Bullet Catchers

Bullet Catchers

By Jazzbo22
Jazzbo22@hotmail.com

An assassination attempt leaves Rufus questioning his vulnerability. The Turks struggle to keep the President out of harm’s way, but is it enough?

TsengxRufus, RudexReno, yaoi, angst

A/N: thank you for reading so far. Please leave a review, I'd love to hear what you think... :)

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Chapter Six



“You look like shit.” Tseng turned, glaring tiredly into the eyes of Randolph Gomez. Upon realizing who it was, he dropped the icy glare.

“Good morning to you too.”

“You know,” Randolph smiled. “You are allowed to sleep. No one set any rules about you becoming the walking dead. Why don’t you go home for awhile, get some rest? I can watch over here.” Tseng shook his head.

“I won’t pretend I’m not tired, at least in front of you. I can’t leave though, not with Rufus here.” Randolph sighed.

“I don’t want to have to be dragging your ass to ICU when you are healthy enough to be here. You don’t sleep, you die. Simple as that. I’ve been in your place before, during many missions actually, and I can tell you this – no matter how strong or determined you are, you won’t last forever. You will crash, my friend. It is only a matter of time.”

“Yes, I know that- ”

“And I know you wouldn’t want to have that happen with Reno, Rude, and most importantly, President Rufus counting on you. I can hold my own, but those guys – you are their shining idol, the protector, a perfect Turk. Don’t ruin the image with your ego. They would lose faith if you suddenly collapsed into a nervous breakdown.”

Tseng knew he was right. He wouldn’t even bother arguing. The day had just started though- there was no way he’d be leaving to sleep. However, Rufus looked pretty bagged as well. It probably wouldn’t be too hard to convince him to leave before eight pm.

“I’ll catch some shuteye later in the day. For now, let’s get to work.” Randolph gave him a knowing look. ‘Later in the day’ meant ‘maybe I will, maybe I won’t’ in Tseng speak.

“Okay, I’ll let you know what I find. Talk to you later.” Randolph saluted him casually before returning to his office. Tseng took the elevator to the sixty-ninth floor, stepping off and taking the stairs to Rufus’ office.

The secretary buzzed him in without even checking with Rufus. Tseng was in there so much that she had been ordered to let him through anytime he wished. He slipped quietly into the President’s office, shutting the door behind him. Rufus was on the phone, and from the sounds of it, working out a new business deal. When Rufus saw that Tseng had entered his office and was coming towards the desk, he made quick work of getting rid of the person on the other side of the line.

“Absolutely. Just fax it to Shinra Inc with my name and your company name in the subject line and my secretary will have it on my desk. Alright.” He hung up the phone, flicking a persistent blonde strand out of his eye.

“I’m getting pissed off being asked all the time if I am ‘alright’. If I am ‘scared’. If everyone got to work instead of harassing me, we’d have a much more effective world.”

Tseng could understand Rufus’ frustration. This really wasn’t what he wanted the public focusing on, especially since he has worked hard to carve out this icy, threatening image. Problem was, it was such good gossip about the most powerful, influential man on the planet that it didn’t seem it would pass anytime soon. As for the truth about Rufus? Tseng knew it. He was afraid. The sleepless nights, the growing agitation, his constant need to know how the investigation was progressing, and his willingness to go along with whatever Tseng said. He was a man who was scared for his life, not just from death but the potential political damage. Tseng wouldn’t let him get hurt either way. Over his dead body, if it came to that.

“Just continue doing what you do, and eventually they will catch on that you aren’t letting it affect you.” Tseng offered. Rufus seemed satisfied with that, turning his attention away from Tseng and towards his computer.

“Any word?” He asked, typing away. Tseng wasn’t fooled. He had Rufus’ complete attention.

“Falcon, our sector three feeler, thinks he has found something interesting. Rude and Reno are investigating, and will call as soon as anything new comes up.”

“Hmm.”

Tseng sat in comfortable silence for awhile, listening to Rufus type away. Quiet was dangerous though, because he found himself starting to doze lightly. When Rufus started yawning every few minutes, he decided to speak.

“Perhaps we should call in early today.” He suggested. Rufus stopped typing, regarding him.

“Why do you say- ” Rufus paused to cover a yawn.

“That?” Tseng raised an eyebrow.

“After that, do I really need to elaborate?” Rufus smirked, placing his chin in his palm.

“Might be good to get out a little earlier today. I’m not sleeping too well, and you’re not sleeping at all.”

“What’s on the agenda for today then?” Tseng asked. Rufus pulled out his pocketbook.

