Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Guardian ❯ Chapter 16

“Guardian”

Chapter 16

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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all characters therein belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.*

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Cloud was in Reno's office, reading through a magazine on mechanics as he reclined on the futon couch. They had decided to stay the night there instead of going back to his apartment. Cloud didn't mind. He could sleep practically anywhere…even on bare ground. Reno went to check in with Rufus and pick up something from the store downstairs. Cloud thought about changing into his regular clothes but they hadn't been washed yet. He could have taken them to the recreational floor and made use of the company Laundromat, but he was tired from his activities earlier in the day and he blew it off, figuring Rufus wouldn't mind if he kept wearing his clothes until tomorrow.

 

~Rufus. Hmm.~

 

Cloud thought about the president, picturing his sandy blond hair and piercing gray eyes. Something had changed in the way he saw the man and he found himself entertaining erotic thoughts about him as he remembered their last encounter. Rufus was certainly eye candy but until recently, Cloud was only attracted to him on a basic, physical level.

 

~I don't understand how this happened. What changed? Was it the way he took care of Reno while he was in a coma, or something else? He seems more…human to me now. Complete with a personality and feelings. Damn, it snuck up on me too. I was actually, genuinely worried about the snooty bastard when he got kidnapped!~

 

That was another thing: He never gave it a second thought when they got the news that he'd been abducted. The only option he even considered was to help with the rescue. At first he reasoned that he was only doing it for Reno, but the relief he'd felt when they found Rufus hiding in that air duct made him re-evaluate everything. When he and Rufus were fleeing the compound in the car, there had been a sense of comradery between the two of them. He'd never actually fought at the president's side before and he'd been impressed with how Rufus handled himself.

 

He thought about the way Reno compared him to a wolf all the time and he suddenly pictured a snarling, blue-eyed, golden-furred animal standing guard at the feet of Rufus and the Turks. That in itself wasn't upsetting, but the wolf in the mental picture had a spiked collar around his neck and Rufus Shinra held the leash.

 

Cloud abruptly sat upright in the futon and his eyes went round. “Holy shit…they've domesticated me!”

 

Panic crept up his spine and he looked at the door leading out of Reno's office with more than a passing interest. He got out his cellphone and quickly selected one of the saved phone numbers.

 

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Rufus had just poured two glasses of wine and was heading for the bedroom in the back of his office when his cellphone rang. He thought about ignoring it but considering everything that had recently happened, he didn't want to risk missing anything important. He walked to his desk where he had left it and he placed the drinks on the surface before picking the phone up and putting it to his ear.

 

“This is Rufus Shinra.”

 

“Rufus. It's Cloud.” The young man's low voice was a treat to the ears and Rufus failed to notice the tension in it.

 

“Hello, Cloud,” Rufus greeted with a pleased smile. He hadn't expected to hear from the blonde fighter. “Listen, I want to thank you for—”

 

“I'm not your guard dog.” Cloud's words were clipped and his tone was flat as he said it.

 

“I…pardon me?” Rufus said with a look of genuine bafflement on his face. There was a click as the other blonde ended the call abruptly. Rufus pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it with a confused frown.

 

~Just WHAT in the hell was that all about? I'm starting to wonder if Strife needs a bit of mental therapy. I'll gladly pay for it if it will help him be a little more focused and a little less random.~

 

With an exasperated sigh, Rufus put the phone back down on his desk and picked up the wine glasses. Tseng was reclining on his bed when he walked through the door to the bedroom and the Wutaian immediately noticed his frustrated, thoughtful expression. He'd heard Rufus's phone ring and he wondered if there was more bad news.

 

“Is everything okay, Sir?” Tseng's voice was a gentle, soothing caress.

 

Rufus handed one of the wine glasses to Tseng and gave him a candid look. “I've discovered that I have a unique, amazing talent, Tseng. I can piss off Cloud Strife without doing a bloody thing.”

 

Tseng stared at him silently, waiting patiently for him to explain. Rufus dragged his fingers through his pale hair and went on. “That was Cloud on the phone a moment ago. I somehow managed to gravely offend him and all I had to do was open my mouth.”

 

“What did you say to him?” Tseng questioned.

 

Rufus looked bewildered—an odd expression on the face of a man who was usually the epitome of cool control. “Nothing! I answered the phone, he greeted me and I tried to thank him for his help in rescuing me today. Do you want to know what his response was?”

 

Tseng tilted his head curiously and waited.

 

“He said—and I quote—`I'm not your guard dog'. Then, he hung up on me. Now tell me, what on Gaia did I do to him this time?” His growing frustration was evident in his voice and Rufus wasn't a man that that was easily frustrated.

 

“Sir, I think—”

 

“If you ever want to see Strife pissed off, I'm you're man,” Rufus interrupted. He rarely ever interrupted people, considering it to be the height of bad manners regardless of whether he was speaking to a subordinate or not. His sarcasm grew with his frustration. “All I need to do is look at the man to raise his hackles…hell, I don't even have to do that! If you want to see Cloud Strife bare his teeth, just toss me in the same building with him!”

