Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rumors spread. Yuffie was all for the gossip when it concerned Shinra. Apparently Rufus Shinra had found a new muse! A new lover? But who? None of the rumors will say. 

Which meant the terror Shinra once held over people was still present. One thing Yuffie knew for certain, was that the unfortunate soul who tried to take advantage of Shinra's lover, ended up shot in the knee. By President Rufus Shinra himself. 

That was the loudest of the rumors and gossip. Yet when Yuffie tried to learn more information, she couldn't. The only odd thing was finding out among her friend group that two of them actually attended that party.  

"Whaaaaaaat!? Cloud is doing guard duty!?" When Yuffie learned this, she began to ask all the questions. 

You're working for Shinra!? She messaged. Yuffie didn't expect an immediate response. In truth, she didn't expect any any at all. Barely five minutes later her phone beeped. 

Not working for them. Merely a side gig for extra work. 

But that's Shinra! Yuffie typed. 

And? He pays my rates. Was the nonchalant reply. 

"Oh! You think you're being sneaky!" Yuffie huffed. "I know when you're hiding something, Cloud!" 

So what happened with this last job? The world is going crazy! Might as well shoot her shot. 

Not my business to tell. Of course he wouldn't spill the beans. 

And yet, something about this rubbed Yuffie the wrong way. What was actually going on? Cloud was definitely not telling her everything. 

"Hmm. I wonder." Yuffie looked up the next event. She was surprised the next Shinra party event will be soon, within a week's time. And it was open for public! Some masquerade with the main star, Princess. 

"Aha! Perfect!" Yuffie began to devise a plan. 

A Week Later

Yuffie was nervous for many reasons. One, she was entering the masquerade without an escort. She became aware this will make her stand out as she neared the grand Shinra building that was being used for this event. She sees couples walk through, giggling and arms interlocked. 

Not one single person was going alone. 

So Yuffie would definitely stand out to Tseng at the door. The Turk wasn't alone, that blond girl was with him. They greeted everyone who walked through. Yuffie wasn't sure if Elena would recognize her or not, but she had the sneaking suspicion Tseng will. And he will know something suspicious was afoot. 

"And what's a fine lady such as you doing out here all alone?" A voice made Yuffie turn. 

A Soldier? Had to be, with those eyes. Long blond hair done in a weird outgrown mullet style. He wore dark blue almost black clothes to go along with his eye color. The mask was the only splash of color that didn't match him. Red wings of a phoenix taking flight. 

"My date bailed." Yuffie angrily huffed. 

"Now who would bail on a catch like you?" The other smirked, taking in her appearance. 

Yuffie felt all sorts of weird. She had chosen a black dress inspired by her culture, but still allowed her to move freely without trouble. Ironically, she too had a phoenix fighting a tiger on the front. The grand stitching was what caught her attention in the first place. 

Her own mask took after the tiger aspect, giving her face the cat eye shape. 

Actually, he wouldn't be a bad match with that mask. Yuffie decided to smile. 

"What about you?" She asked. 

"Didn't really plan on taking a date." He shrugged. Then he smiled as he spoke next. "But, if you're interested, we can have a few dances? I can't dance for long, I'm afraid. Duty calls, and such." 

"Hmm, alright!" Yuffie couldn't believe her luck! A date she can freely ditch once inside. 

"The name is Roche by the way. My I ask of your name?" He held his arm out for her. 

"Uh...Yuffie! Short for...Yuffemia!" She wanted to smack herself for that one. Why did she do that? What a great cover up. Yuffie had to catch herself from muttering as she silently berated herself as their arms locked. 

"Cute." Roche comments, and Yuffie wasn't sure if he was serious or not. He definitely came off as a player. 

In fact, there was something oddly familiar about him. Yet Yuffie couldn't place what. It didn't matter as they casually approached the doors. Yuffie felt her stomach drop when Roche seemed to know the Turks. 

"What a fine evening for a dance." Roche smiled at Elena. 

