, sir!" He stated, throwing up another salute before dropping into parade stance. "Third-Class! Currently assigned as one of the rotating guards for Vice-President Rufus's suite."
Another nod from Cloud, and he retook his place as a slim Wutain replaced him.
"Rikard Ryuchi. Sir!" The man declared proudly, presenting his own sharp salute. "Second-Class Soldier! I'm one of the two sub-commanders of the Sector 8 Infantry platoons! A-And…" He hesitated, eyes flickering to Scarlet before looking back at Cloud, who was watching him expectantly, and found his resolve. "Currently on Director Tusesti's payroll, acting as an informate for him."
Cloud waved for the man to step back into line but raised a finger to stop the next Soldier… before moving his digit in a 180-degree semi-circle, signalling the Soldiers to turn around and cover their eyes.
Which they did with almost fanatic aplomb.
He twisted to look over at Scarlet, who had been watching the whole presentation with calculating eyes, her gaze following Ryuchi sharply after what Wutain had admitted but narrowing even further when she saw how quickly they obeyed him.
The slightest glint of hunger in her blues at the casual display of power…
But perhaps not as much as Jenova may have been hoping for.
"I think my point has been made." The merc said, drawing the Director's attention to himself. He let go of her arm, stepping firmly in front of her so that she was between him and the door of her office. "Do I need to go on?"
The scientist met his stare for a moment before turning away with a light scoff and a shrug of her shoulders, saying. "So the Old Man lets you order some of this freaks around, big whoop. What's that supposed to prove–"
"I want a seat on the board," Cloud stated bluntly, cutting her off, deciding the time for mind games and subtlety was over. No more implied threats, half truths, and vague implications of what he wanted. Now was the time to reel this fish in… and trick her into saving the slums. "Unfortunately, we have a bit of an overcrowding problem among the Directors." He said idly, crossing his arms behind his back and stepping away, giving her room to breathe but forcing her to focus on his words alone. "Something I think you can agree with."
For a beat, a second, a long minute… Scarlet just stared, studying his face intently, even glancing at the waiting Soldier on the side consideringly, before clicking her tongue irritably.
"Then why don't you do something about it?" She asked primly, no longer stepping gingerly around him with her words, afraid this was one elaborate trap. Crossing her own arms just below her chest, she tilted her towards the other men in the room, before saying casually. "You seem to have friends in all the right places, after all. So… make a move."
"If only it was that simple." He began, all while internally prepping his speech and explanations. "Sure, killing an Executive would be easy – gods, it'd be so easy – but there's no guarantee that I'll be the person to take their place. Putting me back to square one." Giving her a reluctant shrug and head shake, he said sadly. "And that's not even getting into what the President would do to me if messed with one of his 'useful' tools… at least, without giving him something better to replace it."
"And you think you can… rise to the challenge?" Scarlet said with a derisive chuckle, heels clicking as she stepped closer to him. Titling her head to the side, she pursed her lips as she gave him a once-over before raising an immaculate eyebrow in mocking humor. "Maybe after another 20 years of college and an internship, you'll be ready to kiss our toes." Reaching up to give one of his spikes a flick (Why do people keep doing that?), she said with equal pride and scorn. "As much as it pains me to admit, most of those degenrates happen to excel at their positions… so unless you have turn lead into gold, you're shit out of luck."
"Absolutely right… and oh gods, no," Cloud said with a theatric shiver, taking her sarcasm at face value for the sake of the conversation. "Trying to out-engineer Reeves Tuesti? I'd have a better chance of winning the lottery." He shook his head miserably as he began counting off the Directors and their credentials. "Heidgers a blowheart… but a tried and true Commander with no less then three wars under his belt. Hell, he's been commanding battles before I was even born! Palmer, for all his faults, at least cares about space, while I… think stars are very, very pretty." Pausing for a moment, he looked her dead in the eyes as he said with a placid smile, his tone friendly. "And I don't know the first thing abut materia, other than how to use them."
Her earlier smirk dropped into a grimace.
"But thankfully, I don't need to." He continued when she didn't say anything, watching mentally as Jenova frantically organized Nayo's talking points for him, pointing emphatically at his next lines. "I just need to tear down the other Director's credibility… pile on their mistakes till they're an unreliable mess." Nodding to himself a little, as if the merc was agreeing with his own idea, he said. "I'll make them so useless… a virtual dead weight around the Old Man's neck, the President will be practically begging someone to put a bullet in their heads. Maybe even a giant sword in their skull?" Planning his right hand over his heart, he said with the utmost sincerity. "At that point, I'll present myself before the Board, and will… reluctantly step up into my new position."
For a heartbeat, the scientist's work over her words, chewing on the sentences as she considered what she was a bout to say.
Satisfingly, she said exactly what he wanted to hear.
"And how do you propose to accomplish that?" Scarlet asked archly, but observing him with keen interest now that he was laying all his cards on the table, admitting to things that – had he been an actual employee – would've gotten shot for treason. After all, nobody jokes about killing a Director unless they're all in. The rank-and-file have disappeared for lesser offenses. "You said it yourself, there's no guarantee you'll get the hotseat, no matter how… unique your current duties are."