 

Tseng listened to the tirade and he sipped his wine to hide a smile that was trying to surface. When Rufus settled down, he looked up at him again and decided to try once more to offer his opinion. “Koibito, may I tell you what I think?”

 

The soft endearment cooled the president's rising temper and he gave Tseng a curt nod. “Fire away.”

 

“Cloud is simple,” Tseng said thoughtfully. “Ironically, it's his very simplicity that makes him so complex.”

 

Rufus stared at him, his handsome features growing more exasperated. “Your effusive ambiguity really doesn't help right now, Tseng.”

 

The Wutaian smiled fondly at him, un-offended. “To expand on that, Cloud is a free spirit. He doesn't like to live under constraints and he doesn't thrive on luxury or wealth. He's your polar opposite and until recently, he disliked and mistrusted you.”

 

“I was already aware of that,” Rufus reminded him.

 

“Yes, but now he's seen you in a different light,” reasoned Tseng. “He's beginning to like you and that frightens him.”

 

Rufus's expression softened and he regarded his lover with intrigue. “And what brought you to this conclusion?”

 

“I've been observing his behavior,” Tseng answered calmly. “When he learned that you had been kidnapped, we didn't even need to ask him for his help. He volunteered without a moment's hesitation. I've also noticed the pensive looks he gives you. For the first time, he's truly seeing you, Rufus. I think he's having difficulty reconciling his new impression of you with the old and perhaps it's making him feel nervous. Does that make sense?”

 

Rufus considered the Wutaian's observations and he had to agree, it made perfect sense. He remembered the day Cloud told him he was finally starting to see a human being when he looked at him. His frustration cooled and he began to feel amusement replacing it.

 

~Ah, Cloud. Tseng is right about you. Your simplicity makes you ridiculously complex for a man like me to understand. I suppose I'll have to be more patient with you. Earning your trust is very much like trying to coax a wild wolf to eat from my hand.~

 

He joined Tseng on the bed and sipped his wine, his hand settling familiarly on the raven-haired Turk's thigh. Tseng leaned in to kiss the blonde on the neck and Rufus put his thoughts of Cloud aside.

 

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When Reno returned to his office with his bag of goodies, he found Cloud right at the threshold of the door as soon as he opened it. The fighter's sculpted, youthful face was tense and by now Reno knew what that particular expression meant.

 

“What's got you spooked, Blondie?” Reno said as he shut the door behind him and leaned against it. Cloud would have to move him bodily to escape and Reno wasn't about to let him run off.

 

“Nothing,” Cloud said quickly—too quickly.

 

“Yeah, right,” Reno snorted. He pulled his goggles up and examined his lover with piercing, Mako-tinged eyes. “Something's got you wanting to turn tail and run, Strife. What happened while I was out?” He set his bag on the floor and crossed his arms over his chest, his expression unyielding on the blonde.

 

Cloud's sapphire gaze was dismayed as he looked at him. “I just need a little fresh air,” he said.

 

“Uh-huh. Why?” Reno tilted his head to the side inquisitively.

 

Cloud sighed heavily. Reno wasn't going to back down until he came clean with him. The redhead was fucking tenacious when he set a goal. “All right, I'm freaking out.”

 

“I can see that,” Reno chuckled. “Wanna tell me why?”

 

Cloud averted his eyes and shrugged. “I'm getting in too deep with ShinRa. It's becoming a regular thing for me to be a guardian and it's making me feel…I don't know…” He trailed off and looked at Reno warily, expecting an outburst.

 

“Connected to us?” Reno supplied softly, a crooked smile forming on his lips. “Hey Cloud, you know if you were ever in trouble we'd help you, right? Things ain't like they used to be and from where I'm standing, that's a good thing. Maybe you should just look at it this way: you've got more friends, now. If shit ever hits the fan again, you'll have your old buds AND the Turks fighting at your side.”

 

“Somehow I can't picture Rufus rushing to my aid,” Cloud said dryly.

 

“Why the hell not?” Reno asked with a frown. “Are ya blind or just spacey? The boss likes you, Cloud. I'm operating on a fourth of my damned memories but I don't need `em to see that he'd help you out in a heartbeat if you ever got in trouble. I know he fucked up with you in the past but you two got along pretty good that night at my place and you didn't have a problem with helping us rescue him.”

 

Cloud felt unwanted warmth inside at Reno's words. He'd been under the impression that to Rufus ShinRa, he was just a tool to be used either as extra muscle or a source of sexual amusement and gratification. He thought about the way the man had started to thank him moments ago over the phone, before he'd snapped at him and hung up. Maybe Reno was right.