"Excuse me, we're not allowed to join the dancing." It took everything in Elena not to turn her face at Roche's greeting. 

"Guess I'm lucky!" He didn't seem to mind her obvious attitude. 

"So long as you don't have distractions." Tseng comments, eyeing Yuffie briefly. She nervously smiled, hoping the make up and mask was enough of a disguise. 

"I'm sure there'll be someone else to keep my date busy while I'm at work." Roche shrugged off. 

Too bad for you, I'll be scouting! I must find everything out about this secret! Yuffie chanted in her head. For nothing shall stop her from digging anything when it concerned Shinra. 

After all, why all this secrecy otherwise? It had to be someone very important to catch Shinra's eye! And to Yuffie, old habits die hard. This presented enough of a challenge to satisfy her curiosity. 

Luckily for her, Tseng didn't stop them from entering. Although Yuffie swore she felt eyes following her. The feeling went away when they entered the grand dance floor. It was crowded, and so many dresses! Yuffie could only stare at the extravagance of it all. Some dresses were more like costumes. And they made her feel small and insignificant. 

No! This is a stealth mission! Phase One has been completed! Yuffie reminded herself. 

"I am afraid I only have time for one dance." Roche actually seemed reluctant. 

"Oh, it's all right! Really, I didn't know this dance would be so..." Yuffie couldn't find the right word. 

"Over the top? That's the rich for you. They set the bar up insanely high for this event." It seemed he understood enough of why she was nervous. 

Yuffie almost said something to add to the comment, but it would have come off as borderline insult. She had to remind herself she kept the Turks from being suspicious, she couldn't get on Roche's radar. Since the Turks acted like he was working for them, Yuffie definitely couldn't risk it. 

The dance wasn't terrible, by some miracle. Although Yuffie was nervous, it was probably a good thing she ended up with someone confident as Roche. He kept her from losing balance or bumping into other couples. Yuffie started to think his height had that as an advantage. 

When the song ended for new dancers to take the floor and some to exit, they made for the food tables on display. Roche then made a quick exit, saying he really needed to sign onto his job. Yuffie was grateful he didn't ask to meet again. He seemed more intent on keeping the job. 

And then Princess appeared. Everyone turned with gasps, claps, and cheers. Yuffie was inhaling sweets when she heard the cheers. She turned to view the figure coming down the stairs. Yuffie nearly choked on the cake. 

A sparkling white dress, slit up one side tantalizingly to the hip, teasing that there was nothing underneath. The dress was very form fitting. Showing off the natural curves Princess had. Although the chest was obviously fake and over doing it, Yuffie can picture them giving Tifa a run for her money with her natural chest. 

The wig was poofy but in a controlled way to take shape and styled. To Yuffie, Princess looked like her hair was turned into some sort of nest for a baby chocobo. The blond color didn't help with the illusion. Yuffie also didn't understand the overly done eye make up, but she did appreciate that it helped make the very bright red lipstick stand out. 

The white winged mask took away the make up, at least. Yuffie almost choked again when she heard Princess speak. 

"Good evening, darlings." 

That couldn't be, right? Yuffie couldn't just be imagining things. That just couldn't be Rufus Shinra, right? It simply couldn't. The man could never pull this off. There was no way. 

But something about that voice made Yuffie think of him. Before she could gather up the courage to think of approaching, someone walked by. At first she didn't pay the person any mind. That was until a gloved hand pulled her mask off. 

"Excuse you! How very rude!" Yuffie pulled her mask back to place before turning. 

Only to stare at Cloud. 

"And what exactly are you doing here?" He wasn't amused. 

He was wearing his usual clothes. With only a black winged mask to keep with the theme of a masquerade. Something about the mask seemed strange. But Yuffie was more upset being found out. 

"How did you know I was here!?" 

"Tseng mentioned a suspicious girl coming in with Roche. I went and asked him. He said your name was...Yuffemia, you said? Yuffie for short? And, really? What kind of name is that for a disguise?" He crossed his arms. 

