Very slight canon revision going forward - I'm writing it so that Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz aren't Sephiroth remnants, but failed clones of Sephiroth.
Rufus sat through hours of board meetings, after parting ways with Kadaj. His mind was on anything but his business; unusual for Rufus, to think of anything but ShinRa Inc., and coming up with new ways to rake in more gil.
Today, Rufus's mind was on his silver-haired lover. It wasn't until Scarlet barked at him for the third time in a row, that Rufus realized exactly how much his mind had wandered during the finance meeting.
"Sir," Scarlet hissed impatiently. "Your decision?" Really, Scarlet thought irritably, frowning. This is most unlike Rufus, to be so distracted from his business. I wonder just what – or who – might be distracting him.
"Oh, right," Rufus murmured in reply. "Sorry about that, Scarlet. I do believe this merger is a good idea. Let's make it happen, people," he said authoritatively, as he stood up from his chair, signaling the end of the meeting. "Meeting is now adjourned. We'll reconvene in a week; Reeve, Scarlet, I leave the particulars to you."
"Of course, Mr. President," Reeve replied, bowing slightly as he and Scarlet took their leave. Rufus was finally the only one left standing in the board room; as Reeve and Scarlet exited, the president let out a huge breath of air that he had been holding in his lungs. A smile crossed his face as the one person that had invaded his thoughts the entire day, came to mind. Kadaj… Rufus wondered how well it had gone for Kadaj, telling his brothers about their relationship. The president frowned momentarily, and pondered, what is our status anyway? Are we…dating?
Leaning back in his chair, Rufus grabbed an apple that was sitting on the table near his PDA, and, polishing it briefly on his lapel, took a bite out of it. He chewed slowly, as he ran over the past twenty-four hours in his mind. Just one day prior, Kadaj had been unexpectedly kneeling in front of Rufus's wheelchair, and then...
And then, Rufus mused, things moved at lightning speed. He shook his head, as if unable to comprehend exactly why things had progressed so quickly between him and Kadaj. He smiled, as he recalled waking up that morning, Kadaj nestled in his arms...as if he had always belonged there.
Rufus took a few more bites of his apple, and threw the core into a nearby wastepaper bin. Sighing, he reached into his pocket for his cell phone, and punched in Tseng's number. Rufus knew that his Turks were probably well aware of what was going on anyways - it was their job to protect the president after all. Still, Rufus thought a courtesy call would be wise. The president also realized, that anyone involved with him romantically, could very well end up being a walking target, just by that association. He figured it would be prudent to assign the Turks to protect Kadaj. Not that he truly needs protecting, but one never knows, Rufus mused thoughtfully. I have made a lot of enemies since I became president...
"Tseng," the president said, as he heard the head of the Turks pick up the call. "Need to meet with everyone this afternoon, if possible. Three o'clock okay? Good...we'll meet in my office." He hung up the phone as his thoughts once again wandered to Kadaj and his brothers. I wonder how that is going...
Kadaj paced nervously as he awaited his brothers, back in front of their makeshift home in the Forgotten City, a modest, abandoned Cetra home. Why am I so...anxious? he wondered. Well...not only am I telling them I'm in love with Rufus, I'm also about to tell them that I'm pregnant.
Pregnant. Kadaj ran his hand over his abdomen - still visibly flat, to any onlooker, but Kadaj felt something - a tiny something. A slight bump. The realization that the bump represented a child, a child growing inside of him, hit Kadaj like a ton of bricks. He began weeping uncontrollably, yet smiling through his tears.
"Brother?" Yazoo's concerned voice sounded, as Kadaj looked up; he saw Yazoo and Loz approaching, through the thicket of trees at the forest's edge. "Why are you crying, what's wrong?"
"Did ShinRa hurt you?" Loz demanded gruffly, frowning. Loz had always been overly protective of the younger, more delicate-looking Kadaj, even though Kadaj could certainly hold his own in a fight; his slim stature belied his power. Loz was all about brute physical strength, whereas Kadaj was a graceful, yet skilled swordsman. Yazoo differed from both of his siblings, in that he was a sharpshooter.
"No, he didn't hurt me, Loz," Kadaj replied, smiling. "Quite the opposite. Well...I trust that you've both spoken with Mother?" he inquired. "Has she...told you about my condition?"
"Yes, she did," Yazoo answered, smirking. "So, we're to be uncles to the ShinRa brat?" he laughed. Kadaj visibly flinched at the callous remark.
"This child is mine, as well as Rufus's," Kadaj said coldly, narrowing his green eyes at his brothers. "Try to be a little more...sensitive, would you, Yazoo?"
"Sorry, brother," Yazoo murmured. "I didn't realize...you would so quickly form an attachment, to...it."
