(Cloud Strife x Reader x Rufus Shinra) A Bolt from the Blue

Chapter 21 - Carnival

The weekend rolls around and still not knowing where Rufus is planning to take you, you find yourself staring at your closet confused at what to wear. In the end, you decide on a flowy sky blue coloured outfit and a wide brimmed hat in case it was outdoors.

Reno is already waiting outside as you step into the bright sunlight. He is leaning leisurely against the car and straightens up as you step towards him.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" He gives you a cheeky salute with two fingers touching the goggles he sports on his forehead.

"Right back at you. Although, I believe your shirt gets more and more open every day." You tease.

He laughs and makes a point of comically studying his open shirt as you get into the passenger seat and he skips around to the driver's side.

"Gotta give the ladies a little something." He winks as he drives you off towards the Shinra mansion.

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You are in a playful mood as you get out of the car after teasing Reno about the deepness of the 'V' of his open shirt. You start to walk inside from the underground garage but Reno calls you back brightly to say that you will be taking the service elevator up to the helipad. Surprised and confused, you follow Reno into the elevator.

The sun is bright outside and so it takes a few seconds for your eyes to adjust when the elevator door slides open. There is Rufus standing next to the helicopter with Rude and Tseng busying themselves prepping for the flight. Rufus is wearing a light blue checked shirt tucked neatly into a pair of cream coloured chinos with a brown belt. He turns his tall frame towards you and gives you a rare carefree smile. He runs a hand through his fair hair, which under the bright sunlight looks almost silver. He holds an inviting hand out to you as you approach. You greet him somewhat shyly which confuses you as you have no idea what possesses you to retreat from his gaze.

"Hey Boss, the two of you match." Reno calls out, nodding at your outfits which can easily be construed to be a matching couple outfit. You say nothing but flush crimson and hope no one notices under the bright rays of the sun. Rufus gives a small satisfied smirk and helps you step into the helicopter.

"Let me." Rufus almost commands as you begin to strap yourself in. He leans in close and his elegant fingers make light work of the straps and buckles securing you tightly in place. You put on the headset and signal for Rufus to do the same. He places his headset on his head and begins to work on his own harness in the seat next to you.

"So where are we off to?" Your computerised voice feeds through the headset. Rufus smiles coyly while shaking his head and bringing a single finger to his lips.

"Everything is stored and ready sir." Elenor - another member of the Turks - voice comes through the headset. You look around confused as you did not see her on the helipad.

"Good. Team final checks and let's go." Rufus orders in his formal commanding tone. You roll your eyes at his curtness to his employees and quickly add.

"No idea where we are off to but thanks everyone!" You give Rufus a sincere smile which he returns. You cast your gaze out of the window as the helicopter takes off into the summer's day.

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"No, no, no, Rufus, what are we doing here?" Panic rings out through your voice as you realise the helicopter is making preparations to land on the Sector 7 helipad by the train station beneath the Plate.

"Surprise. I thought it would be nice to thank your new friends in person and you get to see them too."

"Rufus! No..."