"It was the only thing I can come up with on the spot, okay!" Yuffie huffed. "Okay, so you know I'm here now. This means you can help me discover the big secret of this latest rumor!"

"No." Cloud shook his head. 

"But whyyyyyy!" Yuffie whined. 

He sighed, raising his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. Yuffie almost discreetly searched his pockets like old times. But he was smart enough not to lose sight of her for too long. 

"Tell you what, there is a possible threat of some dangerous people sneaking their way into this event like you did. If you help me, I may let you in on one secret." 

"Really!?" Yuffie practically swooned. 

"Just don't blow our cover." 

"Don't worry! No one will suspect the greatest Ninja in the world!" Yuffie proudly posed. 

"I think I might regret this." Cloud sighed. 

Chapter Text

"So, what's the scope? What do you know about these dangerous people who want to crash the party?" Yuffie wondered as they moved off to avoid being overheard but still keep an eye over the masquerade. 

"A possible assassination attempt. At most three or four people, with one guy signed up for the deed." 

"Sounds serious. Who's the target?"

"Princess." 

"Princess? And not the President?" That didn't seem right. 

"He's not part of this party. Besides, there's a lot of hate going around lately towards people like Princess. And she's the biggest star in Junon." 

Something about this was fishy. 

"Why so much trouble and effort at Princess in comparison to Shinra?" 

"His first order before making a public debut was to spread the cure of Geostigma. And he did so it was accessible to everyone. The hate towards Shinra is a bit quieter."

That seemed a bit too convenient of a defense. She stared at him. Cloud wasn't always one to usually hold any loyalty to Shinra. So what changed?

"No one seems to like him after his stunt at the last party." Yuffie comments, keeping her questions to herself for now. 

"The idiot drugged someone. Someone under his employment. He's lucky to even be alive." Cloud had a tone to his voice. 

"So you do know who it is!" A wide grin spread on her face. 

"Can we focus on the task?" The blond sighed. 

"Fine. But I will get my answers one way or another out of you!" Yuffie declared. 

"I promised you one secret." Cloud was irritated now. 

"Yeah, yeah. But is it a good one?" 

"Yes. Now can we coordinate a plan?"

"You sound like the Turks." Yuffie stared suspiciously. She only knew because Vincent spoke like that sometimes. Then when she comments on it, he would mention old habits were difficult to rid of. 

"I've been working with them for a while." 

Something was definitely fishy. But considering a life was in danger, Yuffie decided to drop it for now. If there was any means to save a life in a dramatic fashion, Yuffie was all in. Even though she didn't understand the hate towards Princess having a career for wearing dresses. She viewed it as someone just having fun. 

Although once again her suspicions on who Princess really was ate away at her. To Yuffie's credit she didn't outright ask Cloud. It could spoil her chance of finding out the one secret he was willing to share. 

"So how are we capturing these crooks?" Yuffie suspected that there might be a plan in the works. Turks were usually pretty thorough. 

"Suits and Roche are our eyes. They got cameras covering everywhere. He is the eyes in the midst of the crowd. You and I will be the ones making the moves, since the infiltraters likely won't be alarmed by our presence in comparison."

"Hmmm. That is if you're not known as bodyguard around these events." Yuffie had a point. 

"I'm usually out of the attention. Roche is well known now."

"Why? Is it because he's flashy?" 

"You could say that." There was a tone to his voice. Annoyance. 

So they weren't close. However having met Roche herself, Yuffie couldn't blame him. Even though something about him nagged at Yuffie, she couldn't focus on it. Cloud had begun to eye the crowd, and this alerted Yuffie. 

She learned to trust his hearing a long time ago. Yuffie had to hand it to the enhancements Soldiers got. A movement caught her eye, and Yuffie stared as Princess approached the food table. 

And Cloud had honed in on her? Yuffie was confused. That meant they were close. Or maybe he was paranoid. This was a job after all. Still, it was an action that tugged at Yuffie. The only time she seen him act like that was when Cloud and Tifa were still dating. 