"Please do not refer to my baby as an it," Kadaj snapped. "Really, Yazoo!"
"Yeah, Yazoo!" echoed Loz, frowning. "Quit being such a meanie." Kadaj laughed at that. "Okay, brothers, you must...forgive me. Mother has explained to me that the pregnancy hormones might make me a little more emotional."
"More than usual?" Loz inquired. "Hah! You always were the sensitive one, Kadaj."
"I suppose I am," Kadaj replied, grinning at Loz. "I have something else to share with you, brothers. As Mother may have told you, I am to keep up a relationship with Rufus..."
"Yes, for appearances only," interjected Yazoo.
"Right," echoed Loz. "Just pretending, right?"
"Well...yes," Kadaj said, looking a bit sheepish. "And...no. You see, I've fallen in love with Rufus. I am no longer pretending; my feelings for him are real. I love him."
"No!" Loz bellowed angrily, fighting back tears. "No, you can't do that, Kadaj! We have to kill him, when Mother tells us to do so! We can't go against Mother!"
Kadaj was massaging his temples; the buzzing was starting again, Jenova was trying to get into his thoughts. "No, Mother! I won't let you in!" he hissed under his breath. "Loz, please try to understand-" Kadaj pleaded.
"But I don't understand!" Loz shouted. "How can you disobey Mother? I won't let you!"
Yazoo was regarding Kadaj curiously. "You...you really do love him, don't you?" he questioned, smirking. "Mother's not going to like this." Kadaj grew pale, suddenly realizing that telling his brothers about this, was perhaps not such a great idea after all. His fear quickly turned to anger; how dare his brothers question him, anyway? They were not the ones who had to carry a child to term, a child that could actually kill them during childbirth. Kadaj clenched his fists and set his jaw as he glared at his two brothers standing there.
"Have any of you stopped to wonder," Kadaj spat, "why Mother never told me until now, that I could have children? All my life, I never knew - but her, she did. Why did she keep this from me, why!"
"Surely she must have had her reasons, Kadaj," Yazoo replied soothingly. "Brother, please - let's just go have a nice dinner, we'll forget about this-"
"I'm not finished," Kadaj said hotly. "Mother had her reasons, all right. Using me as part of her plan to take over this Planet - well, I am not merely a vessel for her progeny! I have feelings too! I'm in love with Rufus, and I'm going to be with him! Don't you two try to stop me, either!" With that, Kadaj turned his back on his brothers and stormed off, a hand cautiously hovering over the handle of his sword...just in case. I do not want to hurt either one of them, he thought, scowling, but if I must defend myself...so be it.
"Kadaj!" Loz roared angrily, as he started to run after the retreating figure. A hand reached up to stop him, as Yazoo grabbed Loz's shoulder, pulling him back.
"Let him go, brother," Yazoo said softly. "For now. We will...deal with it later. We must not upset Kadaj, something could happen to the baby, and that would upset Mother's plans."
"Oh," Loz replied dumbly. "But, we will kill Rufus, won't we? Just like Mother said?"
"I'm sure we will," Yazoo replied distractedly. "And then...we'll have to dispose of Kadaj, if necessary."
"You mean...kill our own brother?" Loz whispered, clearly horrified.
"If Mother deems it necessary, then we must," Yazoo said firmly. "Look, Loz - I don't like it either. But if Kadaj chooses Rufus over us, and Mother - what choice will we have?"
Loz sighed, and kicked at a rock on the ground. "Yeah," he said finally, wiping the corner of his eye with the back of his hand. "I...guess you're right, Yazoo."
As planned, Rufus met with his Turks in the midafternoon, and as expected - none of them really expressed much surprise when Rufus revealed his news. The one surprise came, however, when Rufus specifically requested that Reno and Rude serve as Kadaj's unofficial bodyguards. "Now, I don't expect you both to follow him 24/7," Rufus explained. "But...I'm sure you're all very well aware that anyone who is close to me...could be a potential target."
"Understood, sir," Tseng replied quietly. Elena looked on warily, as Rude and Reno nodded their acknowledgements. "Of course, sir," Reno interjected. "Wherever you need me and Rude, we'll be there. Except, you won't even know we're there, yo," he cracked, smirking.
Rufus chuckled. "I know I can count on your discretion. Thank you all-"
"Oh, sir?" interrupted Tseng. "One more thing. The search for Jenova – we have some new leads. I'd like to meet again and brief you, as soon as possible. I assume you'd like us to continue on this?"
Rufus sighed, and paused for a moment, thinking. "Interesting…very interesting indeed," Rufus continued quietly. "It's been nearly a year, and only now we've got some leads? No, I'm not criticizing anyone's efforts on this, I just find it…curious."
