Reeve proudly stood in his new room, looking around, a smile on his face. Now this was life.

    Just as he put his suitcase down there was a sharp rapping on the door. Confused as to who the caller might be, Reeve went over and swung the door open.

    Scantily clad in red as always, Scarlet leaned against the door frame, a teasing smile on her lips. "Getting settled, Reeve?"

    He straightened his tie, suddenly nervous for no particular reason. "Um....yeah....I was just unpacking."

    She stepped inside, and he backed away, green eyes stuck on her. Scarlet kicked the door shut, and Reeve found he now had a reason to be nervous. She said, "you're very attractive, Reeve."

    Oh my god she's coming on to me, he thought as he felt the sweat drip down the back of his neck. I should have seen this coming....what should I say? "Um......thanks. So are you. You're pretty, I mean," he stumbled.

    She stepped forward. "You ever been with a woman, Reeve?" She took his tie and loosened it ever so slowly.

    The young man was frozen, eyes wide. He barely shook his head in response to her question, and swallowed nervously as she pressed her body to his.

    "Then this ought to be quite a learning experience for you." Her voice was barely a whisper as her breath tickled his ear.

    Reeve' breathing grew quick and harsh, his heart beating in his ears as he felt her hands slide under his jacket to run over his spine. He trembled. "Oh Scarlet..."

    She smiled. "Like that, Reeve?" Her lips were only several millimeters from him, and her breath on his skin drove him mad with desire. "I can do *many* things to pleasure you."

    As she leaned forward to kiss him, the last coherent thought that flashed through his mind was another happy reminder of how glad he was to work for Shinra.

    Everything was wonderful for awhile, awhile being four years. Those four years were uneventful. Reeve was happy at Shinra. The President liked him, Midgar was running smoothly, and he had Scarlet to screw around with. And, unlike in the beginning, he was legal now-- twenty-one. A man in the eyes of the world, but still an ingenious boy in the eyes of President Shinra. Still, he didn't mind too much. He was treated extremely well and life was good.

    Life on the home front had not changed much. His father remained quiet and reserved, and Reeve just resorted to ignored him. Visits home became increasingly rare, and he didn't like to think or talk about it.

    That morning they were at a meeting as usual, seated around the rectangular table. Scarlet sat close besides him as usual, hand under his jacket, rubbing up and down his back. "He's late," Heidegger complained, glancing around the room. Eyeing Reeve he asked, "what're you reading, kid?"

    The young man looked up. "The reports from yesterday."

    Heidegger laughed annoyingly. "When will you learn, kid? No one reads that junk!"

    Scarlet's eyes narrowed. "Leave him alone. You're a moron."

    He mirrored her glare. "I'd keep my mouth shut if I were, skank. And get your hand out from under his jacket before the President gets here."

    She scowled, but took her hand away.

    And just in time too. The door to the meeting room opened and in came a smiling President Shinra, accompanied by a younger man in a Turk uniform who couldn't have been older than sixteen. He too looked quite happy.

    "I see you have a new Turk for me, sir," Heidegger commented, extending a hand to the boy. "I'm Heidegger, your boss."

    The new Turk turned to his boss and professionally shook his hand. "It will be my pleasure to serve under you, sir."

    The President took the opportunity to introduce him to everyone around the table. Reeve put down the reports to really study the teenager. He was fairly tall, with pale, smooth skin. His eyes were so dark they were black. They had a dull shine to them, still innocent, but it was clear the boy had seen more than his share of pain. His hair was black as well, and short, tucked back behind his ears. The uniform he wore was spotless, without a wrinkle and he held it well.

    "--too busy to train him," the President was explaining. Reeve had been too busy studying the boy to notice. "This poses a great problem, as he needs to be able to get into the field as soon as possible."

    "What will his weapon be?" Hojo spoke up.

    "We need a Turk who can use a sword, so he will use one," the President told him.

    The Professor sighed. "Then why not let Sephiroth train him? SOLDIER...Turk...little difference."

    Heidegger laughed, and Reeve winced at the noise. He almost chuckled noting that the boy did too. "Ah, Sephiroth would be a splendid  teacher!" He patted the scientist on the back. "Good thinking, Hojo!"

    The old man frowned. "Yes, well..."