 

“It's hard,” Cloud admitted softly. He couldn't believe he was being so candid as he continued; “It's hard to want someone that used to stand for everything I hated. I know he's been making some good changes and I know he's got feelings hidden under all that ice, but I also know what he's capable of.”

 

“You know what I'm capable of too, but that ain't stopping you from being with me,” reasoned the redhead with a grin.

 

A little smile curved his lips before Cloud could control it as he met Reno's eyes. “So when did you turn into a sage?”

 

Reno shrugged and a twinkle of mirth lit his bright, tourmaline eyes. “After I got soaked with Mako, I guess. So have you calmed down now, hot stuff?”

 

Cloud relaxed a little, annoyed with the lingering heat in his face. “Yeah, I'm okay.”

 

“Good,” said the Turk lightly. He bent over and picked up the little shopping bag he'd brought in with him. “'Cause I've got a fantasy and the supplies to carry it out, yo.”

 

Cloud's wariness returned as he looked at the bag in Reno's hand. “What sort of fantasy?”

 

Reno chuckled and reached behind him to lock the door. “You told me the last time we screwed before I had my accident, I topped. Is that right?”

 

Cloud nodded and swallowed. His groin tightened as the encounter replayed in his mind.

 

Reno stepped towards him and reached out with one hand, deftly flicking the buttons open on Cloud's borrowed shirt. “I was just thinking, since I can't remember it a little refresher might be nice. I told ya this morning we were gonna fuck when this was over with and I meant it.” He grabbed hold of the material of Cloud's shirt and tugged, drawing the blonde closer. “I've been thinking about it,” he purred as he licked the other man's throat, “and I really like the idea of bending you over my desk and having my way with you. What do ya say, baby?”

 

Cloud closed his eyes and groaned softly as the redhead's teeth closed lightly over his earlobe and nibbled it. Reno was the only man that could make him so excited by the thought of being taken from behind. He had only bottomed with him once before and he hadn't been disappointed. He knew this wasn't something that Reno would ask for often and refusing him wasn't even an option that occurred to Cloud. The Turk's clever hand slid down his body and cupped his stiffening crotch, rubbing his package skillfully through the expensive trousers he was wearing.

 

“I say let's go for it,” Cloud murmured recklessly, rocking into his companion's touch.

 

Reno stopped and stared at him with open surprise. “Really? I thought I'd have to work a lot harder than that to convince you!” Reno quickly opened the bag and retrieved the tube of lubricant, then got a condom out of the box. He put both items in his right blazer pocket and looked at Cloud searchingly as he set the bag on the floor.

 

Cloud lowered his eyes bashfully and shrugged. “If we hadn't already done it that way before, you probably would have.”

 

Reno smirked, his arousal growing stronger as he slid his hands around to cup the blonde's ass. “So I guess that means I was pretty good, huh?”

 

Color flooded Cloud's fair cheeks and he nodded mutely.

 

“Damn, I love the way you can be so aggressive one minute and so shy the next,” Reno purred, closing the distance between their mouths. He kissed Cloud hungrily, swiping his tongue over his lips and thrusting it in when they parted. He slowly backed the blonde up, guiding him toward the desk while he distracted him with hot kisses. Cloud didn't resist and he returned the caress of Reno's tongue with his own.

 

When Cloud felt the edge of the desk pressing against his backside, Reno stopped guiding him and his hands busily finished their task of unbuttoning his shirt. As soon as the material was parted the redhead dragged his mouth away from Cloud's and his lips traveled down his neck and chest. He latched onto a nipple on his way down and he teased it to hardness with his lips and tongue before moving on.

 

Cloud had to admit he was confused. Reno said he wanted to bend him over the desk and fuck him but his actions didn't seem to be leading to that. The Turk unfastened his belt buckle and pulled it open before tugging his fly down and undoing the button. Cloud's breath quickened and he groaned faintly as Reno's hand burrowed into his open pants and grasped his erection.

 

“Let's see what we can do about getting you more relaxed,” Reno said with a wink up at Cloud as he got to his knees. He released his cock and tugged his pants down around his ankles in one smooth motion. As the blonde ogled him, he did the same with his underwear and grinned at Cloud's jutting erection. “Ya know, I think you've probably got the prettiest dick I've ever seen,” Reno complimented.

 

Cloud's mouth worked silently as his lover's words and actions threw him off guard. Reno's mouth slipped over the stiffened flesh he'd just praised and Cloud gripped the edge of the desk and gasped. Reno didn't pause or hesitate and Cloud's breath caught again as his clever tongue stroked the length of his sex while his hot mouth took it in.

 

There were two things that Reno excelled at in life: His job and sex. He demonstrated that the latter also applied to oral sex and Cloud's vision blurred with pleasure. The blonde reached down with trembling hands and curled his fingers into the other man's bright, wildly spiked hair. Somehow he managed to tug Reno's ponytail free of its elastic band and he ran his finger through the softer length in the back, a low moan rumbling in his throat as the other man tongued the slit in the tip of his cock.