"Indeed it is," Tseng replied. "I'll gather what data I do have, sir—"
"Yes, that's fine, Tseng," Rufus interrupted, waving his hand distractedly. "We can meet tomorrow, I suppose. Thank you all for your efforts…you are all dismissed."
"See you around, sir," Reno murmured, as he exited along with Rude, Tseng, and Elena. He was bristling with curiosity over this Kadaj character, but decided not to bring it up during the meeting. Might be a better idea if Rude and I just do a little recon work on our own. Nobody knows this guy, really…where he came from, or what—and man, he looks so much like Sephiroth…there's gotta be a connection there somewhere.
And I'm going to get to the bottom of it, Reno silently vowed, as he lit a cigarette.
Later that evening, Kadaj went to meet Rufus at his penthouse, in Edge. Apparently the doorman in the building must have been informed of Kadaj's impending arrival, as he opened the door for Kadaj and greeted him without question. "Mr. ShinRa is waiting for you," the doorman informed Kadaj. "He's in penthouse number two."
"Thank you," murmured Kadaj, as he headed toward the bank of elevators, heart starting to pound faster, with the knowledge of what he had to tell Rufus. Should I...tell him tonight, about the pregnancy? he wondered, as he got in the elevator and pressed the button. Or...should I wait? He absently ran his hand over his abdomen again, feeling for the slight bump. Soon I'll be showing...within a matter of weeks, from what Mother said.
Mother. Kadaj sighed. It saddened him to know his loyalties had so suddenly shifted; he no longer felt the pull toward Jenova that he had before. What has changed? Kadaj pondered. I no longer feel...anything toward Mother. Only...sadness. And anger, for keeping me in the dark my entire life. She let me live a lie...
He reached Rufus's penthouse, and was surprised to find the door slightly ajar. "Rufus?" Kadaj called hesitantly, as he entered the suite. Shutting the door softly behind him, Kadaj suddenly looked up as he saw Rufus approaching, barefoot, and clad in a white silk robe. "Hello, gorgeous," Rufus greeted him, smiling. He cupped Kadaj's chin, and pulled him in for a soft kiss. "I've been looking forward to this all day," he murmured. "I couldn't keep my mind off of you during my meetings today, Kadaj. You know, you might be detrimental to my business."
"You've been on my mind all day as well," Kadaj replied, slipping a hand inside Rufus's robe, and gently stroking his back as he kissed him. "I want..."
"Yes," Rufus hissed, interrupting Kadaj. "I want you too." He kissed Kadaj roughly, threading his fingers through the silver hair.
"I was going to say," Kadaj continued, grinning, "that I want something to eat. I'm starving!" After all, I'm eating for two, now...
"Oh, sorry about that," Rufus replied, chuckling. "I can have my chef prepare something...how about some seared tuna?"
"That sounds lovely," Kadaj said, as Rufus led him into the living room. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet," Rufus admitted. "But now that you mention food, I'm starting to feel hungry too, so I'll join you for dinner. Have a seat, Kadaj...I'll be back in a moment, I'll just instruct the chef to prepare our dishes."
"Okay," Kadaj replied, taking a seat on the large, leather sectional in the living room. He took a look at his surroundings, and was suitably impressed; it was obvious that Rufus had the place professionally decorated, and no detail had been overlooked. He leaned back on the plush couch, letting out a sigh as he relaxed. One could get used to this, Kadaj thought, with a sly smile.
"That's all set," Rufus said, as he returned to the living room, and sat down in the settee, opposite Kadaj. "Well, you've certainly made yourself comfortable," Rufus teased, as he noticed Kadaj's relaxed form draped lazily over the sofa.
"Oh, sorry," Kadaj replied, grinning. "This is just so damned comfortble...I could fall asleep right here."
"You could," Rufus said, as he got up from the settee, and moved over to the couch to join Kadaj. "You could do that, but I think you'd much prefer the bed." He sat down near Kadaj, and cradled his lover's head in his lap, tenderly stroking stray silver hairs out of Kadaj's eyes.
"Are you inviting me for a sleepover, Rufus?" Kadaj asked teasingly.
"Of course," Rufus murmured, pulling Kadaj up in his lap and embracing him, kissing his neck. "You know you can stay here."
"So," Rufus continued, changing the subject. "How did it go with your brothers?"
Sighing sadly, Kadaj replied, "Not very well, I'm afraid. They...objected strenuously. Enough so, where I was glad to have my sword on me, in case I had to defend myself."
"You're kidding!" Rufus exclaimed, shocked. "I can't believe they're that against me...gods. Why would they react that way?"
"It's...a long story, Rufus," Kadaj replied. "I'd like to tell you more...there is so much I have to tell you, too - things about myself that I have only just learned."