    "Come, Heidegger," the President said warmly, an arm around his friend. "We have much to discuss!"

    "You're to come too, Hojo," Heidegger instructed as he and President exited.

    "Yes," Hojo hissed, not to happily following.

    "So much for that meeting," Scarlet muttered, getting to her feet. "I'm going to go have a cigarette. I'll see you later, all right, lover?" She looked down at Reeve.

    Reeve had been looking at the new Turk, who stood by himself, looking a bit lost. "Huh?" He snapped back to attention, meeting eyes with Scarlet. "Yes, I'll see you later."

    "Good." She smiled, kissed him, and left.

    Reeve stood too, brushed himself off and cautiously approached the younger man who still stood at attention. "Hello," he greeted him warmly, extending his hand. "Welcome to Shinra. I'm Reeve Leander, head of city development."

    "Tseng Tyutyuik," the boy answered, a smile appearing on his once stern face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

    Reeve almost laughed. "No need to call me, sir. No one else does. It's just Reeve."

    "All right, Reeve," he nodded.

    "Where are you from?" asked Reeve, "how did they find you? Not just anyone can become a Turk, you know."

    The teenager cleared his throat. "Actually, I'm from Midgar. They picked me up off the street. I had been living there ever since my family died in a fire fiveyears ago."

    Reeve blinked in shock as his mind absorbed the words. "I'm sorry to hear that." He paused briefly before adding, "I designed Midgar."

    The boy didn't make eye contact with him. "Shinra saved me, and I'm forever in their debt. I will do whatever is asked of me, as long as...." he trailed off, looking back and meeting with Reeve's eyes. "I'm sorry."

    The older man smiled. "It's all right. Sounds like you've been through a lot."

    The young man shrugged. "I lived the best I could."

    Putting a hand on the new Turk's shoulder Reeve said, "would you like to get a cup of coffee and talk a bit?" He winked. "I could tell you a little about what you're about to get into."

    The Turk smiled. "Sure. I would really like that."

    They went off together.

    The two men sat down together, steaming mugs of coffee in hand.

    "You look to be pretty young for a Shinra executive," Tseng commented as he sat himself across from Reeve.

    "I'm 21," replied the other man, taking a sip from his mug. He chuckled, "you took pretty young for a Turk."

    The teenager blushed. "I'm fifteen," he admitted shyly, sipping at his drink. "I have not been treated like I am though."

    Hmm....quite the opposite of me, Reeve mused as he silently took another sip. "Well that is something to be thankful for."

    "I agree," he replied.

    A moment of silence passed.

    "So," Reeve began, breaking the quiet, "you must be apprehensive....after all, you are to be trained by Sephiroth."

    The teenager carefully placed his mug on the desk. "I am.... I don't really know much about him."

    "I met him once," Reeve told him. "And that was a long time ago, when I first came to work here. I hear many stories but..." he smiled, mind wandering back. "He seemed nice enough to me."

    Tseng let out the breath he had been holding. "I'm glad.... I too have heard many stories."

    "What have they told you?" asked Reeve. "About the Turks?"

    He looked up, black eyes suddenly intent now that his new job was mentioned. "They told me I must be loyal, and do whatever is asked of me."

    "It is what the Turks are known for," Reeve assured him, breaking into a smile. "You'll do fine. And if you never need to talk or anything like that, you can always come by my office." He took a sip from his mug. "Consider me your first friend at Shinra."

    The younger man smiled in relief. "Thank you, s--Reeve." He laughed. "Sorry."

    Reeve's eyes sparkled. "No problem."

    And so Tseng became a frequent visitor to Reeve's office. Reeve enjoyed chatting with the young Turk. He was bright, and very mature for someone so young. They found they were able to talk or share anything with one another. Tseng would sometimes talk about his family, but it would always bring tears to his eyes, and the subject was less frequent than it once was. Reeve seldom mentioned his own family. Occasionally he would reminisce  about his mother or his grandmother, but never his father. That was a confidential file.

    He lay in bed with Scarlet one night, still panting from the after shocks of pleasure. Gods, I don't think she ever ceases to surprise me...

    Scarlet said, "what do you think of that new Turk?"

    "Tseng?" he sat up and looked at her. "I like him a lot. He's a good choice. I talk with him often."

    "Do you?" she raised her eyebrows. "How old is he?"