 

“Feels amazing,” Cloud panted as Reno's head bobbed rhythmically. The dexterous, long-fingered hands were stroking his ass and they reached up and captured his, squeezing gently. Cloud's eyes shut and he licked his lips, returning the pressure of Reno's hands. One of them retreated but the other continued to squeeze his other hand supportively. A moment later, the right hand returned and Cloud thought nothing of it when Reno cupped his ass and urged him closer, an inch or so away from the desk. Once he complied, the Turk caught hold of his hands again and guided them behind him to the edge of the desk.

 

Too late, Cloud recognized the move and felt something cool and metallic bump against his ass. He didn't get a chance to react before the metal closed over both his wrists. He heaved an exasperated sigh as the cuffs were fastened.

 

“Not again,” Cloud groaned.

 

Reno chuckled, the sound muffled by the silky, rigid cock he was sucking on. He ran his hands over Cloud's hips and ass, sucking harder on the treat he was enjoying. The action put an end to Cloud's protests and the blonde's thighs clenched from the pleasure. By the defeated way Cloud had groaned his protest, Reno deduced that the time on the motorcycle hadn't been the only time he'd restrained him. Blondie was clearly used to getting handcuffed by him and it both amused and aroused the redhead.

 

He knew that if Cloud wanted to, he could snap the cuffs. The broken pair hanging on the wall in his living room was proof of that. Reno deep-throated the blonde's straining cock and waited to see if he'd do it or if he'd play along and let him have his way. Cloud tensed and moaned his name, but he didn't break the cuffs. Satisfied that his lover was going to behave, Reno sucked him harder and faster, squeezing his firm bottom passionately. He wasn't sure how many times he'd topped in his lifetime but he was confident that he could do a good job of it if he just listened to his instincts. Cloud's admittance that he had been good helped fuel that confidence.

 

Now that he had him excited and willing, Reno moved onto the next step of his plan. He took his hands away from the soft-skinned cheeks he was squeezing and he reached into his pocket for the lube. He had the cap opened and a generous dollop of gel squeezed onto his palm in moments. He spread the lube over the fingers of his right hand quickly and then he dropped the tube back into his pocket and reached up again. He stroked Cloud's ass with one hand while he sought out the puckered goal with the other.

 

Cloud felt Reno's slick fingertips press against his orifice and he knew what the redhead's intentions were. Since he'd already agreed to let him fuck him, he didn't resist the intrusion when one of the fingers slipped gently inside. The pleasure of Reno's sucking mouth balanced out the discomfort of the initial penetration and Cloud trembled and gave a soft cry of needy bliss. Reno pumped his finger in and out a few times before adding a second one. Cloud clenched his teeth on another moan as the redhead found and stroked his internal gland.

 

“I'm getting close,” Cloud warned in a breathless whine. A skillful push of Reno's fingers made his eyes roll and his knees threatened to buckle. “D-damn…real close,” he revised. He panted heavily as the tight, slick suction around his cock made his pleasured tension mount further. “Reno,” he cried raggedly, unable to hold it back.

 

The Turk swallowed his golden-haired companion's sex, taking it deep down his throat as it pulsed. Cloud was groaning vocally and his body clenched around the fingers inside of him. Reno was in love with the blonde's reactions and he squeezed his ass with his free hand, moaning with desire.

 

When Cloud was sated and trembling, Reno released his softening cock from his mouth, pulled his fingers out and rose to his feet, running his hands sensually over the blonde's tight-muscled body as he did so. He kissed the fighter's parted, gasping lips passionately while surreptitiously grabbing a tissue from the box on his desk to wipe his hands off. When he finished with that he balled up the tissue and tossed it into the wastepaper basket without even having to aim. He slid his fingers into Cloud's hair and tugged, forcing the blonde's head back. Cloud's soft grunt of discomfort didn't deter him as Reno sucked and licked at the skin of his throat.

 

“Turn around for me, baby,” Reno purred, sliding his hands out of Cloud's hair and down to settle on his shoulders to guide him. Cloud did so with a bit of difficulty, seeing as his ankles were caught up in his pants and underwear. He managed to get turned around to face the desk without falling on his face, thanks to Reno's supporting hands. The Turk grinned, pleased that Cloud still wasn't trying to break free of the cuffs. He pushed on his shoulders to urge him down and the blonde complied until his upper body was lying against the surface of the desk and his hips were pressing against the edge of it. Cloud must have realized how vulnerable the position made him and for a moment, he instinctively began to struggle.

 

“Easy, Blondie,” Reno soothed in a sensual murmur. He stroked Cloud's shoulders and back. “It's all just for fun, remember?”

 

Cloud took a deep breath and forced himself to be still. Even with his enhanced strength the position he was in now would make it very difficult to get any leverage to break free. He had panicked a little when he realized it but Reno's soft reminder and comforting hands calmed him down. This wasn't a non-consensual situation despite the surprise handcuffing and he knew that Reno wouldn't hurt him.

