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-o-
It all started with one delivery job. Cloud had initially thought that it was a simple job, but after he finished delivering it, Rufus called him back to his office to “debrief” with him or some shit like that. Exasperated, Cloud went to his office, and sat down on a chair. He crossed his arms and glared at the former president sitting across from him.
“The job is done. What else do you need me for?” Cloud asked him, frowning in suspicion.
Rufus put his hands together, steepling his fingers. “I have been watching you from afar for a long time, Cloud. The Turks often talk about your strengths. I have a proposition for you. I think it would be beneficial for the both of us to form an alliance, a relationship.”
Cloud froze. Did he hear Rufus right? The former president had just suggested that they should have a relationship—and not just any relationship, but also a sexual relationship as well. It was so strange that he barked a laugh. “Are you serious? What makes you think I’d happily agree with this?”
Rufus smiled in that mysterious way that told Cloud that he was hiding something, his blue eyes gleaming. “Think about the benefits, Cloud. I may not have the influence and the power I used to have, but money still talks and can move the world.”
“What do you get out of this?” Cloud asked him, getting straight to the point.
“I get to be with someone who will meet my expectations and please me in a myriad of ways,” Rufus said smoothly, still smiling, but Cloud could see the hunger in his blue eyes now, and the lust. Despite himself, a delightful shiver ran down his spine.
Cloud rose from his chair and leaned over, their faces now just inches away from each other. “And what are your expectations, Rufus? Do you like what you see?” He stood back, giving Rufus a full view of his body, his black attire only accentuating his muscular body, his arms, his chest, and his legs. There was an intake of breath as Rufus gave him a once over, those blue eyes fully taking in the view.
“Yes, I very much do,” Rufus admitted. “Can I assume that you agree?”
Cloud sat down and leaned back on his chair, giving it some thought. Shinra had done a lot of bad things, but his main beef was with Sephiroth. There were many benefits to being with someone who had a lot of money to burn. He could also understand why Rufus might be attracted to him. Cloud was the only one who had beaten Sephiroth three times. The man was attracted to powerful people.
“I guess you can say that,” Cloud said with a small smile, “But if you think all this entails is just sex, you got another thing coming. I have my own expectations. It should be a proper relationship, with us dating. I want to watch a movie, have a nice expensive dinner—all of it. Think you can handle that?”
Rufus chuckled warmly. “Of course. For next time, I will meet you at 7:00 pm in Golden Saucer. We’ll watch a play, have dinner, and spend the night together at the hotel. Does that work for you?”
Cloud nodded. “I look forward to it, Rufus.” He stood up and leaned over again, their faces once more just inches away from each other. “I’ll see you.”
-o-
And so, here they were, watching a play together at Golden Saucer. This eerily reminded Cloud of the times he and his friends had taken a detour and watched a fairytale about princesses and knights many years ago. Now they were watching something more modern. It was about lovers who were from opposite sides, carrying on a relationship in secret, much like the story of Romeo and Juliet.
As the play went on, Rufus placed his hand on Cloud’s knee, casually kneading him there. It was a subtle touch, but Cloud appreciated the gesture. Rufus was willing to show their relationship in public, unlike the two lovers who had to hide their relationship. The play also reminded him of the relationship they had now. How would his friends react when they find out that he was in a relationship with Rufus Shinra? Barret and Cid would not take it well. Tifa would be devastated because it would feel like a betrayal to her.
He would deal with them, one way or another. For now, he was going to enjoy this play with Rufus. Cloud leaned on him just a bit and watched the play. After some time had passed, the play was over, ending on a bittersweet note. The lovers were still together, but their families had ostracized them because of their relationship. It gave him an ominous feeling about his own.
After the play, they went to dinner at a formal, high class restaurant. For dinner, they had steak, vegetables, and wine. When their food arrived, Cloud watched Rufus start to eat the steak. He had such refined manners, cutting the steak in pieces before eating and chewing each part. Cloud didn’t bother doing all that. He cut the steak in two big pieces, stabbed one of the pieces with a fork, and tore off a large chunk with his teeth.