    "Fifteen," he told her.

    Scarlet seemed to frown for a moment, as though she was disappointed. "That's too young..." she muttered to herself.

    "Hm?" Reeve turned. "Did you say something?"

    She smiled at him, running her slender fingers over his chest. "No....." she paused as she extracted several moans from deep within Reeve's throat. "Have you been using the gym, Reeve?" she purred. "You're becoming quite muscular."

    "On and off," he told her, trying to hide the want in his voice. Geez, we just finished and I could go all over again...

    She pulled him towards her. "Do you enjoy being with me Reeve?" Her hands sought out and touched a part of him that made his whole body jerk.

    "Hell yes," he answered, moving towards her. He then cleared his throat, embarrassed at the crass words he had used. "I mean yes. Very much so."

    She smiled seductively as her fingertips continued to stroke that. "It's something you won't forget."

    "Oh yeah!" he celebrated quietly as another "basket" was made. "Score!"

    A knock at the door startled him, and the front of the chair hit the ground with a loud bang. "Aw, shit," he cursed as he banged his foot on the desk. "Come in!!"

    Tseng entered, looking a bit wary. "Reeve?"

    "Oh, hey there," Reeve greeted him, removing his shoe and rubbing his foot. "Come in, Tseng."

    The young Turk did and stood at the desk. "Did you hurt yourself? I heard a bang."

    "Don't even ask," mumbled Reeve.

    "Can we talk?"

    "Yes, of course. Sit down."

    He did, slowly, and then cleared his throat as if he was nervous. "As you know, Sephiroth has been teaching me."

    "Yes, I know," Reeve confirmed as he slid his shoe back on his foot. "Is there a problem?"

    "No, no, no," Tseng said very quickly. "No problem. It's just that....that...." he took a deep breath. "ReevecanIaskyouapersonelquestion?"

    The older man blinked, put off balance at the way the younger man was acting. "A personal question? I don't see why not. We're friends, no?"

    "Well....um...." his avoided Reeve's gaze as he said, "are you sleeping with Scarlet?"

    A knot formed in Reeve's stomach as he replied, "was it that obvious?"

    Still the young man would not look at him. "Sephiroth said I should speak to you about it."

    "Sephiroth?" Reeve frowned and narrowed his eyes. "What does he know?"

    "He....he....he said to ask you if you knew how she got to where she is in the company," stuttered the teenager.

    He paused a moment and thought. Actually, he had never asked or even wondered how Scarlet got her position. "No...as a matter of a fact I don't." He leaned forward, getting closer to Tseng in an effort to make eye contact. "Would you care to enlighten me?"

    Tseng's head turned, and his eyes widened as he realized how close his face was to Reeve's. "Uh...well, Sephiroth said that she got her job by sleeping her way there and she's a whore and you shouldn't trust her. That's what he said and I thought I would tell you cause you're my friend and I don't want you to get hurt," he rushed his words, obviously fearing the other man's response.

    Reeve just smiled, tousled the younger man's hair and said, "I appreciate your concern, Tseng, but that was a long time ago. People change."

    The Turk blinked. "You're not mad?"

    "Why should I be?"

    "I thought you would be mad."

    "Look, Tseng," Reeve said, coming around the desk. He stopped besides Tseng's chair. "I don't want you to be afraid of me. You can tell me about anything."

    Tseng stood, eyes locked with Reeve's. "Really? Anything?"

    "Yes. Anything at all," he confirmed, a smile crossing his lips. "Don't forget that."

    Tseng nodded. "I won't."

    This particular morning he sat stirring his gourmet coffee and smiling to himself. "This is gonna be a good day," he sighed, taking in the smell of vanilla as he took a sip from his mug.

    There was a knock at the door and he placed his mug down, turning forwards. "Come in!"

    Tseng entered, smiling. "Good morning, Reeve."

    "Tseng!" exclaimed Reeve, glad to see the young man. "It's been almost a week! Have a seat! Would you like some coffee?"

    "That's all right," the young Turk declined gently, taking his seat across from Reeve. "Reeve....I want to tell you something."

    Reeve picked up his mug. "Go right ahead."

    "...I...I hope it doesn't scare you."

    "Why would it scare me?" He took a sip of the beverage. "You can tell me anything, remember?" He went to take another sip as Tseng spoke.