Rufus frowned. "This sounds heavy," he said seriously. "We'll talk over dinner...I believe chef has just set our dishes out for us." He cocked an ear toward the dining room, as he heard the gentle clatter of silverware.
"Your chef is very unobtrusive," Kadaj observed, as Rufus led him to his chair at the dining table; as Kadaj took his seat, Rufus pushed the chair in behind him. "Thank you. You are quite the gentleman, Rufus," Kadaj commented, smiling.
"I do try," Rufus replied, taking his seat. He unfolded his napkin and placed it in his lap. "Wine?" he queried, grabbing the decanter on the table.
"Sure," Kadaj replied automatically, then froze. You can't have wine right now...you're pregnant. "On second thought...maybe not," he said, a bit sheepishly.
"Are you sure? This is a really good chablis," Rufus remarked, as he poured himself a glass. "Oh well. Perhaps later." They both turned their attentions to their meals, Kadaj murmuring appreciatively as he sampled the fish.
"This is delicious," Kadaj remarked. "Your chef did an outstanding job."
"That she did," Rufus replied. "You can tell her yourself some time, I'll introduce you to her. I'm going to be selfish tonight, however, and keep you all to myself."
"Sounds lovely," Kadaj said. "Rufus...can we talk now?"
"Aren't we already?" Rufus replied, with a bemused look about him. "No, seriously...we shall talk. I haven't forgotten. I must say, though," he continued, frowning, "that I'm a bit concerned for your safety, Kadaj - the reaction of your brothers, for one thing, is not quite what I had hoped for."
"Nor I," Kadaj replied, fighting back tears. "It's just that-oh gods, Rufus." He put his head in his hands and sobbed sloppily. "It breaks my heart." Rufus was out of his chair instantly, and put his arms around Kadaj's shoulders, hugging him. "Shh," he whispered soothingly. "It'll be okay. We're in this together, right? Come...let's sit in the living room, if you're done eating?"
"Yes, I'm done," Kadaj sniffled, standing up from his chair. "Thank you...Rufus, you are too good to me...I don't deserve it."
"Of course you deserve it," Rufus retorted. "I love you, Kadaj."
Kadaj burst into hysterical tears, and fell into Rufus's outstretched arms. "Oh gods, Rufus...I love you too. Which is why it kills me...to say what I'm about to say."
Rufus's eyes widened as he sat down on the couch. "This doesn't sound good," he said quietly. "What...is it, that you need to tell me?"
Out with it, Kadaj thought. Rip off the bandage in one movement...
"Okay," Kadaj continued, composing himself. "I...did not know such a thing was possible, but it seems my mother, Jenova, lied to me, my entire life, about who I was."
"Between your brothers, and your mother," Rufus muttered, "I'm not liking your family very much, Kadaj. Even though I haven't even met them, yet."
"I'm not a fan of any of them right now," Kadaj retorted. "Trust me. I'll tell you what I do know about myself; I'm...not quite human, and I think you've suspected that, haven't you?"
"I...have wondered about your origins, yes," Rufus admitted.
"To put it plainly," Kadaj explained, "I am what Hojo considered a 'failed clone' of Sephiroth."
"Sephiroth," Rufus whispered. "I knew it..." It was something Rufus had known all along, really - Kadaj's search for Jenova, which led him to Rufus in the first place, pleading for help...of course Rufus had made the connection, that Kadaj and Jenova and Sephiroth were all somehow related. Yet now that it was confirmed by Kadaj - verbally - everything seemed that much more real to Rufus.
"Yes, well," Kadaj continued. "There is the obvious physical resemblance. And my mother...Jenova...I hate her. I hate her!"
Thank Gaia, Rufus thought with relief. "What...did Jenova lie about, Kadaj?"
"About...my ability to have children," Kadaj confessed tearfully. "She had told me it was not possible, that I was barren. But now...now I know that was a lie."
Rufus froze in horror, as Kadaj's words started to register. "And how...how do you know for certain that it was a lie?"
"Because I'm pregnant, Rufus," Kadaj answered, attempting a small, sad smile. "And it's yours...you're the father...you and I, we're having a baby."
"But-but...how? We only - last night -" Rufus stammered, running his hand through his hair, making it stand up wildly. "How in the fuck is this possible!" he shouted.
"Please don't be angry with me," Kadaj pleaded, crying. "I didn't know!" Well...I didn't know until that day, but I cannot let Rufus find out...that I bedded him with the intention of him impregnating me...
"I...I don't know what to say. Or what to think, or feel..." Rufus muttered. He turned to Kadaj, and regarded him with a cold stare. "I need to be alone right now," Rufus said stonily. "You may sleep in the guest bedroom. I'll talk to you in the morning." He left the living room without so much as a glance backwards at Kadaj.
Sighing woefully, Kadaj curled up on the couch, pulling his knees up to his chest, as he cried himself to sleep.
