"Boy's Don't Cry"
Chapter 1: One Night

It wasn't a particularly busy night, but most customers who visited the little bar seemed to be suffering from the same ailment--Monday night blues. The beginning of the work week for most individuals, and the stress to wear and tear on their spirits. They drowned such sorrows and labor-filled memories in amber bliss or crystal abandon. But it was when the patrons departed the facility that the bartenders' poison was pulled from its confinements.

Perhaps she didn't agonize over the same situations as her regular customers did, but she felt the same wear, the same heartbreak, the same bruising as they dealt with in their day-to-day routines. Perhaps hers was a might bit more complicated, a decade long issue, but who was really counting the mind twisting years?

He was out again. It had to have been weeks, perhaps a month-she'd lost count. This time he hadn't graced her with a parting word, but rather a small note with little explanation to his whereabouts. 'Business calls,' it read, 'I'll be back, not sure when. Give the kids my best.'

The recollection of the print struck a rather bitter chord within the bartender as she fingered the rim of her half devoured bottle of red wine. Her poison. The poison she used to try to forget a certain blonde roommate, yet it never would completely do the trick. Sure, she'd be tainted with the mind altering fluid, a false smile plastered to her face as she would remember a happy time and place that would only exist in a realm of dreams and fantasies always to be unplugged by a reality she couldn't mold into a world she could happily claim.

It was unfair to state that she was completely miserable. She had her bar, Marlene and Denzel, her travel distant but emotionally close friends...it wasn't all dead weeds and rotting bark. There were roses in the backyard, yet it was also impossible to completely overlook the deadwood--

Tifa Lockhart snapped toward the door in a rush, eyes wide and fists tight before her. The sound of a second breath finally caught her divided attention, rousing her away from her fabricated internal reality. A bright, crimson tasseled mullet caught her eye, and in that solid moment what was once unwavering alert and predatory guard glinting in her eyes, instantly shifted to annoyance as her lids narrowed to slits as she lowered her fists carefully to the top of the bar counter she stood behind. She was so lost in her own world, she didn't even hear him take a seat in a stool directly behind her, "You ought to know better than to sneak up on people."

The intruder, seated languidly upon the barstool directly in front of the bartender, grinned broadly as he traced a calloused index finger across his chin. Stubble was present just above the skin, but barely enough to notice in the existing dim light, "And you need to remember to lock the door after closing time. Were you hoping I, your favorite customer, would stop by?"

Appearing mildly perturbed and a tad embarrassed, Tifa pressed her lips together and turned her attention away from the off-duty Turk. It's not like it wasn't the first time she'd left the door unlocked, hoping a certain someone would stroll across the threshold because he had forgotten his keys to the complex. She hoped he just forgot them anyway... "Well, it is past closing time. Will you leave on your own accord or do I have to call the authorities on you for trespassing?"

"Baby, I practically own the authorities!" Reno replied, laughter tinged throughout the rebuttal. He had visited after hours on several occasions, and though usually he'd give warning in the form of a knock at the door even though he knew the door was often unlocked whenever Cloud disappeared for weeks at a time, tonight just seemed like a change of pace was in order. But as always, he was sure to lock the door behind him.

Lockhart shook her head, her fingers pressed to the polished wood, white and tense with the pressure. It was clear she was attempting to retain a temper she didn't usually possess, but tonight happened to be one of those nights where her mood wasn't in tiptop form. It was well past midnight, the trials of the day were wearing on her shoulders, and the taste of sweet crimson escape was awaiting her attention. "Just...go home, Reno."

He looked incredulous at that moment. Perhaps Reno wasn't the brightest fish in the aquarium, but did occasionally pay attention to the finer detail of a person and their moods--after all, he was a Turk and such a skill proved effective in his line of work. "Well looky here," he said with a smirk, not moving an inch despite the prior request, "I've stepped up on the ladder of hospitality. I used to be dubbed as simply 'Turk'. Going soft, busty?"

Instantly a heated glare appeared on her features. It was obviously clear at this point that she was absolutely in no disposition for a good old-fashioned tease by a rotten old enemy. Even after all these years, and despite the help he and his brigade of misfits enlisted with the mishap appearance of the silver-haired trio, he still had a way of bringing her blood to its boiling point during the worst possible times of her existence. Normally beaming with patience, it was just a really, really bad time...

"Reno, just don--"

"Oh Tifa I was only jokin' with ya," the scarlet haired man cut her off in a hurry, realizing he was about to cross some boundaries that she might not forgive so easily this time. It wasn't uncommon to exchange some banter at such late hours with her, but it was clear something was weighing heavily on her mind. Pushing too hard was sure to get him kicked out permanently, and quite painfully at that, "I just wanna relax . Cut a guy a break won't ya? One drink...two drinks..." he paused to catch her eye, attempting some sincerity in his tone and vision, "...and I'll be outta your hair faster than a Chocobo in a gunfight."

The glare within her brown eyes lingered for a moment before it dissolved, replaced by something a bit deeper and even melancholy. She submitted to the request not out of want, but out of the knowledge of knowing he wouldn't vacate the premises quietly without his want being met. Besides, she did feel bad for being so harsh with him. Sometimes, even though she didn't like to admit it in the least, his company was rather...pleasant, in some sick, disturbing fashion.

