You slipped on wet stairs at school. No warning signs. One fast fall, a sharp crack and a fractured arm. The nurse called Shinra like protocol said.

Rufus didn't show up immediately. He was in Junon, mid-meeting when the call reached him. He walked out without a word and took the helicopter off the pad.

The helicopter landed on a cleared helipad a few blocks from the school. He didn't go inside. He didn't need to.

Reno showed up instead, smirking as usual, eyes flicking to your arm in the sling. "Look at you," he said, half a laugh under his breath. "Five-star drama for a busted arm. You really know how to clear a schedule."

He leaned in as he guided you out. "Boss was stuck in Junon with the most boring suits alive. You saved him. Honestly? I'm just glad my schedule got cleared too."

He opened the door with a low whistle. "Brace yourself. He's in one of those moods."

Rufus was seated in the back, coat perfect, expression unreadable. Tseng sat up front, checking something on his phone. The air inside the car was cold and not from the AC.

You got in. The doors closed. The car rolled forward.

"You fell at school," Rufus said without looking. "On stairs that weren't properly marked. You fractured your arm."

His tone didn't shift. Just that same dry, quiet authority.

"You're grounded."

Reno glanced back. "Bit much, don't you think?"

Tseng didn't even look up. "Feels excessive."

"You are grounded," Rufus repeated. "Remote classes. No unnecessary outings. Escort detail updated."

You stayed silent. There was no arguing with that voice. He wasn't raising it, he didn't have to.

"You're not reckless. Don't start acting like it."

Reno muttered, "Could've just said you were worried."

Rufus didn't respond. Didn't move. Just kept looking out the window.

That was the end of it. You were grounded. Not because he didn't care but because he did. In the only way he knew how.