Rufus sat through hours of board meetings, after parting ways with Kadaj. His mind was on anything but his business; unusual for Rufus, to think of anything but ShinRa Inc., and coming up with new ways to rake in more gil.
Today, Rufus's mind was on his silver-haired lover. It wasn't until Scarlet barked at him for the third time in a row, that Rufus realized exactly how much his mind had wandered during the finance meeting.
"Sir," Scarlet hissed impatiently. "Your decision?" Really, Scarlet thought irritably, frowning. This is most unlike Rufus, to be so distracted from his business. I wonder just what – or who – might be distracting him.
"Oh, right," Rufus murmured in reply. "Sorry about that, Scarlet. I do believe this merger is a good idea. Let's make it happen, people," he said authoritatively, as he stood up from his chair, signaling the end of the meeting. "Meeting is now adjourned. We'll reconvene in a week; Reeve, Scarlet, I leave the particulars to you."
"Of course, Mr. President," Reeve replied, bowing slightly as he and Scarlet took their leave. Rufus was finally the only one left standing in the board room; as Reeve and Scarlet exited, the president let out a huge breath of air that he had been holding in his lungs. A smile crossed his face as the one person that had invaded his thoughts the entire day, came to mind. Kadaj… Rufus wondered how well it had gone for Kadaj, telling his brothers about their relationship. The president frowned momentarily, and pondered, what is our status anyway? Are we…dating?
Leaning back in his chair, Rufus grabbed an apple that was sitting on the table near his PDA, and, polishing it briefly on his lapel, took a bite out of it. He chewed slowly, as he ran over the past twenty-four hours in his mind. Just one day prior, Kadaj had been unexpectedly kneeling in front of Rufus's wheelchair, and then...
And then, Rufus mused, things moved at lightning speed. He shook his head, as if unable to comprehend exactly why things had progressed so quickly between him and Kadaj. He smiled, as he recalled waking up that morning, Kadaj nestled in his arms...as if he had always belonged there.
Rufus took a few more bites of his apple, and threw the core into a nearby wastepaper bin. Sighing, he reached into his pocket for his cell phone, and punched in Tseng's number. Rufus knew that his Turks were probably well aware of what was going on anyways - it was their job to protect the president after all. Still, Rufus thought a courtesy call would be wise. The president also realized, that anyone involved with him romantically, could very well end up being a walking target, just by that association. He figured it would be prudent to assign the Turks to protect Kadaj. Not that he truly needs protecting, but one never knows, Rufus mused thoughtfully. I have made a lot of enemies since I became president...
"Tseng," the president said, as he heard the head of the Turks pick up the call. "Need to meet with everyone this afternoon, if possible. Three o'clock okay? Good...we'll meet in my office." He hung up the phone as his thoughts once again wandered to Kadaj and his brothers. I wonder how that is going...
Kadaj paced nervously as he awaited his brothers, back in front of their makeshift home in the Forgotten City, a modest, abandoned Cetra home. Why am I so...anxious? he wondered. Well...not only am I telling them I'm in love with Rufus, I'm also about to tell them that I'm pregnant.
Pregnant. Kadaj ran his hand over his abdomen - still visibly flat, to any onlooker, but Kadaj felt something - a tiny something. A slight bump. The realization that the bump represented a child, a child growing inside of him, hit Kadaj like a ton of bricks. He began weeping uncontrollably, yet smiling through his tears.
"Brother?" Yazoo's concerned voice sounded, as Kadaj looked up; he saw Yazoo and Loz approaching, through the thicket of trees at the forest's edge. "Why are you crying, what's wrong?"
"Did ShinRa hurt you?" Loz demanded gruffly, frowning. Loz had always been overly protective of the younger, more delicate-looking Kadaj, even though Kadaj could certainly hold his own in a fight; his slim stature belied his power. Loz was all about brute physical strength, whereas Kadaj was a graceful, yet skilled swordsman. Yazoo differed from both of his siblings, in that he was a sharpshooter.
"No, he didn't hurt me, Loz," Kadaj replied, smiling. "Quite the opposite. Well...I trust that you've both spoken with Mother?" he inquired. "Has she...told you about my condition?"
"Yes, she did," Yazoo answered, smirking. "So, we're to be uncles to the ShinRa brat?" he laughed. Kadaj visibly flinched at the callous remark.
"This child is mine, as well as Rufus's," Kadaj said coldly, narrowing his green eyes at his brothers. "Try to be a little more...sensitive, would you, Yazoo?"
"Sorry, brother," Yazoo murmured. "I didn't realize...you would so quickly form an attachment, to...it."
"Please do not refer to my baby as an it," Kadaj snapped. "Really, Yazoo!"