    "All right." Tseng took a deep breath. "Reeve, I'm attracted to Sephiroth."

    Reeve spat out what he was drinking and dropped the mug to the ground. It didn't break, but the coffee spilled out and was absorbed into the carpet. He turned his head to the young man in shock.

    "Um....sorry?" Tseng offered weakly, beads of sweat forming on his skin.

    The older man blinked. "Tseng..." he began, and he leaned forward to whisper, "are you gay?"

    Tseng shrugged, looking away. "Yeah....I guess I am if I'm attracted to Sephiroth."

    Reeve was silent for a moment. "Oh." He sat back and thought a moment. "Well that's fine. Sorry if I scared you. I was a little...um...caught off guard." He leaned down to pick his empty mug off the ground. "My designer coffee," he sighed unhappily.

    "You're not....scared of me?"

    "Why would I be? You're not some kind of monster." He chuckled.

    "So...it doesn't bother you that I like men."

    "No," Reeve assured him. Grinning he added, "just don't forget I'm straight."

    Tseng laughed. "No, Reeve. I don't think that I could."

    He was going to call his father.

    He hesitated a good long time, holding the PHS in his shaking hand. Why the hell am I so nervous? He's just my father. I shouldn't feel this way about calling my own father. Suck it up, Reeve. Are you a man or a stupid little kid. Just call him.

    He dialed, hand still shaking. As it rang he seriously considered hanging up and forgetting all about this.

    "Hello?"

    The voice at the other side froze him for a moment. "Uh..."

    "Hello?"

    "Uh, grandma?" he finally spoke, clearing his throat as he finally found his voice.

    "Reeve? Is that you?"

    "Yeah, grandma, it's me," he admitted.

    "Oh, Reeve!" she sounded very happy to speak with him. "How are you doing?"

    He smiled, relaxing as he answered. "I'm just fine, grandma." Licking his lips he posed his question. "Is my father there?"

    He was answered with silence.

    Maybe she didn't hear me, he thought. "Grandma, is my dad--"

    "No." Her warm voice had suddenly turned so cold. "Try another time. Good-bye, Reeve."

    A feeling of emptiness overwhelmed him and his voice failed him. "Good-bye," was whispered, and he hung up, arms suddenly feeling like weights.

    So he won't speak to me at all. That bastard. What did I ever do besides succeed? I don't understand...

    For the first time since he had come to Shinra, Reeve bent his head and wept.

    When Tseng finally returned, the scene of him finally back in his office, put a huge smile on Reeve's face.

    "Tseng! I'm so glad to see you! Have a seat! I want to hear all about your trip!!"

    The young man seemed shy as he took his seat without a word.

    "Well?" Reeve prompted as he seated himself eyes sparkling.  "Did anything interesting happen?"

    The teenager looked up, a coy grin on his lips. "Don't fall off your chair, Reeve."

    "You know me too well."

    "Well, Reeve, I....I....I know you won't be happy with me, and you probably won't even believe me but..." his eyes locked with his friend's. "You can't tell anyone, Reeve. Not a soul. I'm only telling you because I trust you and you're my friend."

    "Not a soul," Reeve echoed, a bit apprehensive of what he was about to hear. "What happened?"

    "I slept with Sephiroth."

    He managed only to blink. Every other muscle had locked up on him. Finally he voiced a reply, low and serious, "you're kidding."

    "No....." Tseng trembled slightly as he spoke. "I....we....um....he found out I found him attractive and we..."

    "Only once?" Reeve couldn't help asking. "Just one night?"

    "Um..."

    "Tseng!" The older exclaimed in surprise. "Do you realize you're fifteen years old, and he's what--he's older than me!"

    "I know," Tseng replied, serious beyond his years. "That is why you must not tell anyone." He paused and as Reeve looked away he began pleading. "Reeve, *please*. I don't expect you to understand. I can't even use words to explain why I need this. I know I'm young. But it doesn't matter." He rose to his feet. "Reeve, please."

    The older man shut his eyes as he answered, "I gave you my word. I will keep it to myself. You are my friend, Tseng. My *best* friend. And I only wish to see you happy." He turned, green eyes opening. "I apologize for my reaction."

