There’s always a choice, you just don’t get one.

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I found myself checking my watch again, the display was still the same; time was passing slowly. Not that I minded, the awkwardness to come was a little off putting. I delved my hands into my pockets to refrain from the continuous inspection. The time wouldn’t have changed from the last time I checked. I had a whole hour to kill.

I was stood by the entrance in the hotel reception, the last thing I wanted to be was late. I was never late. I made a habit of being punctual. Even so, I didn’t want Rufus to have another reason to be annoyed at me. Hence the reason why I was stood here now, over an hour early- to make sure that didn’t occur.

Well, there’s nothing that can be done about it now. What’s done is done. He’ll just have to accept what happened last night, its not like I had a choice. I’m fine if he wants to forget all about it. It’s not like we’ve not done it before. It doesn’t make the situation any easier for me though. I shook my head to bring myself back; there was no point in dwelling on it. I had a job to do. I can’t allow my feelings to interfere with my profession. Looking at it logically, this was for the best. It could never work anyway. Rufus was far too cold and far too obsessed with women to allow anything like this to progress. He’d never even looked at a man before…not until me. But then again, neither had I…not really. Our positions put a restraint on things. It wasn’t plausible to get involved. He had a reputation to uphold, and I had a status to keep. He’d also made it clear that he wasn’t interested. I should just accept that and move on.

“Tseng?”

I looked up. Rufus was stood right in front of me. His arms were crossed and his eyebrow was raised.

“Sir?” I answered back in reply, surprised by his appearance.

“You’re here rather early, aren’t you?” He smirked while glancing over to the clock on the wall. I stayed silent as he spoke. “Tseng, you do know that you’ve just gone and spoilt my plans. I was intending on leaving without you.” He turned back to me grinning, and his tone was somewhat…teasing? I couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or not.

“Sir?” I found myself subconsciously repeating.

“Well, I don’t think Heidegger would have approved if I’d have gone to the meeting alone. He’s got it into his fat head that I can’t take care of myself, thus, the reason why you are here. The fact that I’ll have several troops escorting me down still isn’t satisfactory for him. He had to interfere and invite you along as well.” Rufus sighed. “As you’re here, we might as well make a move.”

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, following Rufus to the door. “I thought the cars weren’t arriving until one.”

Rufus smiled, glancing over his shoulder. “I lied. They’re waiting outside for us now.” With that, he pushed open the entrance doors and advanced down the stairs. I followed instantly; not letting him out of my sight. I can’t believe he was going to leave without me.

The car door was opened for Rufus and he slowly proceeded inside. I made my way around the other side of the vehicle and entered through the opposing door. The car was of generous proportion and Rufus soon made use of the space. Sprawling himself out lazily over the seat, he removed his jacket and kicked off his shoes. I watched him make himself contented while I shuffled nervously around on the leather. He looked over to me and smiled. “It’s a long journey, Tseng. Might as well make yourself comfortable. It’s at least a two hour drive from here.”

I sighed. I don’t think I could last in silence with him for two straight hours. With anyone else it would be fine. Just not with him. Silences with Rufus were always made to be difficult. Although, the president did seem in high spirits; he was talking to me at least. Maybe he wasn’t so angry with me after all.

***

We’d been travelling now for about half an hour, and not a single word had been exchanged. Rufus was looking through some documents on his lap. I’d fixated my gaze on the window; I could see his reflected form against the glass. He suddenly spoke. “Tseng”

I turned to face him, slightly wary at the sudden conversation attempt. “Yes, Sir?”

“Check these through for me…make sure that they all make sense.”

I took hold of the credentials from Rufus and he leaned back into the seat, he placed his hands behind his head and studied me closely. I did as I was told. Inspecting the papers, everything seemed in check. I handed them back over to Rufus and smiled. “All seems fine, Sir.”

“Good” His eyes started to narrow as he spoke, but soon softened after seeing my confused reaction. He turned his sight to the window and smirked. I don’t think he was aware that I could see his reflection…or maybe he was?

***

An hour had passed. Another word between us hadn’t been spoken since. At least this silence would only last for another thirty minutes. I hoped. On the bright side, this trip couldn’t get any more awkward…could it?

***

“Well, that was dull.” Rufus huffed as he dropped himself down irritatedly onto the car seat. I pulled the seat belt over myself and clicked it into place.

“It all worked out alright though” I replied.

“Yes, I suppose it did. But their constant babbling has made us late. Don’t they understand how busy I am? They were only supposed to sign the contract. Twenty minute meeting tops Heidegger said. They’ve set us back by four hours now.” Rufus growled.

“Look at it this way, Sir, at least you’ve made several allies today.”

“Yes, but we won’t get back to into Midgar now until a least ten pm. We were supposed to be back by six. I’ve got another meeting to attend there at seven, now that’s going to have to be postponed.”