"Yeah, Yazoo!" echoed Loz, frowning. "Quit being such a meanie." Kadaj laughed at that. "Okay, brothers, you must...forgive me. Mother has explained to me that the pregnancy hormones might make me a little more emotional."
"More than usual?" Loz inquired. "Hah! You always were the sensitive one, Kadaj."
"I suppose I am," Kadaj replied, grinning at Loz. "I have something else to share with you, brothers. As Mother may have told you, I am to keep up a relationship with Rufus..."
"Yes, for appearances only," interjected Yazoo.
"Right," echoed Loz. "Just pretending, right?"
"Well...yes," Kadaj said, looking a bit sheepish. "And...no. You see, I've fallen in love with Rufus. I am no longer pretending; my feelings for him are real. I love him."
"No!" Loz bellowed angrily, fighting back tears. "No, you can't do that, Kadaj! We have to kill him, when Mother tells us to do so! We can't go against Mother!"
Kadaj was massaging his temples; the buzzing was starting again, Jenova was trying to get into his thoughts. "No, Mother! I won't let you in!" he hissed under his breath. "Loz, please try to understand-" Kadaj pleaded.
"But I don't understand!" Loz shouted. "How can you disobey Mother? I won't let you!"
Yazoo was regarding Kadaj curiously. "You...you really do love him, don't you?" he questioned, smirking. "Mother's not going to like this." Kadaj grew pale, suddenly realizing that telling his brothers about this, was perhaps not such a great idea after all. His fear quickly turned to anger; how dare his brothers question him, anyway? They were not the ones who had to carry a child to term, a child that could actually kill them during childbirth. Kadaj clenched his fists and set his jaw as he glared at his two brothers standing there.
"Have any of you stopped to wonder," Kadaj spat, "why Mother never told me until now, that I could have children? All my life, I never knew - but her, she did. Why did she keep this from me, why!"
"Surely she must have had her reasons, Kadaj," Yazoo replied soothingly. "Brother, please - let's just go have a nice dinner, we'll forget about this-"
"I'm not finished," Kadaj said hotly. "Mother had her reasons, all right. Using me as part of her plan to take over this Planet - well, I am not merely a vessel for her progeny! I have feelings too! I'm in love with Rufus, and I'm going to be with him! Don't you two try to stop me, either!" With that, Kadaj turned his back on his brothers and stormed off, a hand cautiously hovering over the handle of his sword...just in case. I do not want to hurt either one of them, he thought, scowling, but if I must defend myself...so be it.
"Kadaj!" Loz roared angrily, as he started to run after the retreating figure. A hand reached up to stop him, as Yazoo grabbed Loz's shoulder, pulling him back.
"Let him go, brother," Yazoo said softly. "For now. We will...deal with it later. We must not upset Kadaj, something could happen to the baby, and that would upset Mother's plans."
"Oh," Loz replied dumbly. "But, we will kill Rufus, won't we? Just like Mother said?"
"I'm sure we will," Yazoo replied distractedly. "And then...we'll have to dispose of Kadaj, if necessary."
"You mean...kill our own brother?" Loz whispered, clearly horrified.
"If Mother deems it necessary, then we must," Yazoo said firmly. "Look, Loz - I don't like it either. But if Kadaj chooses Rufus over us, and Mother - what choice will we have?"
Loz sighed, and kicked at a rock on the ground. "Yeah," he said finally, wiping the corner of his eye with the back of his hand. "I...guess you're right, Yazoo."
As planned, Rufus met with his Turks in the midafternoon, and as expected - none of them really expressed much surprise when Rufus revealed his news. The one surprise came, however, when Rufus specifically requested that Reno and Rude serve as Kadaj's unofficial bodyguards. "Now, I don't expect you both to follow him 24/7," Rufus explained. "But...I'm sure you're all very well aware that anyone who is close to me...could be a potential target."
"Understood, sir," Tseng replied quietly. Elena looked on warily, as Rude and Reno nodded their acknowledgements. "Of course, sir," Reno interjected. "Wherever you need me and Rude, we'll be there. Except, you won't even know we're there, yo," he cracked, smirking.
Rufus chuckled. "I know I can count on your discretion. Thank you all-"
"Oh, sir?" interrupted Tseng. "One more thing. The search for Jenova – we have some new leads. I'd like to meet again and brief you, as soon as possible. I assume you'd like us to continue on this?"
Rufus sighed, and paused for a moment, thinking. "Interesting…very interesting indeed," Rufus continued quietly. "It's been nearly a year, and only now we've got some leads? No, I'm not criticizing anyone's efforts on this, I just find it…curious."
"Indeed it is," Tseng replied. "I'll gather what data I do have, sir—"
"Yes, that's fine, Tseng," Rufus interrupted, waving his hand distractedly. "We can meet tomorrow, I suppose. Thank you all for your efforts…you are all dismissed."