When they were together, Cloud had trained his ears to hear her footsteps and hers alone. So when he heard her coming closer, he would glance at Tifa directly. To Yuffie, this was the same behavior. 

"Wait a minute..." Her eyes zeroed in on staring between Cloud and Princess, gears turning in her head. 

It was then Yuffie noticed the masks were identical save for the color. She gasped audibly, loud enough even Princess glanced over. Cloud caught on Yuffie realized something and raised a finger to his lips to signal her to keep quiet. It took everything in Yuffie not to shout. 

She was saved when Cloud's earpiece went off. He turned to listen better, even though he wouldn't need to. It was more to focus so his other ear that was free didn't get distracted by the party just feet away from them. 

"Someone is tailing." Cloud whispered loud enough only for Yuffie. 

Since she had better view, Yuffie pretended to peer around him to admire Princess from afar. In actuality she was searching for anyone suspicious tailing the figure. There were too many people taking breaks for drinks or food. But Yuffie did notice someone off to the side trying to be inconspicuous, leaning against the wall. 

"There's a man against the wall. He acting like he's security but..." Yuffie was second guessing herself at this point. The Turks could have more people hired security here. 

Cloud turned, as if just realizing Princess was there at the tables. And he caught sight of who Yuffie described. And his expression scowled. 

"Not one of ours." He confirmed. 

"I can talk to him. Butter him up for the suits to grab?" 

"What? But - "

"Cloud, you're not in a dress." Yuffie smiled at his sour expression. 

"Fine, just...be careful. And don't accept anything from him." Cloud added the last part in panic. 

That was weird advice, one Yuffie felt that she didn't need. Of course she wouldn't accept anything from a stranger. Especially someone who is a suspect. Yuffie decided not to voice her thoughts as she made her way closer. 

Upon realizing his focus was so intently in Princess, Yuffie knew that he had to be one of the goons. Short as she was, she stood out with her dress and mask. So Yuffie decided on another approach. She reached for a champagne glass, taking a few gulps, before pretending to be stumbling for the restrooms conveniently placed close to the suspect. 

When she was close enough she stumbled and her glass spilled on the guy's pants. Right near the crotch. Score! Yuffie replaced her excitement with horror, ever being dramatic. 

"Oh no! I am so sorry, sir!" Yuffie's voice was intentionally loud and a bit slurred. The anger in the man's face turned to horror as people nearby turned to watch the spectacle.

"Here, let me help you with that!" Yuffie scrambled to her feet with a napkin. She was intentionally missing as she patted him down. 

Since eyes were on them, he couldn't escalate the scene. Yuffie knew being small and petite meant that a crowd would jump to her defense. Or at the very least call him out for being an asshole. When she felt that there was a gun hidden away, that was when he jerked back a bit. 

He must have known she felt it. 

"Why don't we help you to the ladies room?" He offered. 

"O-Okay." Yuffie was torn between making an even bigger scene, or let him lead her away and Cloud will come running. 

Then she figured, if she made a bigger scene, if this guy had friends here to help do the deed, then they would bail. So Yuffie stiffly allowed herself to be escorted towards the hallway of the restrooms. 

He tried to force her into the family restroom. Yuffie sprang into action and sent him flying with a kick soon as she felt him shoving her with force. She used the momentum for a spin kick, all the while drawing out her Kunai knife since she couldn't sneak her ninjastar into this event. 

As if on cue, someone came rushing. Yuffie knew it was Cloud. He had been listening in for any signs of trouble. As Yuffie straightened up, she turned to face her opponent only to freeze. 

A gun aimed at her chest. Cloud moved with inhuman speed. Faster than the trigger to be pulled. Instead the sound of bones breaking echoed and the sound made Yuffie flinch. It was somehow louder than a gunshot in this narrow hallway. Before the man could scream Cloud knocked him out with his other punch. 

Someone whistled. Yuffie blinked and realized Reno and Rude approaching casually.

"You coulda left him awake. Easier to interrogate and all." Reno shook his head as he confiscated the weapon. "Say, Rude. This one has a silencer." 