    Black eyes blinked back at him. "Understandable." The Turk went to leave, but as he reached the door he turned back, a wide grin on his face. "Oh and Reeve. You're my best friend too."

    He didn't understand his father's sudden coldness ever since he had mentioned even *applying* for the Shinra job. Ever since then, ever since that day, it had seemed as though there were worlds between them, and they were only drifting further apart.

    Most of the time he tried not to think about it. In other areas he was happy. He was happy to be with Scarlet, despite what other said about her. She gave him pleasure and backed all his ideas one hundred percent. The only thing about her that got on his nerves was her habit of smoking. Lately, after the love making was over, she would pull out a pack of the foul smelling cigarettes and light up. She would always offer one to him, claiming it was a great relaxer, but he always turned away. He hated those things. Reeve found that Scarlet was becoming less and less important to him.

    Tseng, however, made up for everything older woman was not. Whenever Reeve needed someone to talk to or to vent to, the young Turk was always there to listen. But try as he might, there was some days where he just wanted to be shut off from everyone and everything. Days when his father wouldn't talk to him and he just felt so isolated he wanted to cry. On those days he couldn't even turn to his best friend. He was too ashamed to go crying too him. After all, he was the older of the two. Wasn't it his job to act mature? Grown men didn't go crying to each other.

    One night, a few months or so after Tseng fell in with the older SOLDIER member, Reeve was half asleep, feet up on his desk, leaning back in his chair, head to the ceiling. The light in his office was out, and only the pale rays of moonlight lit parts of the room. He figured he should probably go *home* and go to sleep, but he was too tired to move. Besides, he wasn't in the mood to inhale any of Scarlet's second hand smoke either.

    Just as he was about to drift off completely, a monotone knock at his office door jerked him awake and he fell forward, off his chair and onto the floor with a loud thump.

    And the prize for the biggest klutz goes to.... Reeve thought warily as he picked himself up off the floor. "Come in." He called, assuming it was Tseng coming to say good night.

    A dark shadow glided into the room, and the sound of heavy footsteps were heard as the door closed softly. Reeve looked up, still on the floor, eyes wide at the figure that had entered.

    Sephiroth came over to the desk and peered down at Reeve. "Hiding from something?"

    Oh, my god, I feel.....like an idiot...Reeve thought as he met Sephiroth's glowing green eyes. "Um....no...uh, sir. I was just....looking for a paper clip that I...uh...dropped." He pulled himself to his feet. "Is there something wrong?"

    "It's Sephiroth." He said simply. "Do not call me, sir, Reeve. We do not even work in the same area."

    "Ah....all right," Reeve agreed, nodding several times. He had to look away from Sephiroth. This was only his second him in his presence and he felt so intimidated by him. There stood the legendary SOLDIER, moonlight spilling over his powerful form. I hope he's not mad at me or anything, Reeve thought, because I don't even have a chance....

    "I know Tseng told you about the two of us. He told you because he trusts you."

    Reeve found the strength to look back into the face of Sephiroth. "I haven't told anyone. Not a soul."

    "I know," he replied. "And I thank you for it. I don't have any doubt in Tseng's choice in friends. Clearly, you are one of the few trustworthy people in this company."

    What does he mean by that? Reeve thought warily.

    "That is why I come to you now," Sephiroth went on, "because I know I can trust you."

    Reeve nodded solemnly, a pit of fear forming in his stomach that told him something was horribly, horribly wrong. "Sephiroth.....did...did something happen to Tseng?" his voice was shaking. "Oh god...tell me I'm wrong..."

    Sephiroth cast his eyes downward. "I'm afraid he was raped."

    Reeve knees gave out, and he would have fell to the ground had Sephiroth not taken him by the arms and held him up. "Raped!? Raped by who?! Who raped him?!" His voice was consumed with anger. "I swear to god, I'll--"

    "There lies the problem." Sephiroth said smoothly. "You cannot tell anyone. It will only result in pain for everyone involved. Do you understand? I would have killed Hojo myself if not for...." the older man cleared his throat and started over. "I walked in on it, you see? And I was all set to end his miserable life." Sephiroth's voice took such a bitter road that Reeve became stiff with fear. "However, that horrible excuse for a person offered evidence that made it impossible to end his life without horrible consequences. I should not even be telling you this, but I must."

    Reeve found his voice. "Why's that?"