The president was highly aggravated. He didn’t appreciate being made late. But there was nothing that could be done. They’d made the effort to welcome the president; a gathering had been arranged in his honour. It would have been awfully rude to decline their hospitality. We didn’t really have any option. Although, the sudden social event had been a little odd, we weren’t warned of its occurrence. But we now had another two hours of car journey back to the hotel and the president wasn’t exactly in a talkative mood. Oh joy, more silence.

I paused suddenly, and found myself constantly blinking after acknowledging the sound of my name. I shook my head and tried to focus. I saw Rufus glaring.

“Tseng”

“Yes, Sir?”

“Would you please refrain from doing that.”

“Doing what, Sir?” I mused. I wasn’t doing anything.

“Making me uncomfortable, if you’re going to stare at something, use the window!”

I blushed slightly and quickly averted my eyes. I wish I’d stop doing that. It obviously distressed him. I wasn’t even aware that I was doing it half the time.

Rufus groaned. “Tseng…”

I kept my sight fixated on the window, not looking as he spoke. “Yes, Sir?”

“I don’t remember a thing of last night’s activities, and quite frankly I don’t want to know. The position I found myself in this morning made it pretty clear what had gone on. I don’t want to speak of it again.”

“Of course, Sir. I understand.” I’d come to expect as much.

***

The car pulled up outside the hotel and the door was opened for Rufus. He slowly exited the car and began walking up the steps. I departed the vehicle instantly afterwards and hurried to catch him up. Heidegger was nervously waiting by the hotel‘s entrance; a smile of relief appeared when he finally caught sight of the president. “Sir, you had me ever so worried. What took you so long?”

Rufus rolled his eyes. “It seems I’m just far too popular for my own good. Where’s the helicopter. I want to leave.”

“About that, Sir… we have a slight problem.”

Rufus’ eyes narrowed dangerously at that comment. “Heidegger, I don’t like the way this is heading.”

“The engine, Sir, there’s something wrong with the engine. But I’ve arranged for another aircraft to be flown in to pick us up. The only problem there…is that it doesn’t have air clearance yet. It won’t be here until tomorrow morning.”

Rufus glared “So, you’re saying that I have to stay here for another night?”

Heidegger nervously nodded.

Rufus took a deep breath and closed his eyes; trying to calm himself down. He really wasn’t pleased with current events. Not that I blame him, it had been a long day.

“And what of my seven o’clock meeting? It’s eight pm now.”

“I’ve cancelled it for you, Sir. When you didn’t turn up at four, I started to panic. But it’s ok. They’re expecting you at three pm tomorrow instead.”

Rufus snarled. “Now I have to attend a meeting on a Sunday? Oh, fucking marvellous!”

You could tell how angry Rufus was now, by the way he let his language slip. He only ever did that when he was drunk…or insanely irritated. It could be both. He did have a fair bit to drink at the social event after the meeting.

“Again, I apologize for the delays, Sir. Some things just can’t be helped.”

“Save it. I’m going to my room…and I do NOT wish to be disturbed. I’ll see you both tomorrow. What time are we leaving?” Rufus was already half way through the entrance doors when Heidegger started to speak. The larger man wobbled after him in a bid to keep up. He was unsuccessful.

“As soon as the new helicopter arrives, Sir. I’m expecting it at nine.”

“Fine.” With that, Rufus stomped off towards the elevators, not even glancing back; leaving Heidegger and myself stood dumbstruck in the reception area.

I sighed, shaking my head. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then, Sir.

***

It was now half past ten and I was ready to turn in for the night. It was still only early, but it had been a long and tiresome day. Travelling always seemed to take it out of me, especially in forced silence. All of that time spent round Rufus this afternoon had certainly been made tense. I sighed and made my way down the corridor, lazily dragging my feet. I hadn’t seen Rufus since we came back, he’d been in his room ever since. I wondered if he was alright. He hadn’t been down for dinner, but I was sure that everything was fine, he mostly preferred being alone. I had to pass his suite to get to mine. I’d gotten off of the elevator at the wrong level- I blamed that on the exhaustion. Maybe I should check in on him?

Passing by his floor, I made my way up to his room. Raising a hand to knock, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. It wasn’t secured? Hmm, maybe he just stepped out. No, why would he leave the front entrance open. Besides, looking around, the whole floor was empty.

My gut was now frantically churning, a bad suspicion started to arise. He’d never leave himself open like this, anyone could just walk in. I took a step backwards and brushed back my jacket from my hip. Trailing my fingers over the handle of my gun, I took a firm grip of it. I had to make sure he was safe. Pushing the door slightly with my foot, it slowly creaked its way open. The noise suited the scene perfectly; it was dark and eerie, causing my suspicions to worsen. Maybe he was asleep? Maybe there was nothing wrong. But, why would the door be left open? I paused.