"See you around, sir," Reno murmured, as he exited along with Rude, Tseng, and Elena. He was bristling with curiosity over this Kadaj character, but decided not to bring it up during the meeting. Might be a better idea if Rude and I just do a little recon work on our own. Nobody knows this guy, really…where he came from, or what—and man, he looks so much like Sephiroth…there's gotta be a connection there somewhere.
And I'm going to get to the bottom of it, Reno silently vowed, as he lit a cigarette.
Later that evening, Kadaj went to meet Rufus at his penthouse, in Edge. Apparently the doorman in the building must have been informed of Kadaj's impending arrival, as he opened the door for Kadaj and greeted him without question. "Mr. ShinRa is waiting for you," the doorman informed Kadaj. "He's in penthouse number two."
"Thank you," murmured Kadaj, as he headed toward the bank of elevators, heart starting to pound faster, with the knowledge of what he had to tell Rufus. Should I...tell him tonight, about the pregnancy? he wondered, as he got in the elevator and pressed the button. Or...should I wait? He absently ran his hand over his abdomen again, feeling for the slight bump. Soon I'll be showing...within a matter of weeks, from what Mother said.
Mother. Kadaj sighed. It saddened him to know his loyalties had so suddenly shifted; he no longer felt the pull toward Jenova that he had before. What has changed? Kadaj pondered. I no longer feel...anything toward Mother. Only...sadness. And anger, for keeping me in the dark my entire life. She let me live a lie...
He reached Rufus's penthouse, and was surprised to find the door slightly ajar. "Rufus?" Kadaj called hesitantly, as he entered the suite. Shutting the door softly behind him, Kadaj suddenly looked up as he saw Rufus approaching, barefoot, and clad in a white silk robe. "Hello, gorgeous," Rufus greeted him, smiling. He cupped Kadaj's chin, and pulled him in for a soft kiss. "I've been looking forward to this all day," he murmured. "I couldn't keep my mind off of you during my meetings today, Kadaj. You know, you might be detrimental to my business."
"You've been on my mind all day as well," Kadaj replied, slipping a hand inside Rufus's robe, and gently stroking his back as he kissed him. "I want..."
"Yes," Rufus hissed, interrupting Kadaj. "I want you too." He kissed Kadaj roughly, threading his fingers through the silver hair.
"I was going to say," Kadaj continued, grinning, "that I want something to eat. I'm starving!" After all, I'm eating for two, now...
"Oh, sorry about that," Rufus replied, chuckling. "I can have my chef prepare something...how about some seared tuna?"
"That sounds lovely," Kadaj said, as Rufus led him into the living room. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet," Rufus admitted. "But now that you mention food, I'm starting to feel hungry too, so I'll join you for dinner. Have a seat, Kadaj...I'll be back in a moment, I'll just instruct the chef to prepare our dishes."
"Okay," Kadaj replied, taking a seat on the large, leather sectional in the living room. He took a look at his surroundings, and was suitably impressed; it was obvious that Rufus had the place professionally decorated, and no detail had been overlooked. He leaned back on the plush couch, letting out a sigh as he relaxed. One could get used to this, Kadaj thought, with a sly smile.
"That's all set," Rufus said, as he returned to the living room, and sat down in the settee, opposite Kadaj. "Well, you've certainly made yourself comfortable," Rufus teased, as he noticed Kadaj's relaxed form draped lazily over the sofa.
"Oh, sorry," Kadaj replied, grinning. "This is just so damned comfortble...I could fall asleep right here."
"You could," Rufus said, as he got up from the settee, and moved over to the couch to join Kadaj. "You could do that, but I think you'd much prefer the bed." He sat down near Kadaj, and cradled his lover's head in his lap, tenderly stroking stray silver hairs out of Kadaj's eyes.
"Are you inviting me for a sleepover, Rufus?" Kadaj asked teasingly.
"Of course," Rufus murmured, pulling Kadaj up in his lap and embracing him, kissing his neck. "You know you can stay here."
"So," Rufus continued, changing the subject. "How did it go with your brothers?"
Sighing sadly, Kadaj replied, "Not very well, I'm afraid. They...objected strenuously. Enough so, where I was glad to have my sword on me, in case I had to defend myself."
"You're kidding!" Rufus exclaimed, shocked. "I can't believe they're that against me...gods. Why would they react that way?"
"It's...a long story, Rufus," Kadaj replied. "I'd like to tell you more...there is so much I have to tell you, too - things about myself that I have only just learned."
Rufus frowned. "This sounds heavy," he said seriously. "We'll talk over dinner...I believe chef has just set our dishes out for us." He cocked an ear toward the dining room, as he heard the gentle clatter of silverware.