"Military grade." Rude comments, taking a photo of the serial numbers to send to Tseng. 

"So we're dealing with professionals?" Cloud ignored the irritation of his treatment towards the suspect. 

"Would seem so. Let's get him all buttered up to talk. That is if you two don't find his friends, first." Reno grabbed the torso. Rude sighed as he put away his phone to grab ankles. Together they lifted the suspect up and carried him further down the hallway through an employee marked door. 

Convenient. Yuffie shook off the adrenaline to hug Cloud tightly. She felt that maybe he needed it more than she did. He tensed for a few seconds. When he breathed out, Cloud relaxed. 

"Don't be that reckless again." 

Normally, Yuffie would argue about being reprimanded. She didn't this time. It was comforting to know she wasn't the only one who was terrified. 

They didn't join back to the party until roughly half an hour later. Just long enough to process the incident and put it behind them and so guests would have forgotten about how drunk Yuffie appeared. When they emerged, there was enough drinking that no one glanced at her. 

This time catching the others were a bit more obvious. Anyone who appeared way too sober compared to the rambunctious crowd were escorted quietly by either Cloud or the Turks. Roche patrolled the floor, but he easily blended in with the high spirits of the party. 

However, they got word from the Turks that interrogated one of them, there was one more out and about. But this individual was being smart at not being so obvious they weren't being sloshed. Yuffie was growing impatient as the night neared midnight and still no sign of this one guy. 

"Maybe he went home." Yuffie huffed. 

"Can't rule out he's still here." Cloud wasn't going to give up. 

"What's Princess to you anyway?" Might as well confirm her earlier suspicions. 

"Why do you ask?" Cloud was trying to distract her. 

Gotcha. 

"You knew when she approached the food tables. You've only done that with Tifa when you two were a thing. Soooooooo...you dating whoever this Princess is? Is that how Shinra got you wrapped up in these gigs?" 

Cloud looked away. But she could see the blush on his cheeks. He shifted his weight ever so subtly, as if uncomfortable and embarrassed at being found out. 

"I'm right." Yuffie smiled. 

So did that mean...

A movement caught her eye. Yuffie turned to observe. There was a woman approaching Princess. She swayed as if she had been partying it up all night. However the poofy skirt of her dress seemed a bit out of place. Most of the dresses here followed Princess' example, form fitting and revealing all the right curves. 

Although there were fancy hoop skirts, for some reason this one stood out to Yuffie. And it took her a second to realize it was the intent in the woman's eyes. Without thinking to confirm with Cloud, Yuffie moved through the crowd. 

She must have been obvious, for the woman she was zeroing in on began to rush towards Princess. Some people began to complain as she shoved people out of her way. Princess stared the woman down with a disapproving expression. Yuffie squeezed through the crowd at a faster pace. She distantly heard Cloud trying to rush in, but the crowd had grown dense from the panic this woman was causing. 

A gun appeared and suddenly it was a stampede. Yuffie managed to push her way through a wave of people to intervene the perpretator. Kunai drawn, she leaped to cut at the wrist that held the gun. 

With a twist Yuffie then kicked the gun out of the hand. It landed feet away. She straightened drawing another kunai to show she wasn't playing. The girl took one look at Yuffie and tried to run. 

Only to run straight into Tseng. 

He was stiff as a door while the suspect nearly lost balance. To be fair she was in heels. Tseng reached for her wrist, targeting the injured one on purpose to steady her. His grip squeezing tightly enough that the woman whimpered. 

"Attempted murder at a Shinra event is an unacceptable offense." Tseng spoke with a venomous tone. Hearing his voice like that made Yuffie shiver. He really didn't care that this suspect was a woman. 

"You and your friends will be punished severely." Tseng stated before handcuffing the woman and escorting her off the dance floor. People made way for them. 

"Well all know she's Shinra's whore!" The woman began shrieking at the top of her lungs. 