“Staff meeting at noon. Nothing really happening there – Scarlet and Heidegger are probably just going to ask for more funding. After that…doesn’t seem like it’s all that busy. I can take my reports with me.”

“Why don’t we leave shortly after your staff meeting then? No use contributing to your stress levels by staying here when you can get away for awhile. It’s imperative that you are well rested – it’ll look good in the public’s eye as well.” Though Tseng didn’t want to resort to manipulation, upon studying Rufus closer he noted that the President was probably getting as little sleep as he. If he collapsed, the whole world would be on top of it. Not what he wanted to have happen.

“Yes, we could do that. I suppose I could take all this with me.” Rufus said, eyeing the deceptively low pile of reports.

Tseng’s PHS rang. He pulled it out of his blazer, flicking it open and placing it to his ear. Hopefully this time he would receive some good news.

“Hey Tseng baby.” Reno’s voice sounded tired, but noticeably more lively then when they had last talked.

“What is it?” Tseng asked, too tired to even bother berating Reno for not addressing him properly. Kids these days.

“Falcon found them. At least, he thinks he has. Seems legit though – they aren’t trading for usual run of the mill weapons. And get this – they have floor plans to Shinra HQ. Got your interest now?” Yes, this was all very, very good.

“Go on.”

“Falcon has managed to get himself a spot in the meeting. Guess he has a reputation around here for selling some interesting gun parts in the past. Anyways, they are willing to hearing him out. Meeting will commence later in the day. I will be intercepting, Rude will act as backup if need be.”

“I suppose you two have some sort of a plan?” Tseng inquired. He could practically see Reno’s grin over the phone.

“Yes Chief. We aren’t spring chicklits. Falcon is going to sell them a damn good story of me being a Shinra deserter, wanting in on the action. We rehearsed already. Even I was convinced.” Tseng sighed.

“I hope you’re right. If you need me out there at all, call. I want this in the bag.”

“Yes boss. Out.” Tseng pocketed his phone. Rufus was watching him.

“They might have them. Rude and Reno are going to see to it.” Rufus rubbed at his eyes with the palms of his hands.

“I need this done.” Tseng pinched the bridge of his nose. Damn persistent headaches. He needed to sleep.

“I do too.”




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“What to you think? Exciting or nerve-wracking?” Reno found himself asking. Rude chewed it over.

“Exciting.”

“When this is all over, whatcha gonna do to celebrate?”

“Drink, sleep.”

“Then drink some more?”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“I could really use a beer.” Reno sighed, placing his feet up on the dashboard.

“I actually have a pretty decent bottle of cognac at home.”

“What?! When did you get that?”

“From that time I saved your sorry ass and nearly got shot as payment.” Rude smiled. “Tseng rewarded me for my efforts.”

“So when you say ‘pretty decent’, you mean Tseng dropped a shitload of gil on you.”

“…yeah.”

“Well, do I get to partake in drinking this cognac?” Rude smiled again. He had to stop that – it was doing weird things to Reno’s belly. Slow, warm somersaults. The man was a weapon in and of himself. Probably didn’t even realize what a handsome devil he was – sometimes he was pretty thickheaded. Maybe Reno would tell him after the mission was over, while they were relaxing and sipping cognac, at Rude’s house, where he could possibly get a taste of other, more delicious things…

“If you’d like. I’d say that we earned it after this mission is over.”

“No shit eh. It could all end today.” Reno would be glad when the whole ordeal was through. Being stuck in a car all day, forced to take naps in cramped spaces – his ass had gone numb a long time ago. It didn’t help that Rude was with him twenty-four seven – a few times he had considered fulfilling his fantasies by crawling into his lap and letting instinct take over – it would certainly make the hours pass in a more pleasurable way. It wasn’t the right time though, it was important to be on alert always. Reno could think about seducing him later.

“You going to be okay going into that meeting?” Rude asked. Reno slouched in his seat.

“Yeah, it’ll be good. I know you’re all worried about my cute little ass getting in trouble. Don’t.” Was Rude…blushing? That was too funny.

“Anyways, no offense, but you don’t look like someone who would desert Shinra. Too spick and span. Me though – look at me. I’m so disheveled, they’d probably think I lost respect for the company a long time ago. I’m definitely more convincing.” Rude knew it to be true.

“Why don’t we lie down for awhile? Falcon will call us half an hour before the meeting starts with the location. There’s nothing we can really do right now.”

“If you say so.” Rude reclined his seat, folding his arms over his chest. Oh yes, Reno was going to be very glad when this mission was over. Rude looked tasty - he wanted to unwrap his perfect Turk partner in ways the bald man couldn’t even imagine.