…It wouldn’t be.

I steadily made my way inside and smoothly withdrew my gun. I held it out at arms length and cautiously scouted the area. All seemed normal. Except…there was no sign of Rufus. Where was he?

I caught sight of a patch of light shining on the floor. It was coming from the bathroom. The door was open, just enough for the light to escape. But why wasn’t there any noise. If he was bathing, wouldn’t there be running water? I listened for any sounds of movement, except silence was all I received. I started to panic.

I sprinted to the bathroom, keeping a solid grasp on my gun. All different scenarios were running through my mind at this point. I prayed that he was alright; he probably was, but that didn’t stop my concern. I booted the door open fully and aimed my revolver ahead. Rufus was quietly reading in the bathtub.

Turning to face the abrupt commotion, he yelled as he bolted upright in the bath; he completely lost the grip on the book he was reading. I lowered my gun instantly, my sudden appearance had given him a fright. He juggled to regain his hold on the novel but it fell swiftly from his fingers. It landed into the mass of bubbles he was sat within and sunk to the bottom of the tub. As it disappeared under the crystal like foam, he turned to me and snarled. “What the hell do you think you are doing?!”

I blushed and averted my eyes, “My apologies, Sir. I came to see if you were alright.”

Rufus fished his soggy book from out of the water and shook the excess from the pages. He leaned over the edge of the tub and dropped the sodden literature onto the tiled floor below. Looking up through his tasselled wet hair, he glared. “Can’t I even be trusted to wash myself now. Heidegger scared I’d fall in and drown!”

“No Sir, the front door was open. I thought someone had broken in.”

“Open? But, I locked it.”

“I thought you might have done, hence my slight concern. This door here, was this closed too?” I gestured to the bathroom door I was stood against, knocking it lightly with the barrel of my gun.

He nodded “Yes, I wanted to keep the heat in. Why?”

“Well, this door was also open. That’s how I knew someone was in. How long have you been in here for?”

Rufus shrugged “I’ve read over four chapters. I’d say…a good two hours?”

I nodded “Sir, I want you to lock this door. I’m going to check out the rest of the suite.” I shut the door behind me and waited until I heard a bolt. Happy that he was safe, I made my way around the other rooms.

The living area was sound. Nothing seemed out of place. I made my way to the bedroom next.

The bed covers had been disturbed and clothes lay flat on the floor. The wardrobe was also open, but nothing else seemed unusual. Rufus could have done this earlier. That seemed probable… a little untidy for his standards, but still.

After I was convinced of nothing out of the ordinary, I made my way onto the next area on route. I noticed that the curtains were blowing increasingly by the window. Odd, the windows were shut. The patio doors?

I yanked back the curtains and sure enough, they were open. The outside table had been moved towards the wall, so the intruder could escape to the roof. Except, it was still a long way up even with the height of the table as aid. They’d have to be very agile, or very well trained in the arts. This concerned me. Maybe this way wasn’t the escape route after all. Maybe it was the entrance?

They couldn’t have exited below. We were over ten stories high and surrounded by beach and sea water. The more expensive suites were located at the top of the building, we were at the highest. The next level down was a long drop, it also didn’t accommodate a terrace. Unless they wanted to break their legs and die, they have had to come from above. There might have been a way to the roof from inside the hotel, they could have slid down from there. Or maybe they did use the front door to gain entry.

I came back into the room and met with Rufus in a robe. He had his arms crossed over his chest and was tapping his foot irritatedly. “Well?”

“I take it that you didn’t leave these doors open either?”

“No…”

“Thought not” I sighed.

“Did you find anything?” Rufus asked while combing his damp hair out from his face.

I shook my head. “From the looks of things, whoever it was came in via the balcony. To get to that, they came from the roof and made their escape through the front door. Although, I’m concerned as to why they left both entrances open. It’s rather amateurish, or rather deceptive. Depends which way you look at it. They were also quiet enough not to have alarmed you.”

Rufus rolled his eyes. “Oh great, I have a prowler on my hands who also doubles as a pervert. It’s a good job I decided to only read my book in the bath. Find anything else?”

“The bedroom’s a little messy. I suppose you did that yourself?”

“No, I’ve not touched anything. I didn’t even bring out a change of clothes. They’re all still in the wardrobe.”

I rubbed the back of my neck “Not anymore, most of them are on the floor. It seems to me like they were looking for something. Maybe you should check to see if anything was taken?”

Rufus mused. “Well, I didn’t bring anything of value. Everything was paid for in advance. I only brought my clothes…my gun?”

We both made our way to the bedroom and Rufus started the check. He was happy that everything seemed in tact, apart from the mess. “Wait a minute” He picked up his shotgun and tested the weight. “It’s light?” He opened the cambers and groaned. “They’ve unloaded it.”