So they were intending to target Shinra after all. But they were a bit stupid at their targets intending to hurt Shinra. Yuffie didn't think Rufus Shinra had a heart to even love someone. 

Drones appeared out of thin air. They generated a blue hologram of President Rufus Shinra. 

"My sincere apologies for this evening's incident. I was made aware of the situation long enough to issue my men to secure and protect everyone at all costs. I am grateful they have succeeded while I am away on personal matters. Even away I aim to ensure the future remains brighter, better, and more accepting. If you will excuse me, I am still required elsewhere. But please, do enjoy the rest of the evening." 

The hologram disappeared. Yuffie frowned. That seemed to be a recording, rather than a live feed. Either way, it did what it was supposed to. Spirits were back to almost normal, although there was a tone to it. There were a lot of mixed emotions with this most disturbing incident. 

"I would like to thank you personally." Princess' voice made Yuffie turn. She blushed with embarrassment. 

"Oh, no worries! Just doing the right thing, you know?" Yuffie nervously laughed. 

Up close and personal, Princess was just as intimidating. It was easier further away because Yuffie could scurry away and pretend they don't have to cross paths. Now, under her gaze, she can kinda understand Cloud's infatuation. Yuffie blinked as she stared hard at those familiar blue eyes. 

"Y'know, you kinda remind me of someone..." 

"Oh?" Princess raised a brow. "Tell me. Who out in the world can possibly be like me?" 

That smile. It was as if looking into a mirror of Rufus Shinra. Yuffie had seen that smirk before. Whenever he felt as if he played the right move to win. That his strategy was flawless. That nothing stood in his way. And when she mentally compared the two faces, Yuffie gasped. 

"You're - "

"I think you've had enough fun for tonight." Cloud approached then literally lifted her up to carry over one shoulder. 

"Wait! But but but but - "

"Not here." Cloud's tone meant business. 

Yuffie gave up fighting. But she made a promise the first person she was calling after all this was Tifa. This might need an intervention. 

Chapter Text

"RUFUS SHINRA!?" 

The shriek made Cloud flinch. For being so small, Yuffie got a set of lungs in her. Soon as they were alone she let it out. He told himself that eventually it would come to this with some of the others. 

"How!? When!? Why!?" Yuffie had too many questions to process so she made them short and simple. 

"Started four and a half months ago. It was mutual attraction." That might be growing into something more was left unsaid. 

"Mutual? But...whaaaaaat!" Yuffie had a hard time processing this part. She continued in a high pitch voice. 

"How did you go from an amazing, pure soul like Tifa to that asshole!" 

"It's complicated. Alright?" Cloud wanted to drop this conversation for the sake of not getting upset. Although he certainly was feeling a tinge of hurt at Yuffie's comparison. 

It wasn't fair to compare his lovers, current or old. Cloud had messed up distancing himself. Thus the eventual break up. When he had eventually returned home, she harbored no hard feelings he moved on. 

And yet...

The atmosphere of home changed. He felt like a stranger. If Cloud wasn't so focused on work he would ask Denzel if he wanted to live with him and move out. He knew without a doubt the boy would follow him even if it meant running away to do it. 

Or maybe Cloud was reading too much into the change. The kids knew he found someone else. Marlene pressed for questions, but dropped them when his answers were vague. Denzel simply told him as long as Cloud was happy. 

It was a concept to wrap his head around. Him, happy with Rufus? And now Tseng thrown into the mix? He hasn't done anything sexual yet with the Turk. Cloud was willing to let Tseng grow comfortable enough to make the first move. 

Strangely, Cloud realized that he was happy with them. Weird as it were, considering past history. Thus far Rufus has shown efforts to change Shinra for the better. The question was, would he be able to keep the company afloat despite all the blame for the world's problems? 

"Ohhhhhh! Everything is complicated with you! Can't something be simple for once?" Yuffie huffed, crossing her arms. 

"It is simple. We had a one night stand. Decided we both liked it, and it continued. Thus far he hasn't given me reason to walk out." Cloud heard footsteps closing in where they stayed. He recognized Tseng before the door opened. Briefly he wondered if the Turk heard his end of the conversation. 