Rufus saw all that and grinned. He definitely liked what he saw just now. Cloud blushed. He didn’t mean to eat like a wolf, but he had a long day and he was starving. To finish off their meal, they began drinking the wine together. Cloud let out a sigh of satisfaction when he felt the liquid wash down his throat. Other couples would have spent more time talking, getting to know each other, but Cloud was the introvert type. He spoke more with his actions than his words.
With their dinner done, it was time for them to go to the hotel. The wine had loosened him up just a bit. Rufus paid for everything and they left and went to the hotel. Cloud enjoyed this particular place. The decorations of ghosts, tombstones, and monsters gave the place a haunted look. They took the stairs, anticipation filling them both. The tension between them was unmistakable. As soon as they reached their room, it was Cloud who opened the door and let Rufus in. When Cloud closed the door, Rufus slammed him against the wall and kissed him in a rough, but passionate way, biting at his bottom lip and demanding permission.
Cloud groaned and relented. Rufus was pressing against him enticingly, sliding a leg between his and rubbing his crotch against his own. Cloud’s hands found their way around Rufus’ hips, undoing his pants. It dropped to the floor with an audible thud. Their kiss lingered as their tongues joined together in a dance of heat and passion. Rufus slid his hands under Cloud’s shirt, exploring muscle and skin. Cloud began to lead them over to the bed where they could properly be with each other.
They stumbled over there, with Rufus hitting the bed first and Cloud climbing on top of him. He took off Rufus’ top and his white coat. The man had so many layers of clothing, it was ridiculous. The annoyance must have shown on his face because Rufus chuckled and helped himself get out of his underwear. Now he was naked and told Cloud, “Off. I want it all off.”
Cloud snorted. So demanding. “Take them off yourself if it bothers you that much.” He was content with the way things were as he went back to kissing Rufus, exploring every inch of his mouth with his tongue. This seemed to distract the former president as Rufus kissed him back, their tongues mingling together, exchanging heat and wetness. His hands were on the move again, tracing every line of muscle under his shirt before finally pulling his shirt over his head and breaking the kiss.
With his shirt gone, Rufus maneuvered them until he was the one on top of Cloud. He kissed his way down, from his neck, gently biting at the skin there, then moving his lips and tongue down his chest, licking and sucking and biting. When his lips found a nipple, he nipped at the nub, earning a groan and a shudder from Cloud. Then he did the same to the other nipple and continued the path down his stomach. It was slow and sensual, the way Rufus teased and tasted him, savoring him fully. With his hands, Rufus pulled his pants and his underwear down, exposing his hard cock.
Rufus grinned at him before wrapping his lips around his cock and sucking him off. Cloud could hear the sensual sounds of his flesh being licked as Rufus bobbed his head up and down. Cloud grabbed at his hair, pulling him closer so Rufus could take more of his cock in his mouth. Then Cloud started fucking his mouth with his cock, reveling in the heat and wetness of it. A line of drool trailed down his chin as Cloud fucked him this way. Rufus managed to take him by surprise as he swallowed his cock, pulling him deeper. Cloud thrust in harder, unable to control himself. He was getting close, the heat and the pressure pooling and rising in his groin.
With a guttural cry, he came, shooting his load down Rufus’ throat. Rufus swallowed his come and licked off anything that spilled down his chin. Impatient now, he procured a bottle of lube from a nearby drawer and spread Cloud’s legs apart. His blue eyes were so dark now with lust and desire for him. Cloud wondered what Rufus saw in him aside from the obvious, being a powerful human weapon. Rufus slicked three of his fingers and slid one finger inside of him. Cloud didn’t mind the intrusion. He leaned into it more and welcomed it. Another finger joined the first and stretched him as much as Rufus could. Then when he added a third finger, Cloud could feel it all moving inside of him, digging deeper and deeper until they reached his prostate.