    "Because he's been calling your name ever since it happened. He is in bad shape, Reeve." The older man's voice seemed choked for a moment. "I will take you to him, but only if you promise not to breathe a word."

    "Not a word," Reeve promised sternly. "Take me to him, Sephiroth. Please."

    He nodded. "Follow me."

    Reeve kneeled at his friend's side, taking his hand immediately in his own. Tseng was crying, hysterical as he lay on his bed, inconsolable.

    "Reeve...." he groaned. "Reeve..."

    "Tseng..." Reeve said urgently. "Tseng, I'm here. I'm here now. It's all right. Hojo's gone. Sephiroth saved you, and we're both here for you now. We won't let anyone else hurt you. "

    The teenager turned his head, black eyes finally opening. His face was flushed and streaked with tears. "Reeve...." he breathed as if his own eyes betrayed him.

    "Yeah...." Reeve said, choking back his own tears. How could anyone do this to him? Rape and take advantage of him like that? Hojo makes me wanna vomit.... I don't even know what to say to him. "Hey. I came as fast as I could."

    "Reeve!" Going into hysterics again, Tseng lunged and grabbed for Reeve as if he was drowning. He clung tightly at the older man's neck, sobbing into his shoulder.

    Reeve held the young man close, massaging his back in gentle circles. "I'm so sorry, Tseng.... So so sorry."

    "Reeve....."

    Sephiroth kneeled besides Reeve and ran a hand though the young Turk's hair. "Why, Tseng? Why didn't you fight him off? Why did you let him do this to you?"

    "I didn't....I didn't want to lose my job....he said I would...if I didn't let him....and I....I need this job so much..." he clung desperately to Reeve, nails digging into the fabric of his suit jacket.

    Reeve and Sephiroth looked at one another. The silver haired man looked so outraged, his jaw was set in such a way that it looked as though he was about to explode. Reeve was so upset over this whole thing that he didn't know what to do.

    So he broke down in tears as well. "This shouldn't have happened!" Reeve held the young man closer, nuzzling against his neck as he cried. "Stupid *fucking* Hojo should just go die!"

    "Hmmmmm...." Sephiroth agreed quietly.

    "I couldn't lose this job....Reeve....I couldn't....I couldn't....it's all I have....I couldn't let...I couldn't let him..."

    "Ssh...." Reeve soothed him, cupping the back of the teenager's head in his hand. "I understand you, Tseng. I understand too well."

    "The injustice," Sephiroth muttered. His next words were very soft, but Reeve thought he heard him say, "I wish I could kill him....but I'm so weak..."

    Reeve pulled away, trying to slow his tears. "How do you feel, Tseng? Are you all right? Do you need anything? I....I'm sorry I can't stop....crying...."

    "Cry, Reeve," Tseng said, taking his friend's face gently in his cool hands. "Please....don't be ashamed to...I will never think less of you."

    "You...you..." Reeve stammered, unable to believe his ears as the tears trickled down his face. "Tseng, how did you know I was just---"

    "I don't call myself your best friend for nothing."

    They met eyes for a moment, and Reeve couldn't help but feel a strange fulfillment. Tseng understood him more perfectly than he could ever imagine in anyone. "Oh gods, Tseng....I....I....thank you."

    "No..." the young Turk's voice was shaking as he said, "thank you. Thank you for supporting me and for being my friend."

    Reeve looked from Sephiroth and Tseng and backed off, somewhat regretfully letting the young Turk out of his arms.

    "Sephiroth...." Tseng looked at his lover, a sparkle in his eye. "Thank you...thank you for saving me."

    The usually stern SOLDIER looked at the young boy for a moment in his usual upright manner before he crumbled, taking the boy in his arms. "There is never a need to thank me. I care for you very deeply, my little one."

    "Yes....yes...me too..." Tseng breathed, placing a kiss to the other man's cheek. "You are worthy of a shrine...."

    Reeve backed out until he was at the door. "Tseng...I'll see you tomorrow."

    "Thank you, Reeve," Tseng said again, turning his head as Sephiroth sucked gently as his neck. "I owe you one."

    Reeve shook his head, the last of his tears drying on his cheek. "No, my friend. You owe me nothing."