"I take it not all of them know?" 

"Wait, who knows about them being together?" Yuffie tilted her head. She also glanced between the two, catching on that Cloud zeroed in on Tseng's footsteps. 

"Just Tifa, Reeve, and now you." Cloud sighed. 

"Wait, Tifa knows? And she's okay with this?" 

"Yes. She supports it, actually. You can ask her yourself tomorrow if you want."

"Why not now?"

"It's late." Cloud sighed, 

"Am I correct to assume you don't have a place to stay for the evening? We can offer a private residence as compensation for tonight's event." Tseng offered generously. 

"Hmmm....Sure!" Yuffie yawned seconds after. 

"Don't go sneaking around." Cloud knew her old habits. 

"Yeah, yeah." Her not putting up a fight with the warning should have been a red flag. 

Cloud was too exhausted to know when she was plotting something. He was more interested climbing into the soft bed that he had grown to miss back at home. It didn't take Cloud long before he collapsed onto it soon as he was brought to the suite. 

He must have taken a mini nap when Cloud stirred to the sound of a shower. Rufus must be in the process of shedding all evidence of Princess off. Not long into the sound of the shower, the bed shifted for Tseng to join. The questions that had been stirring in Cloud had him more awake. 

"So the assassins. Were they acting on their own or...?" Something like Avalanche he couldn't bring himself to ask. 

"They were Ex Shinra employees. Didn't accept invitation to come back after Meteorfall. A few of them former Public Security." 

So that explained the weapons. 

"Why Princess and not Rufus in the previous party?" 

"They didn't have the means to sneak into that event." 

"...Something is bothering you." Cloud could sense it. The way Tseng was tense. He had the nasty habit of keeping it all in, holding onto the stress as if he let go then he would react unkindly. 

"The fact she didn't know, means we will wake up to everyone else in your friend circle knowing." 

"You really think they'll storm in here and rip me away from you guys?" Cloud opened his eyes to meet Tseng's. 

"I have to think of all possible situations." The Turk sighed. 

"Right. Old habits." Cloud recalled Vincent's comments. 

"...Valentine?" Tseng guessed. 

"He's quieter about them." But even he couldn't quite shake some habits out. 

"I have to remind myself that some of them won't be so...brash. In response to the news." Tseng at least made an effort to relax. 

"Tifa supports us. It should give the others something to consider before jumping to the conclusion that I need to be saved." Cloud felt a pull of a smile at the image. 

Without Geostigma, without being haunted with guilt, Cloud was as strong as ever. His latest hiccup from a spiked drink may have hindered him a little. But with Rufus and Tseng's support, Cloud bounced back. 

"...I am surprised." 

"Hm?" Cloud studied the Turk. His expression was more open. The mask of his job was slipping off. 

"Considering history. I am surprised she would support us." Tseng clarified. 

"I don't know what changed. She was nervous at first. Then when I made it back, she relaxed. Like she noticed I wasn't so..." He frowned, not able to find the word he was looking for. 

"Distraught? You just experienced a trauma that cripples most. On top of being a veteran warrior, it is amazing how quickly you recovered." Tseng had already analyzed this. 

"Because I had you two." 

The reply came out so easily. Yet soon as they left his mouth, both of them were stunned. A deep and honest admission. 

The silence was filled by the sound of the water. It would almost be soothing enough to fall asleep to. But Cloud was determined to at least enjoy a few moments cuddling between the two men before falling asleep. 

"Cloud. This might require another one of those personal talks. With all three of us this time." 

He stared at Tseng. One, it was a first he ever heard the Turk say his name. At least in Cloud's presence. He found that he liked the sound of Tseng's voice pronouncing it. Second, he wondered if this kind of conversation would be too soon. He must have made a face since Tseng continued. 

"Not tonight. We can save it for another time." They were both exhausted. 

"Before then...did you want to talk about Zack at all?" Cloud offered. Zack had been on his mind lately. 