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“So as you can see from the budget outline, this project wouldn’t cost too much from Shinra.”

“We’d make it all back anyways, with how effective the Proud Clod would be in battle.” Scarlet and Heidegger were indeed selling him a new weapons project. Did they ever stop?

“You weren’t satisfied with the development of the mako cannon?” Rufus asked. Scarlet shook her head.

“No, no, that’s not it at all! We just feel that a weapon able to engage in melee combat would be very useful to the military.”

“I thought the SOLDIER program was developed for such things.”

“SOLDIERs die. Machines just need to be repaired.” Scarlet had such a delicate way of putting things. Rufus flipped his hair back. Damn bangs- he needed a haircut.

“Submit the full outline to me. Not just the budget. I want to know exactly what this thing can do, all the parts, estimated time of development – and I will make a decision on how useful it’ll be to Shinra.”

“Yes Sir.” Heidegger and Scarlet answered simultaneously.

“If that is all, I will be going now.”

“One more thing, Mr. President.” Heidegger stopped him. Rufus shot him a hard glare, the fat man taking a step back from the intensity of it. Good, he could still scare.

“What is it?”

“Well, the SOLDIERs have reported to me that you haven’t been at your home recently. We were all wondering where you have relocated – it’s not safe for you to be out, except at your home. Optimum security has been placed there.”

“Yes, Mr. President. We are concerned for you.” Reeve also commented.

“I am staying somewhere else.” Rufus answered.

“The security around you has to be top-notch, we don’t want anyone getting through it.” Rufus appreciated Reeve’s questioning look. The man had always been a good, hardworking, intelligent Shinra employee.

“You don’t have to worry about the security where I’m staying. I guarantee you it is the best I’ve had since this whole fiasco started.”

“Will you at least let us know? We can send more SOLDIERs, more guards – the more the better.” Heidegger offered. Rufus picked up his coffee.

“If that is everything for the meeting, I’ll be heading out now.” He walked away, Tseng following him silently.

He headed back to his office, ignoring his secretary who was reminding him of the phone calls he had to return to all the newspapers and magazines. The press wanted new information, and until they got it, they would be insistent. Rufus was tempted to erase all the messages, but if he wanted to maintain his positive image with the public, he had to remain cordial, or the closest thing to it.

“I’m thinking that leaving right now would be best.” Rufus whispered to Tseng. He didn’t want his secretary overhearing. Tseng nodded, waiting outside his office while Rufus gathered his documents.

It was only a few minutes before he was ready to go, but upon stepping out of his office, he knew something had transpired with Tseng.

“What is it?” Rufus asked. Tseng pulled him close, leaning down to speak quietly to him. God, he was so close, Rufus could feel the warm off of him, and his breath on his ear – it was stirring that unwanted feeling within his body again.

“The meeting has commenced. Turks are in action. It’s all going down.” Rufus pulled away to look Tseng right in the eyes.

“What happens now?”

“We get you back to the safe location.” Meaning Tseng’s place. “Until they have finished, just in case something doesn’t go as planned.” Rufus nodded. It was time to get the hell out of there.

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Something…something wasn’t right. Reno was a skilled professional – he might not be able to write a decent report without a dictionary, but he was highly effective on the field. He had learned to pilot a helicopter in a little more than a week – and it was one, if not the hardest vehicles to operate. So what was taking so long?

Rude had been staked out in the Mercedes for close to twenty minutes. In his opinion, Reno should’ve been in and out. The warning bells were going off in his head. Fuck this. He was going to find him. Something had gone wrong.

Silently exiting the Mercedes, Rude walked to the back of the bar, where the meeting was taking place. If Reno was in trouble, it wouldn’t do him any good to walk into the front entrance, in the same uniform. Being caught wouldn’t make Reno free. It would make them both dead.

There was a grimy window at the back. Rude pulled himself up so he could see through without being spotted. Reno was in the back room with a handful of other men. He didn’t look like he was in immediate danger. They were just talking. Rude thought about returning to his car until he noticed a man was approaching Reno from behind. The redhead was obviously distracted by the conversation.

Even worse, the man was brandishing a vicious looking knife. He had seen those before, in his younger, rougher days. It was the kind of blade that could easily sever…a fucking spinal cord. Perfect decapitation device. Rude willed him to turn around, to see the man behind him. It wasn’t working. He couldn’t watch it end like this- not to Reno.

He did the only thing that came to his mind – bust through the window like a bad ass and take that mother fucker down. The men were all surprised, shocked into stupidity as Rude made his dramatic entrance. It really was cinematic. Steve Seagal would be sooo pleased. He dropped the man with the blade to the floor in a crumpled pile before they had even gathered their wits. Reno had seen what he had done – he threw Rude a grateful look before turning and catching the fist aimed for his nose.