It was a lot, these fingers fucking him now. He was getting hard again. He gripped the sheets as Rufus slicked his cock with the lubrication and right before Cloud could have climaxed again, he pulled his fingers out and started teasing him again, pressing his cock along his hole, the tip touching the rim. It was maddening, how Rufus simply grinded against him, his cock leaking precome, laying it across his hole.
He wondered if Rufus got off at the idea that he was the one about to fuck him. It was probably a power thing for him. Cloud couldn’t help, but whimper as his cock kept brushing against his hole. Cloud wanted it, wanted to be fucked by that thick cock of his. He panted, sweating now. The room smelled of sweat, his come, and sex. With a single, powerful thrust, Rufus pushed in, bringing Cloud instant relief. He was so full now, that cock filling every inch of him. Rufus pulled out slowly and then thrust back in, settling on a steady rhythm. It went on like this, the sounds of flesh slapping together echoing throughout the room.
Cloud was beginning to lose himself in it, the way that cock only briefly touched his prostate, teasing him relentlessly. He enjoyed this date with Rufus. The man didn’t require him to talk and be open like other people had demanded of him. He simply got to enjoy the play and have dinner with him. He wouldn’t mind doing this again.
He knew that Rufus was getting close. The man was fucking him harder and deeper, hitting his prostate now. Right before he could have climaxed, Rufus pulled back again, teasing him once more. He whimpered and pulled him into a kiss. Cloud whispered against his lips, “Fuck me, Rufus. Make me come.”
As Rufus complied, that was all it took. Rufus fucked him again and again and finally reached his release, filling him up with his come. Cloud was next, spilling come all over his thighs and Rufus’ chest. It was obscene. Rufus pulled out and with each of his thighs, he licked the come off and kissed the skin. It was the most erotic thing he saw. Then he settled by Cloud’s side, draping an arm around his waist, pulling him close. Cloud didn’t expect him to get this intimate. If he had to be honest, he thought that Rufus mainly wanted to fuck him, eventually get bored of him, and toss him aside.
“Did I meet your expectations, Rufus?” he teased, smiling in mischief.
Rufus chuckled and kissed him chastely. “Yes, you did. You were wonderful. We’ll do this again.”
Cloud chuckled and moved closer, snuggling with him. He liked this. He liked this a lot, more than he should.
And that's where it all went wrong.
-o-
Their relationship progressed steadily. They’d go on dates, sometimes to expensive places, where they wined and dined. Rufus often paid for these dates. Other times, Cloud would take Rufus to somewhere simple and safe, just to see the beautiful views of the planet finally recovering. It was a reminder for him that while the Shinra Corporation had done a lot of damage to the planet, Rufus did the right thing by backing Reeve financially with WRO.
With Rufus, Cloud didn’t need to think about anything else. He could just enjoy his time with him, seeing places, eating fine food, and having great sex. It wasn’t serious; they were having a transactional relationship where with them now together, Rufus reaped the benefits of having the hero by his side, showing to the world that he had repented and had changed. Cloud benefited in ways he didn’t expect.
Before Cloud knew it, he was once again losing himself in Rufus in the times they spent together. He didn’t have to go home and explain himself once again to Tifa that he just liked doing things without telling her. Most of the time, he wanted to be alone so he could think. He too had to repent because of the people he could not save like Aerith and Zack, and even Sephiroth too because of what Hojo had done to them all.
They weren’t exactly discreet with their relationship and so, it reached the ears of the Turks and Cloud’s friends eventually. The Turks didn’t question Rufus. They accepted that they were now in a relationship. They weren’t clear just how serious it was though. This made Reno all the more puzzled, but eventually shrugged it off.
With Cloud’s friends, they didn’t take it well. Barret outright accused him of sleeping with the enemy, literally, and since Cloud didn’t like being intimidated, he ignored Barret and shut him down. Cid was a little harder with the litany of expletives coming out of his mouth, but he seemed resigned, like who was he to talk with his past relations with Shinra anyway? Tifa was the hardest. She was in denial and thought that Cloud had a good reason for being with Rufus. She thought he was using his position as his lover to spy on Shinra.