 

“Sorry,” Cloud muttered.

 

He heard a chuckle and felt the Turk's lean body press against him as Reno bowed over him. His breath tickled Cloud's ear as he spoke. “It must be really special for you to put up with this for me, Strife. I can tell how skittish you are about being in this sort of position and I know you're used to being the one doing the fucking.” His lips caressed Cloud's ear, making him shiver. “I'll have to get you something nice.”

 

Cloud moistened his lips with his tongue and closed his eyes, narrowly avoiding blurting out that all he wanted was Reno. It seemed like every day he spent with him, he fell harder for him. He felt the redhead's bulge grind against his ass through the trousers he wore and he was chagrined to hear himself moan like a slut.

 

“Hmmm, you sound pretty eager,” Reno observed in a silken tone. He kissed the blonde's ear and neck before straightening up to undo his pants. He admired the round globes of Cloud's tight ass, partly covered by the open dress shirt that was still on him. Reno took his belt off before unzipping his fly and unbuttoning his pants. He was aching with need and he couldn't wait to feel Cloud's body sheathing him. He pulled his trousers down and got the condom and lube out of his pocket, encouraging Cloud to relax while he got ready for him.

 

Cloud listened to the sounds of Reno preparing himself and he closed his eyes again when he felt the Turk's warmth return to his back. Reno's hands slid over his hips and buttocks, stroking and kneading. The Turk's warm breath stirred the hair at the nape of Cloud's neck as he leaned over him. His lubed, condom-encased erection rubbed against the crevice between Cloud's cheeks for a moment before he reached down and positioned the head against the tight ring of muscle.

 

“G-Gaia,” Cloud grunted as Reno's cock nudged into his body. He bit his lip and tried not to tense against the intrusion, knowing that it would get a lot better once he was in. Reno stopped and Cloud craned his neck and tried to look at him. “Something wrong?”

 

“I'm not hurting ya, am I?” Reno answered in a concerned voice.

 

An uncontrollable smile grew on Cloud's lips. Reno had been worried about hurting him the first time they did it this way, too. “No, you aren't hurting me. It just takes a minute to get used to it…you should know that.”

 

“Just making sure, Blondie,” replied the Turk breathlessly. “You're so damned tight, I got a little worried.” He eased further in, sucking in a sharp breath as the blonde's gripping heat squeezed him deliciously. “Mmm, Cloud,” he sighed as he sank in the rest of the way. The blonde's shuddering gasp of pleasure was encouraging and he withdrew to the tip and thrust again. He gripped Cloud's hips with his hands and started a careful rhythm, watching and listening for signs that he was being too rough with him. When the only reactions he got were moans and sighs, Reno decided it was time for the real screwing to begin.

 

Cloud's eyes went wide as Reno drew back and drove into him with almost punishing force. His breath escaped in a grunt as the Turk did it again, shoving in at an angle that put pressure on just the right spot. He was bewildered at the abrupt change, having expected him to take him slowly and gently. He swore sharply and his erection returned as the redhead's passionate thrusts stimulated him even as they punished him. If he thought he could form a coherent sentence, he would have asked Reno if he'd done something to piss him off, but the firm snap of his hips made it hard for Cloud to catch his breath.

 

“Cloud,” Reno panted raggedly, closing his eyes with ecstasy as he fucked the pliant young man. Maybe the fantasy had been brought on by memories just beneath the surface of getting taken by Rufus this same way, but Reno had been thinking about it for days now. He looked down at his restrained lover and admired the flush spreading over Cloud's face. His cheek was resting on the desk, so Reno could see his handsome profile. The blue eyes were wide and staring and the sensitive lips were parted and gasping. Certain now that he wasn't hurting him, Reno let the pleasure overcome him and he squeezed Cloud's hips and bucked into him more sharply.

 

“Shit,” Cloud moaned as the desk skittered a little on the hardwood floor. He wondered if Reno cared that there would probably be scuffmarks from the metal feet but knowing the Turk, probably not. He felt Reno bow over him again and his gasping breath was again tickling his skin. One of his hands released its hold on his hip and it curved around to the front to wrap around Cloud's stiffened cock.

 

“So hard again already,” Reno mused breathlessly, his lips smiling against Cloud's neck as they planted a kiss there. “Think I can make ya come again before I'm finished?” He thrust deeply into him and rotated his hips, making the blonde shudder and moan. The swollen length he was stroking twitched in his hand, hinting that it wasn't improbable. “I think maybe I can, yo.”

 

A whimper escaped Cloud's lips before he could stop it and he clenched his jaw and tried to hold back further sounds like that. Reno resumed his sharp, eager pumping and another groan burst from Cloud's throat from behind clenched teeth. The Turk's thrusting cock kept butting against his prostate and before long, Cloud was moaning his name uncontrollably. The firm, skillful stroking of his swollen sex increased the pleasure and he was sure he was going to orgasm at any moment.