The room was definitely alive now. Rude stayed close to his partner, beating his way through the men. They were strong though – Rude had a helluva time keeping up with them.

Someone had managed to punch Reno right in the gut. He doubled over, winded. His attacker kicked him square in the side of the head, throwing the smaller Turk to the floor.

“Reno!” Rude shouted over the grunts and yells, trying his best to make his way over to his partner. He noticed the numbers were dwindling- there were more in this room, right? – and just missed the canister flying towards his head. Before he could register what it was, it exploded into a blinding light, rendering him as effective as a newborn kitten. Fucking flashbombs.

As his vision was clearing he immediately noticed only he and Reno now occupied the room. Then he heard the faint cry of, ‘fire in the hole!’, before something very obviously metal hit the ground. Without thinking, Rude threw Reno over his shoulder and attempted to get out of there as fast as possible. He kicked open the door and only made it a few feet outside before the ground shook with the force of the explosion. It wasn’t a large blast radius by any means, but Rude hadn’t exactly made it far with Reno on his back.

The force of the blast, coupled with the flying debris knocked Rude off his feet, sending Reno hurtling a few feet away. They were engulfed by the heat of the explosion, the smoke suffocating and searing their skin.

Rude lay on the ground, trying to gather his bearings. When he tried to stand, his left leg gave out. On closer inspection he realized he must’ve been hit with debris in the back of his calf. It was bleeding steadily and – yeah, there were metal shards still in there. Any movement was extremely painful.

Flipping onto his stomach, he used his elbows to crawl over to Reno. The redhead wasn’t moving at all, and his hair, it looked darker, like…

“Oh shit, oh shit!” The pain from his leg was pushed aside as he headed towards Reno. He was lying so still…please let him be breathing…

He had a bad gash on his forehead. It was bleeding profusely. His clothes were singed from the explosion – being on Rude’s back meant he had experienced the brunt of it. He was burned through his clothes – not fatal, but enough to make his skin red and angry.

Rude was worried about the gash on his head, and the very real possibility of broken bones. What if he had broken ribs and they had punctured his internal organs, and he was bleeding to death this very moment? Rude could feel himself getting hysterical. Trying to remain calm, he covered Reno’s forehead with his hand, maintaining firm pressure as he pulled out his PHS. Reno needed medical assistance immediately.

“I have a man down from an explosion in the sector three slums…”

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Rufus could tell whatever Tseng was being informed of wasn’t good. In fact, he had never seen him go this dark, this frightening before. The vein in his forehead was actually very prominent. This was not calm, collected Tseng. This was a man who was seething, who probably could rip off his head or tear out his heart if he wanted to.

“I want them in a private hospital wing, with SOLDIERs stationed everywhere! I want there to be absolutely no fucking possibility of them coming in to finish the job. …don’t tell me you can’t fucking do it, don’t tell me you’ll try! …you want me to come down there?! …no, you definitely don’t! Don’t call me unless it’s a status update!” Tseng was terrifying. He looked like he was about to go on a killing rampage – he was glad to be on his good side.

“Something went really wrong.” Tseng finally spoke after taking several calming breaths. He was still flushed with anger. Rufus decided to wait until he was ready to speak.

“The meeting went horribly wrong. Reno and Rude were injured from a grenade explosion. Both are in stable condition, though Reno suffered a lot of blood loss. I’m still waiting to hear from either of them. Reno was unconscious when he was taken in, Rude was going into shock.” Tseng slammed his fist on the coffee table.

“God damnit!” Things just got a lot more complicated.

“They are close then.” Rufus decided to speak. Tseng answered him with a nod.

“What should I do?” Rufus asked. Tseng massaged his shoulder – no doubt his wound was aggravating him.

“Stay here for now. They don’t know where you are – you aren’t in any danger.”

“Tseng, you should sleep for awhile. They’ll call with the updates. As soon as Reno or Rude can, you know they’ll get their hands on a phone. There’s not much you can do right now with so little information.” Tseng was looking worse and worse as the hours progressed on. The bags under his eyes were dark now, his features drawn tight. Rufus hoped this latest bit of information wouldn’t keep him up longer – Tseng looked like he was starting to fall apart. Slowly, but surely. He had stopped to talk with Gomez in the halls, the older man expressing concern over Tseng’s state. Up until then Rufus had thought him to be a steady worker – he was human though, and humans required a few necessary things to survive. Tseng was lacking in the sleep, food, and drink compartments. It needed to be fixed immediately, or else Tseng would fall apart.



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