Cloud didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth. He wasn’t even sure of himself why he was with him, aside from the obvious things like the dates and the great sex. He enjoyed his time with him. With Rufus, he felt that he could escape from the reality of his life, and just be in the present moment. Rufus made him feel safe.
They couldn’t ignore the pressure forever, however. Cloud didn’t think their relationship was that serious until one day, Rufus took Cloud to one of the events of WRO and made a startling announcement to everyone in the audience. “I know it’s divisive to see people like us being together because of our past histories. But I want to make it clear that I, Rufus Shinra, and my date, Cloud Strife, are in an official relationship. He is my lover, my partner, and will eventually become my spouse.”
Cloud couldn’t believe it. After the event was over, they went back to Rufus’ office. Cloud confronted him, nearly getting into a physical fight, as he slammed Rufus against the wall, using his body to keep him trapped between the wall and himself. Cloud snarled at him, “Just what are you up to, declaring us an official couple like that? I thought all you wanted was good publicity and just someone to warm your bed?”
Rufus was straining against him with his front facing the wall and Cloud gripping him with the weight of his body alone. Rufus could not move. Cloud was just that strong. “It started that way, but I’m afraid I might have started developing something for you. Do you really want me to spell it out? I’m not exactly happy about this either, but it is what it is.”
Cloud shook his head vehemently. “Damn you. I know I felt something too.”
Rufus just laughed at the situation. “So we both agree that there’s something more to us? Will we continue dating and spending time together? I like you a lot, Cloud. I have every intention of keeping you.”
Cloud sighed and loosened his grip on Rufus’ back. Rufus turned around and pulled him into a deep and passionate kiss. They spent some of the time in his office just kissing and kissing, and eventually, Rufus ended up fucking him in that office, bending Cloud over his desk and thrusting into him. It was an amazing experience.
Rufus didn’t outright say it, but Cloud knew that Rufus was beginning to care about him. Cloud felt the same way. In time, they would eventually fall in love, despite all the baggage of their histories with each other.
-o-
Eventually, Cloud told Tifa the truth. He sat her down at the bar of 7th Heaven and simply said, “All you see in the news about me and Rufus are true. I am in a committed relationship with him. It’s serious. I know it’s unexpected, but that’s how it is.”
Tifa stared at him for a long time. She didn’t cry. “How could you?” She simply left the bar to collect herself. Cloud sighed deeply and shook his head. He no longer felt comfortable living here. He needed a new place to stay. Just as he was about to leave, his phone rang. He saw who it was on the screen and picked it up. “You’re just in time, Rufus. I think Tifa’s going to kick me out after this.”
There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. “She couldn’t handle it, could she? Pack all your things and come live with me. I’ll have the Turks pick you up.”
“You sure you’re okay with that? We’ll be together all the time, probably annoying each other. It’s not just about the expensive dates and the great sex, you know,” Cloud said in amusement. “And what about your Turks? Would they be okay with that?”
“I know your type. You’re my type. Come live with me. The Turks see you as one of their own anyway,” Rufus said, teasing him. He was flirting with him. It was endearing.
Cloud sighed, shaking his head again. “Alright. I’ll pack my things. Maybe some distance will do some good.” He hung up the phone and went to his room. He gazed at all the things he owned. He didn’t have a lot, but the stuff he did have, they were precious things. Now, Rufus was one of those precious things.
Later that day, the Turks picked him up. Reno was giving him a mischievous look in the car and had the audacity to ask how he managed to snatch up their boss. Cloud groaned. He was going to put up with so many annoying things for his lover, but that was alright.
“Time to go,” he muttered to himself. It was time to move on. Rufus wasn’t just an escape for him anymore. He was now Cloud’s new reality, his world.
-o-