"Your chef is very unobtrusive," Kadaj observed, as Rufus led him to his chair at the dining table; as Kadaj took his seat, Rufus pushed the chair in behind him. "Thank you. You are quite the gentleman, Rufus," Kadaj commented, smiling.
"I do try," Rufus replied, taking his seat. He unfolded his napkin and placed it in his lap. "Wine?" he queried, grabbing the decanter on the table.
"Sure," Kadaj replied automatically, then froze. You can't have wine right now...you're pregnant. "On second thought...maybe not," he said, a bit sheepishly.
"Are you sure? This is a really good chablis," Rufus remarked, as he poured himself a glass. "Oh well. Perhaps later." They both turned their attentions to their meals, Kadaj murmuring appreciatively as he sampled the fish.
"This is delicious," Kadaj remarked. "Your chef did an outstanding job."
"That she did," Rufus replied. "You can tell her yourself some time, I'll introduce you to her. I'm going to be selfish tonight, however, and keep you all to myself."
"Sounds lovely," Kadaj said. "Rufus...can we talk now?"
"Aren't we already?" Rufus replied, with a bemused look about him. "No, seriously...we shall talk. I haven't forgotten. I must say, though," he continued, frowning, "that I'm a bit concerned for your safety, Kadaj - the reaction of your brothers, for one thing, is not quite what I had hoped for."
"Nor I," Kadaj replied, fighting back tears. "It's just that-oh gods, Rufus." He put his head in his hands and sobbed sloppily. "It breaks my heart." Rufus was out of his chair instantly, and put his arms around Kadaj's shoulders, hugging him. "Shh," he whispered soothingly. "It'll be okay. We're in this together, right? Come...let's sit in the living room, if you're done eating?"
"Yes, I'm done," Kadaj sniffled, standing up from his chair. "Thank you...Rufus, you are too good to me...I don't deserve it."
"Of course you deserve it," Rufus retorted. "I love you, Kadaj."
Kadaj burst into hysterical tears, and fell into Rufus's outstretched arms. "Oh gods, Rufus...I love you too. Which is why it kills me...to say what I'm about to say."
Rufus's eyes widened as he sat down on the couch. "This doesn't sound good," he said quietly. "What...is it, that you need to tell me?"
Out with it, Kadaj thought. Rip off the bandage in one movement...
"Okay," Kadaj continued, composing himself. "I...did not know such a thing was possible, but it seems my mother, Jenova, lied to me, my entire life, about who I was."
"Between your brothers, and your mother," Rufus muttered, "I'm not liking your family very much, Kadaj. Even though I haven't even met them, yet."
"I'm not a fan of any of them right now," Kadaj retorted. "Trust me. I'll tell you what I do know about myself; I'm...not quite human, and I think you've suspected that, haven't you?"
"I...have wondered about your origins, yes," Rufus admitted.
"To put it plainly," Kadaj explained, "I am what Hojo considered a 'failed clone' of Sephiroth."
"Sephiroth," Rufus whispered. "I knew it..." It was something Rufus had known all along, really - Kadaj's search for Jenova, which led him to Rufus in the first place, pleading for help...of course Rufus had made the connection, that Kadaj and Jenova and Sephiroth were all somehow related. Yet now that it was confirmed by Kadaj - verbally - everything seemed that much more real to Rufus.
"Yes, well," Kadaj continued. "There is the obvious physical resemblance. And my mother...Jenova...I hate her. I hate her!"
Thank Gaia, Rufus thought with relief. "What...did Jenova lie about, Kadaj?"
"About...my ability to have children," Kadaj confessed tearfully. "She had told me it was not possible, that I was barren. But now...now I know that was a lie."
Rufus froze in horror, as Kadaj's words started to register. "And how...how do you know for certain that it was a lie?"
"Because I'm pregnant, Rufus," Kadaj answered, attempting a small, sad smile. "And it's yours...you're the father...you and I, we're having a baby."
"But-but...how? We only - last night -" Rufus stammered, running his hand through his hair, making it stand up wildly. "How in the fuck is this possible!" he shouted.
"Please don't be angry with me," Kadaj pleaded, crying. "I didn't know!" Well...I didn't know until that day, but I cannot let Rufus find out...that I bedded him with the intention of him impregnating me...
"I...I don't know what to say. Or what to think, or feel..." Rufus muttered. He turned to Kadaj, and regarded him with a cold stare. "I need to be alone right now," Rufus said stonily. "You may sleep in the guest bedroom. I'll talk to you in the morning." He left the living room without so much as a glance backwards at Kadaj.
Sighing woefully, Kadaj curled up on the couch, pulling his knees up to his chest, as he cried himself to sleep.
0 comments:
Post a Comment