    He slept uneasily that night. He kept having nightmares of someone hurting Tseng. What if Sephiroth hadn't walked in and stopped it? What would Hojo have done when he was threw with him? He shuddered, not wanting to finish his own thoughts. He reported to work later than usual. He found it hard to look at that building knowing that his best friend had gotten raped to keep a job there. Wasn't Shinra really that important? The scary part was yes, to him and to Tseng it was. It was life. Deep in his heart he knew it shouldn't be. That they should love something more.

    He headed down the hallway to his own office, imagining the great cup of coffee he was going to make himself. He need something strong to wake himself up. Scarlet would probably be there as well, waiting for him and wondering why he never came to her last night. And for some reason the thought of her didn't excite him as it usually did.

    "We're running an *organization* here, kid! There's no time for this lazy shit!"

    Reeve stopped dead as he heard Heidegger's roar. It was coming from his office. Never had he heard the other man so vocal.

    "I apologize deeply, sir. I know Shinra is far more important than I am. I assure you it will never happen again."

    Tseng? He showed up for work after that? Reeve furrowed his brow and came closer to the door to hear better, even though Heidegger's voice could probably be heard throughout the building.

    "We do *not* show up an hour late for work!"

    Big fucking deal, Reeve thought. I was a 2 hours late and *I* didn't get raped last night. He frowned, coming closer to the door.

    "I'm sorry, sir. Never again. I swear to you." Tseng apologized.

    He shouldn't have to apologize.

    "We don't tolerate this at Shinra," snapped Heidegger, "and we teach those who go against policy lessons they won't forget!"

    "Sir I--" Tseng's yelp was followed by the unmistakable sound of flesh coming down hard on flesh. The young Turk cried out in pain as another blow was laid upon him.

    Reeve felt the anger boil inside him. What the fuck is going on?! First he gets yelled at for some stupid thing, and now this! I can't let this happen! Without another thought Reeve threw open the door to Heidegger's office to see Tseng accepting another hard slap across the face as Heidegger threw him to the ground. Silent tears were pouring from the young man's black eyes.

    "What the fuck is going on here?!" Reeve snapped, stepping between the two. "Leave him alone! You have no right to lay a hand on him!"

    "Out of my way, Leander!" Heidegger growled, trying to shove Reeve aside. "This is none of your business. It's out of your jurisdiction. Why don't you just get a cup of coffee and let Scarlet feel you up for awhile?"

    Reeve gritted his teeth and snapped, raising a hand to strike Heidegger himself.

    "I can have you fired in an instant!" With those words Heidegger grabbed Reeve's wrist and turned him so that his arm was twisted behind his back.

    Reeve cried out in pain, but it did him no use. "Just leave him alone!"

    "It is not wise to mess with people in a higher position than you. I could have you both fired, and I don't think you want that, do you?"

    "Please, Reeve...." Tseng begged, looking teary eyed as he pleaded.

    "No...." Reeve admitted, gritting his teeth in pain. He couldn't afford be fired. He couldn't be fired. His whole life was within these walls. "No, sir. I'm sorry."

    "You walk out that door and shut it. And I never want to see you in here like this again, you hear?" He tugged harder on Reeve's bruised arm.

    Reeve was in extreme pain, and he felt a tear squeeze from his eye. "Yes, sir. Never again. I'm sorry."

    He was released, and he silently walked out just as he had been told to.

    But he didn't go back to his office. Instead he waited outside, cringing every time he heard the sound of a his friend being hit or crying out in pain. He stood back against the wall besides and door and quietly sobbed. He sobbed because it wasn't fair. Shinra had created a home for them, and they only way they could stay was if they put up with the abuse. Seemed like a big price to pay for what was supposed to be comfort.

    After what seemed like an eternity, Tseng emerged from the office, his uniform ripped and wrinkled, dried blood on his skin and the pathways of tears on his cheek.

    "Tseng..." Reeve faced his friend, not bothering to wipe away his own tears.

    "Thank you, Reeve."

    "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to threaten your job again."

    "It means a lot that you care about me so much, Reeve. More than you can understand." The young Turk managed a shaky smile, as though he had not just went through two traumatic events. There were tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I just can't stop crying."

    Reeve put a hand on the young Turk's shoulder and met his eyes. "Cry all you want, Tseng. Right now there is no reason for you to stop. There is no reason for any of us not to."