 

Reno was moaning just as fervently as Cloud and he stroked the blonde off desperately, wanting to give him another climax before he finished. He sensed that Cloud was fighting it and he switched techniques, easing up on the force and speed of his thrusts. He knew he made the right call when Cloud drew a deep, shuddering gasp and pushed back against him helplessly. He pumped slowly and leisurely, breaking into a sweat as he came closer and closer to release.

 

“You like a slow ride best, don'tcha baby?” Reno murmured huskily, stroking the tip of the other man's cock with his thumb.

 

“Oh god, Reno,” Cloud groaned shakenly. He bucked hard in the fondling hand and splattered the back of Reno's desk with an impressive load. He trembled and grunted and he heard Reno swear softly as he clenched around his invading flesh. Reno went tense against him and moaned his name as he came inside of him. The redhead fell heavily against his back when it was finished and for several moments, the only sound in the room was of the two men's ragged breathing.

 

When Cloud spiraled back down from his bliss, he became aware of how uncomfortable he was. His wrists were still cuffed behind him and Reno's weight was pressing down on him, making his arms ache. The edge of the desk was digging into his hips and his ass was quite sore from the pounding he'd taken.

 

“Hate to spoil the mood,” Cloud gasped, “but this is sort of painful, Reno.”

 

Reno's cheek was resting on the blonde's shoulder and he raised his head with sleepy content and looked down at him. “Hmm? Oh, right. Sorry baby, I'll get these cuffs off of you now.” He straightened up with effort and slipped out of Cloud's tight sheath, sighing at the sensation. He dug around his pockets until he found his keys and he unlocked the cuffs. He embraced Cloud from behind and helped him stand up, his hands caressing the blonde's bared chest and stomach. “Thanks for letting me do that to ya, Cloud.”

 

Cloud covered one of Reno's hands with his and turned his head for a kiss. “You asked first, and it was…um…” He stammered into silence, his shyness coming back.

 

“Good?” Reno finished for him with a grin.

 

Cloud nodded. “Yeah. The mess I made on the back of your desk is proof of that.” He blushed and lowered his eyes.

 

Reno leaned to the side to look past Cloud at the desk in question and he gave a low whistle. “Damn, Blondie. Were you trying to paint it white or what?”

 

Cloud grumbled and pulled away, swiftly pulling his underwear and borrowed pants up. Reno chuckled with delight and disposed of his condom before grabbing a couple of tissues. After wiping himself off a bit and re-fastening his pants, he cleaned up the mess on the desk.

 

“Oh yeah, Rufus wants us to come to his apartment tomorrow night,” Reno said when he finished. He hopped onto his desk and sat there with his legs dangling over the side. “What do ya say?”

 

Cloud looked up from his task of buttoning his shirt, his sapphire eyes immediately wary. “What for?”

 

“To celebrate, dingbat,” Reno snorted. “Why else?” He looked at him searchingly and a slow smirk curved his lips. “You're afraid he's gonna molest you.”

 

“I'm not `afraid' of anything…especially Rufus Shinra,” Cloud shot back. “I suppose he invited Tseng and Rude too, right?” He knew from first-hand experience how Rufus's little “parties” ended up when he only invited his favorite male Turks.

 

“Well yeah, of course he invited them,” Reno shrugged casually. “Hey, the boss just wants to spend a little time with us, man. Even if some nookie does happen, I know you'd be up for it.” He gave the blonde's crotch a leer, leaving little doubt that the pun was intended.

 

Cloud sighed. He'd just been freaking out over his growing bond with Rufus and the Turks and now Reno wanted him to throw himself in their midst. “Do I look like a glutton for punishment, to you?”

 

“Yeah, actually,” Reno laughed. He sobered a moment later and regarded him with thoughtful, bright eyes. “Cloud, you're gonna have to give him a chance sometime. I promise, nobody's going to tie you up or cuff you unless ya want `em to…and that includes me. Will you just come with me tomorrow night? We'll hang out, drink and have a good time. If you want me to, I'll even call him up right now and tell him he's got to swear he won't try anything with ya.”

 

“As if I could trust any promise he'd make,” Cloud mumbled. He sighed again and nodded in defeat. “All right, I'll go. If I see any signs that someone's going to drug me, cuff me or use `toys' on me, I'm out of there. Oh, and you've got to let me search you for cuffs before we go, too. You aren't exactly trustworthy when it comes to those things either.”

 

Reno didn't take offense. He grinned and nodded. “You've got yourself a deal, Blondie.”

 

~*****************************~

 

The next morning, Cloud woke Reno early to do their training. The redhead grumbled crossly, complaining that he never had to wake up this early even when he was just starting out with the company. Cloud just grinned at him and changed into the sparring outfit he kept in the redhead's office.