(Seriously? This wasn't enough!?) Jenova cried out in despair, slamming the meaty side of her fists on the board as she tried to recalculate her strategies, disbelieving that her presentation and show of power wasn't an immediate win. (Oh, you stubborn minx! What more do you want from me? A goddamn back flip!?)
"Because, as we're destroying their lives, forcing them to justify their incompetence…" Cloud began calmly, despite feeling a little creeped out by his alien's actions, but focusing up and giving the Director his full attention. "I'll go after their support network and power bases… taking everything I can get and making it mine. And what I can't, I'll burn to the ground." Leaning closer to her, he tilted his head back to the waiting Soldiers and said. "As you can tell, I'm already working that end."
"Well… you certainly seem to have everything in hand." The scientist said snidely, almost like it was a reflex for her to always be mean, but beneath the prickly words, she was testing him. "So, why bother telling me anything? And what's to stop me from running off behind your back?"
"Because I'm impatient, and… well, you'd be shooting yourself in the foot." He admitted casually, answering her questions with that simple statement, as if that explained everything. It didn't, if her unimpressed look was anything to go by. Giving her a winning smile – thankful she stopped glaring wherever he did– he elaborated. "Not to undersell myself, but even with all Hojo's resources, it could take years for my plans to get any traction. The sad reality is… I'm just one person fighting an uphill battle. But, if I had… what did you say?" He questioned, idly snapping his fingers at his side as if to help with his memory. "Friends in all the right places… well, that'll certainly speed things up."
"I'm not your friend," Scarlet corrected sharply, her tone biting even as her hands reached up to brace against his chest. It was like she was about to push him away, but instead, she let him lean more of his weight into her. "And you still haven't answered me… what do I get out of this?"
"Don't play coy." Cloud reprimanded lightly, placing his hands on the door, just inches from her body, caging her in threateningly. "I told you, I already know about your troop movements… it doesn't take a genius to guess what you're aiming for." Blue versus blue, as she stared back defiantly at him, raising her chin and stubbornly not admitting to anything. "And it won't be long before everyone else figures it out too."
"Even if what you're implying is true…" She began, hardly blinking an eye and unwilling to give an inch. "A million suspicious things happened all the time; it's basically Shinra's bread and butter, so what's one more? Hardly a blip on most people's radar."
"How about… because we're on a collision course for disaster?" He shot back, a real bit of irritation bleeding into his voice as he regareded the infuriating woman. Cupping her face in his hand, he tilted it up a bit more, and he said quiteley. "You and me? Same plans… same goals… but the right hand not speaking to the left? That's a fuck up waiting to happen." Letting go of her chin, he gave her a frustrated shake of his head. "If two people are going after the same thing, then they're either gonna get in each other's way or be forced to fight it out." Spreading his arms in quasi-surrender, he said. "I'd rather go for option C… and work together."
For a beat, a second… a moment that seemed to stretch into infinity and beyond, they stared each other down, weighing options and actions.
But so long it took – her eyes trailing him egmatically the whole time – Cloud was starting to think he might have fucked up somewhere.
'Damnmit!'
Thankfully, before he could panic further, the beautiful scientist broke first.
"Like I said… what's in it for me? " Scarlet finally said, her voice dropping an octave as her hands slid up his chest and onto his shoulders. Her whole demeanor shifted from combative and stubborn – her go-to and fall back attitude during this whole operation – to almost open and pliant. Dare he even say… seductive? "If we're going to do this, keep in mind, my help does not come cheap or easy. I don't give handouts, and I don't bend to threats. So, stuff your sword back into your pants… because if we're going to play this game, you better make it worth my while."
"...what's you're poison?" Cloud asked slowly, genuinely curious what a woman who was on top of the world could possibility want.
"If the country boy gets to be a Director…" She began, tugging sharply at his collar for emphasis, giving him a smile that was liable to give most children nightmares. "Then it's only right… that I get something equal or greater."
She finished with a look over his shoulder, staring hungrily at the backs of the Soldiers still lined up.
But at Aarendin Summers in particular… one of Rufus Shinra's guards.
Well, in for a penny, in for a pound.
(Unexpected... but 10/10 acting, spikey!) Jenova said with a happy clap, not at all fazed by the Director's condition. (If I didn't know better, I'd think your part chameleon!)
000000
Alright! Finally got Scarlet on the hook!
Not much to say, other than hopefully more Shinra girls down the line. lol
Fun fact: Apparently, Jessie tried to love-potion Cloud in Remake. In Rebirth, Cloud and Barret are having a conversation about gardens, and Cloud suggests growing Milly and Red Shelly, two ingredients that Jessie listed that she was going to use for her pizza. Only for Barret to look at him weirdly and reveal those are used "exclusively" for love potions. That, they straight up have no other uses. Basically, Jessie tried to feed Cloud a love-potion pizza haha.