“Maybe they thought you’d use it to defend yourself? They probably wanted you vulnerable.”

“What I don’t understand, Tseng, is that…I’m not supposed to be here right now. I’m supposed to be in Midgar. So, who would know I was still here?”

“Good point, Sir.” That was rather interesting; the only people that would know would be the hotel staff. Or someone that was trying to keep him here. That would explain the surprise social and the faulty engine. How concerning. “Did anyone else know you were away for the weekend?”

Rufus shook his head. “Nope, just you, Heidegger and the people I came to meet.”

Rufus shrugged and started to pick up his fallen clothes “Well, they won’t be stupid enough to try that again. Not now that we’re onto them. Leaving the doors open…like I wasn’t going to notice that.”

“Even so, I don’t think you should stay here tonight, Sir.”

“What are you suggesting, Tseng?” Rufus inquired whilst dropping the clothes on top of the bed.

“I think you should come and stay with me tonight.”

Rufus laughed. “I don’t think so…”

I raised an eyebrow “Why not?”

“After what happened last night…I don’t think so, Tseng” His tone wasn’t mocking this time. He was being serious.

“Sir, I’m only thinking of your safety. Whoever it was now knows you’re here.”

“Like I said, Tseng, they won’t try it again. No one’s that stupid. Now, please leave, I’m tired and want to go to bed.”

“I still don’t like the idea of you being alone, Sir. Maybe I should stay with you tonight.”

“No, Tseng. I’m fine by myself. Thank you. Please, leave now.”

I suddenly jerked my head to the balcony doors. A noise, a loud one, it came from outside. Rufus heard it too and looked at me for guidance. I did have the only loaded weapon after all.

“Bathroom, lock the door. Open it for no one” I whispered.

“Whoever it is, Tseng, I WANT THEM DEAD!”

“On it” pushing Rufus backwards I ran for the doors. Diving through to the balcony, I flipped myself onto the decorative stone railings surrounding the terrace. I trailed my gun upwards; looking for any motions in the night. I saw the figure clawing its way up the sloping roof. Using my current height as a kick off, I instantly pursued.

The roof tiles were coated with slime, I suppose the sea air was to fault. The intruder was fast, but then again so was I. He wouldn’t escape.

Persistent tonight, aren’t we?

***

Rufus was having a brandy in the lounge area when I returned, still sat in his robe. I sat down opposite him in the arm chair. He looked up at me with concern. “You get him?”

I nodded and threw my gun down onto the table, looking up to meet Rufus’ eyes. “Why aren’t you in the bathroom with the door locked?” I inquired sternly.

He smiled, “I packed some extra shells”. He patted his shotgun as it lay over his lap. “Did he have anything on him?” Rufus asked.

I shook my head “Nope, not dealing with a professional. He had a knife. That was all.”

“Owwh a knife? Coming to slit my throat was he. Oh, how primitive.” Rufus mocked. “So, we’re talking attempted assassination?”

I shook my head again. “Nope, lacked the experience and combat skills for that. Was easy enough to apprehend. I think he was just sent to observe. It was only a child.”

“You did get him though, didn’t you?”

I nodded.

“Good” Rufus smirked, while taking a sip of his brandy. Child or not, he still put the president in danger, and that I wouldn’t forgive. He’d come here for a reason. Unfortunately, he wasn’t willing to talk. I gave him the option and he chose it himself…he’d flung himself off of the roof.

“Well, whoever sent him will be waiting for his return. And as he isn’t going to be returning…they might send someone else instead” I voiced with unease.

Rufus seemed to ignore me, and carried on with his drink. He was stroking his shotgun like a kitten, he then looked up to meet my gaze. “Thank you, Tseng. You can leave now.”

“Sir, I’d sleep better knowing you were safe. Please, come and stay in my room tonight.”

He shook his head and refilled his glass. “No”

“Sir, think this through. It makes sense to stay with me. I can protect you.”

Rufus rolled his eyes. “I can protect myself, Tseng. I don’t need babysitting.”

“Well, the intruder shattered the locks on both of the doors. Access could be made easily again.”

Rufus groaned. “Fine, if it will stop your constant whining.” He downed the remaining liquid from his glass and replaced it on the table. He made his way to the bedroom. I followed.

He hauled his suitcase onto the bed and started packing away his things. I stood by the door and observed. This room may be safe now, but that still didn’t put my mind at ease. My hand was lightly gripping my gun as I waited. Rufus was mumbling something to himself as he packed.

“Just the thought of someone watching me without…” He narrowed his eyes and glared in my direction. “I’ve had my fill of strange people visiting me in the night.”

I coughed suddenly, pretending to clear my throat. Hey, that was totally different circumstances.

Rufus placed the suitcase on the floor and wheeled it over to me. He handed the handle to me and smiled. “Carry it?”

I sighed and accepted the job. “Yes, Sir.”
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