 

“We'll train for a couple of hours and then we can have a break, get cleaned up and wash our clothes,” Cloud said as he pulled his muscle shirt over his head. He almost laughed as Reno stumbled in the process of pulling on his sweats and nearly fell on his face. “We can get some coffee first, if you want.”

 

Reno looked out the window and groaned. “The sun ain't even up yet, Strife! You're gonna owe me another round of desk fucking if you keep doing this to me.” He tied the drawstrings of his sweatpants and looked longingly at the rumpled sheets on the futon.

 

“You can have a nap after training,” Cloud said with a shrug. “Hey, you asked me to come and help you, remember? I don't do anything half-assed.”

 

“No,” Reno agreed with a sigh, “you're definitely using your whole ass for this.”

 

Cloud laughed before he could stop himself, feeling a surge of affection for the exotic Turk.

 

~*********************************~

 

After stopping in at the cafeteria and having breakfast and coffee, they trained for more than two hours, until both men were sweaty and worn out. Reno's control over his limbs was steadily improving and Cloud had no doubt that he would be twice as formidable in a fight as he used to be, when they finished honing his abilities. He felt a swell of pride for his Turk lover. Reno had beaten impossible odds and Cloud was inclined to believe that his success was as much due to his stubborn, bright spirit as the treatment that Reeve's team had given him.

 

After showering and doing laundry, they changed into clean clothes. Reno went back to his office to have a short nap but Cloud declined, remembering that he still had Rufus's clothes.

 

“I'm just going to drop these off at his office,” said the blonde. “Reeve and Vincent are going back to the WRO headquarters at noon too, so I'm going to visit them for a minute to say goodbye.”

 

“Okay, Blondie,” Reno covered his mouth on a yawn. “Wake me up in a couple of hours, will ya?”

 

“I will,” Cloud agreed. The elevator reached Reno's floor and the redhead picked up the basket full of their fresh laundry and exited while Cloud watched.

 

~I love him.~

 

The silent admission came easily to Cloud now as he admired the sway of Reno's long, fiery ponytail before the doors slid shut again. He'd known it for a while now, but just saying the words in his head made a burden lift from his shoulders. If someone had told him two years ago that he'd end up in a passionate relationship with Reno of the Turks, he'd have scoffed. Now he couldn't imagine his life without him.

 

Cloud leaned back against the elevator wall and looked down at the bundle of clothes in his arms. If someone had told him he'd end up putting his ass on the line to save Rufus Shinra, he'd have tried to have them committed. Now he was bringing the man a set of expensive clothes that he had borrowed to do just that.

 

~*******************************~

 

Cloud was a little disconcerted to find Tseng in the office with Rufus when the secretary buzzed him in. He wanted to say something to the president but he wasn't comfortable saying it in front of the Wutaian.

 

“Uh, I just wanted to bring these back to you,” Cloud said as he approached with the folded clothes and shoes. He crossed the room as Rufus stood up and he set them down on top of his desk. “I made sure there weren't any stains or scuffs,” the blonde finished softly, averting his eyes.

 

Rufus looked down at the returned clothes and then glanced at Tseng, briefly and meaningfully. The raven-haired Turk understood the silent request and he tactfully excused himself, saying that he had new recruits to check in on. When he was gone, Rufus looked at Cloud and smiled pleasantly.

 

“Don't worry, all of the new recruits are here voluntarily.”

 

Cloud looked at Rufus, a little startled by his words. He hadn't even been thinking about what methods the Turks might have used to bring in fresh blood, but the soft reassurance reminded him again that they had made some positive changes. He nodded and shuffled his feet.

 

“That's good. Hey look, about that phone call I made to you last night? I was just…I don't know, I was—”

 

“Don't worry about it,” Rufus said with a casual wave of his hand when he saw how much trouble Strife was having choking out an apology. “I think I understand. There are no hard feelings, Cloud.”

 

The fighter gazed into Rufus's calm gray eyes and he felt his cheeks grow warm at the elegant reassurance. “So, Reno told me you want us to come to your apartment tonight?”

 

Rufus nodded. “Indeed. There will be plenty to eat and drink, and I have two spare bedrooms for you to choose from if you stay late. Are you up for it, Strife?”

 

Cloud swallowed at the faint challenge he detected in that cool gaze. “Yeah, I'll be there. No funny stuff, okay?”

 

Rufus smirked, his eyes lighting up in a way that hinted fond feelings. “I wouldn't dream of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a pile of paperwork that needs to be finished.”

 

Cloud looked down at the impressive stack on the desk and he frowned a little. “You just got back from being held for ransom,” he said, his eyes meeting the president's again. “Shouldn't you be taking it easy?”

 

Rufus studied him and his gaze softened. “There's no rest for the wicked, Cloud.” He gave him another one of those sexy, quiet smiles. “I appreciate your concern, though. It's the end of the week, so I'll have two days to relax after this. I'll see you tonight.”