"You'll know when I'm ready." 

The warrior supposed that Tseng did have a lot on his plate. So he left the subject alone. Cloud was close to dozing off when the sound of the shower turned off. It seemed Rufus was just as exhausted from the party, as his usual showers after these events wasn't as long. 

Cloud didn't stir as Rufus joined them. He did notice however two details. One, Rufus was naked. Two, he didn't properly towel dry his hair. The wet strands tickled Cloud's shoulder and back of his neck as Rufus embraced him from behind as if he were a personal pillow. 

"You'll catch a cold." Tseng noticed. 

"And I have you two to nurse me back to health. But you know it takes more than wet hair to make me sick." Rufus didn't care at the moment. 

"As long as I don't catch it." Cloud commented playfully. 

"Let me guess, knocks you out if your immune system allows you to get sick?" Rufus was correct. 

"Right on the dot." 

"Hm. Typical for those who were enhanced." Tseng made a jab. 

"At least I don't become a whiney baby. I just sleep through most of it." Cloud brushed off the tease. 

"Noted. If you ever get sick, make sure we wake you up occasionally to get something in your system." 

"You're not one to swing during that, are you?" Tseng wondered. 

"No. I only get violent during a nightmare." Cloud made a face at the admission. It had been a while since he had a nightmare anyway. It was just strange to bring it up now. 

"Good thing those are about as rare as a blue moon." Rufus had the same thoughts. 

Cloud hummed. He was drifting off. As if sensing this, a hand gently played with his hair. They had learned that Cloud's hair was surprisingly sensitive. Gentle touches had him done in. 

He didn't remember what the dream was. Only that Cloud awoke anxious. Tense as if he was being stalked. Those were usually the early warning signs of Sephiroth coming to haunt him once more. 

Cloud was so stressed it took him way too long to recognize his phone going on. It wasn't until Rufus groaned softly did the sound attract Cloud's brain. Although he wanted to ignore it, his lovers weren't delighted with the sound going off. It was a wonder the device wasn't on vibrate as usual. 

Awkwardly Cloud rolled over Rufus to reach for the bedside table. His arm couldn't quite reach over, so he had to climb the taller blond. Rufus scooted to take his old spot so he was now in the middle. Cloud didn't mind as he checked the name. 

Three missed calls from Barret. One from Tifa. Several messages from nearly everyone. Cloud inwardly groaned as he accepted the next call. 

"There is such a thing as sleep." Cloud grumbled with a tone, putting a stop to whatever Barret was about to say. 

"...Uh..." 

"So, you got me up. What do you want?" Cloud yawned. 

"When do you think you'll be home?" Barret recovered. 

"Dunno." He really had no idea. 

"I'm pulling you in for a family meeting. But I won't be able to get back until tomorrow." 

"Tomorrow's fine." Cloud could make that trip if he set off in the morning. 

Before Barret could say anything, Cloud hung up. By now everyone was used to him doing this. At least he made efforts to answer calls. But the new annoying habit was to hang up without warning. Even if the other person still wanted to talk more. 

Tifa and Rufus were exempt from this rude habit. Although lately Cloud felt that on some occasions he felt the urge to do it with Tifa. He didn't out of respect and old habits. But now Cloud was irritated. 

This better not become a habit. Cloud made sure this message was in the group text. The group text was created for emergencies usually. Yet here, they all discussed their opinions on the relationship. So he hoped his irritation was made clear. 

Cloud blatantly ignored the reactions of his new choice of a lover. If this was how they would be towards Rufus, Cloud would hate for them to learn Tseng's involvement. Although it might not take long if Yuffie keeps reading into everything correctly. 

He turned his phone off before laying back down. Cloud wrapped an arm around Rufus as he drifted off again. Or tried to. He was too pissed off. 

"Amazing they're not rushing in here guns blazing." Rufus snickered. 

"They know you're paranoid with these stupid attempts at the parties." Cloud huffed. 

"A blessing." Tseng commented dryly.