 

Cloud nodded, disturbed by the affect that Rufus's warm gaze and seductive smile had on him. “See you then. Don't overdo it.” He winced at the last sentence, wishing he hadn't said it. He was showing too much concern for the man and encouraging him wasn't a good idea.

 

“I'll try not to…Blondie.” Rufus seemed delighted.

 

Cloud beat a hasty retreat, wanting to kick himself.

 

~***********************************~

 

He caught Reeve and Vincent just as they were leaving the WRO director's company suite. Reeve had just finished locking the door and he had his suitcase in one hand and his keys in the other. He saw Cloud approaching and he smiled.

 

“I was wondering if we'd see you before we left,” Reeve said as he pocketed his keys and reached out to shake Cloud's hand. “I wasn't certain you'd be awake, otherwise I would have called to say goodbye.”

 

“Oh, I've been up since before sunrise,” Cloud said with a little smile as he returned the handshake. “Reno's about ready to kill me for it but morning workouts are the best.” He looked at Vincent, who stood silently at Reeve's side. “So, word has it you're going to stay with Reeve for a while, is that right?”

 

Vincent nodded, his ruby eyes going to Reeve. “For a while,” he agreed.

 

The other man returned his gaze and Cloud understood that “for a while” actually meant “for as long as Reeve wants me to”. The golden-haired fighter couldn't contain his grin at the warmth that passed between his two friends. The sexual tension between them was gone, replaced by an easy, sensual familiarity and mutual fondness that was hard to miss. Cloud guessed that Reeve must have taken his advice the night before because from where he was standing, it looked like they were head-over-heels for each other.

 

“I'm glad to hear it,” Cloud said.

 

Vincent lowered his eyes and a tiny, subtle smile curved his lips.

 

~****************************~

 

That night, after the building was locked up and most of the employees went home for the evening, Cloud and Reno took Fenrir to Rufus's apartment on the other side of town. It didn't surprise Cloud to learn that the president was in the penthouse and he waited with his companion as the elevator ascended to the top floor.

 

“Why doesn't he just buy a mansion somewhere in the country?” Cloud asked as he crossed his arms over his chest and watched the digital numbers on the panel above the door.

 

“He's a city boy,” Reno shrugged. “He likes the lights and the noise, just like me.”

 

Cloud chuckled and shook his head. “Man, I'm really nothing like you guys at all, am I?”

 

“Thank Shiva for that,” Reno agreed with a grin.

 

They finally reached their floor and together, they exited the elevator and walked down the lighted hallway to Rufus's door. Reno pushed the doorbell and Cloud wasn't surprised to see Tseng answer the door. What did surprise him was that the Wutaian was in a black silk robe.

 

“Please, come in,” Tseng invited with a serene smile at them both. He stepped aside to make room and Cloud's figurative hackles raised as he followed Reno inside and heard the door swing shut behind him. He scanned the interior, amazed at how spacious and elegant the foyer and living area was. Rufus was approaching from the direction of the bar at the end of the room and he was also in a bathrobe…only his was white.

 

“Cloud, Reno, welcome,” he said. “Help yourselves to the liquor. Cloud, there's beer in the bar refrigerator. I wasn't certain what kind you preferred so I stocked several different brands.”

 

“Uh, thanks,” Cloud said, trying to keep his eyes off the exposed flash of chest in the open V of the other blonde's robe. He followed Reno to the bar and took a deep breath as he opened the mini fridge.

 

~Just relax. Obviously he and Tseng just finished having sex or taking a shower together or something. It's cool.~

 

“Yo boss, where's Rude?” Reno asked as he started to mix a drink for himself.

 

“In the bathtub,” answered Rufus casually.

 

Cloud straightened up abruptly and bumped his head on the overhead cabinet. Tseng and Reno winced in sympathy as the blonde groaned and rubbed his scalp.

 

“Perhaps something a bit stronger than beer is in order?” Tseng suggested with a soft smile as he saw the tension in Cloud's tight-muscled frame.

 

“No, I'll stick with this for now, thanks,” Cloud said. His eyes shot to the door, far across the room.

 

Reno smoothly moved so that he'd have to knock him over to get to it. “So what's happening, Sir?” He asked Rufus as he shook the tumbler that held his mixture. “Did you guys decide to have a Jacuzzi party or what?”

 

“Something like that,” Rufus confirmed. He looked at Cloud and a twinkle of mischief lit his eye. “Oh, I have something for you, Strife. I thought you might appreciate it.” He squeezed in behind the bar and reached up to open one of the overhead cabinets while Cloud watched with wide, worried blue eyes. He searched inside and turned around with the item he retrieved, giving the other blonde a wry smirk. “How do you like it?”

 

Cloud stared at the spiked leather dog collar and accompanying leash attached to it. It was very similar to the one he'd pictured when he had freaked out last night and he took a step back, the color draining from his face.

 

“No…way…” Cloud said in a halting gasp.

 

~***************************************~

 

-To be continued