Pushing from the counter without a word, she gathered a few bottles from her cabinets and set them aside. Taking off one of the recently cleaned mugs from the ivory drying rack, she poured several portions from the retrieved liquor bottles into the glass as if she'd been mixing since birth. She added an extra splash of tequila, one of the drinks' main ingredients for an additional kick--just how he liked it.

She set the bottle in hand away from her grasp--and his--and slid his blue concoction into his open, awaiting hand. She barely heard him speak as she casually scooped her wine and glass in hand and rounded the counter to his side, "One thing about you, Lockhart, I don't even have to drink it to know it's perfect."

Strangely enough, she took in the little compliment with some satisfaction, nodding in acceptance as she poured a glass of her own choice of liquids and took the stool beside him, "Which would have one assume is why I'm the only one you pester an hour after closing."

Reno only mildly acknowledged her playful comment, his eyes trained on the red wine she sipped, bringing the tip of the glass carefully to her lips and taking a savory taste of the refined contents, "...Red wine? You've got some expensive taste, eh?" He smirked a little before finishing his thought aloud, "I only touch the stuff if it's a special occasion or I'm feeling exceptionally contemplative. Don't balk--it happens."

"It's an old bottle..." Tifa replied rather too quickly, passing up the opportunity to toy with him over his confession. It was then she recalled making a point not to drink her guilty pleasure in front of company, especially someone like him. She was content with keeping it her little secret, but for some reason this visitation had set everything off balance. But again, she was being unfair. It had nothing at all to do with Reno... "No one was drinking it."

The Turk didn't buy it. And while in most situations that closely resembled this one he'd refrain from digging further for the truth, tonight just felt different. It felt very different, "What's on your mind?" He ignored the fact that a bottle that no one was drinking, was already half gone.

Perhaps it was because she was taken off guard by the question, or the sudden shift of discomfort in the atmosphere that she snapped so suddenly. "Nothing that's any of your business."

Reno wasn't the type to just let something go once it's been started. He'd keep probing way past dawn until she gave him something tangible, "It's not that Strife guy is it?" The look on her face was priceless. It was a cross between shock, horror, and complete humiliation. But instead of poking at the wound... "You waste your time."

"You wouldn't know anything about that..." She muttered quietly, brushing her fingers tenderly against the wine glass. Did everyone know about her internal struggles with the man, the childhood friend, the love of her life that keeps disappearing? The man who falls further and further away from her fingertips? She waited, and held out hope for this long...why give up now?

The Turk nodded slightly, taking a long swing of his 'walk-me-down', his gaze staying clear of Tifa's glazed-over stare, "Ah, guess not. Love was never my forte." He paused for some dramatic effect, a devious smile coming to claim his face, "But sex on the other hand..."

The bartenders' attention fell away from the counter top and landed upon Reno with such an icy touch he might have shivered had the alcohol not begun to warm him from the inside, "Reno..." She threw up a defensive wall with just that one word.

Unfortunately for her, Reno wasn't so easily deterred. He sensed the cold shift in temperature, the automatic defenses, the alarm system with code in place and a sign which read 'No trespassing'. Since when did anything stop someone like him from at least trying?

He turned to face her, a cocky, yet curious grin taking its place as he regarded her calmly, "How long has it been, Tifa? A year? Two years? Has it ever happened to you? Are you a white priestess sitting atop the monastery waiting for your God of Penetration?"

On the outside she appeared furious as color betrayed her embarrassment as it crept into her cheeks, her hand clenching the wine bottle knowing the wine glass would shatter under the pressure were she to hold it. However, on the inside, she felt like a deer caught in a headlight. She was utterly horrified by the turn of the conversation, and wanted nothing more than for it to stop, "Reno, please! It's none of your business!"

But Reno wasn't about to put the brakes on this--not when it was starting to get pretty damn good. He abandoned his drink as he leaned forward in his knees as his green eyes blazed into her, "How can you sit on it so long? Don't you ever want a release from the pressure? Make those fantasies in your mind become a reality? Well, the ones that don't have to do with a blond dipshit with an oversized sword?"

The look in his eyes said it all. Yet she had to hear it. She had to know what he was insinuating before her reaction would be justified. Hell, she would have exploded with high pitched laughter had what he said not had some inkling of truth to it. Yes, she would love a release, but that's where it became so complicated...

Forcing herself to release the wine bottle, she placed both hands atop her knees and squeezed, "...Are you trying to tell me something?"

There was amusement in his eyes now, and he did chuckle just a touch, but he never moved. He seemed so serious in that swift instant, "I was. But I think I'm better off being blunt." What he had been thinking about for months, every night he waltzed into this bar at such an hour to engage in a tumble of witty banter, to look upon that perfect form of a fighter and a woman. He had always wondered what it would be like with her for just...

"One night. That's all there has to be."

She didn't say yes. But she didn't say no. In fact, she was a little too dumbfounded to do anything. One would think it would have been easy to just brush off such a request. In fact, it wasn't the first time he'd made it. All of those other times...were never like this. He always had a sparkle of mischievousness, a humored glint in his eye as he'd make the pass. She dodged it easily, and the conversation would either continue, or the sloppy drunk Turk that made the request would stumble over the threshold in a roar of laughter or teasing pout of rejection. Tonight was different for two key reasons...

He wasn't drunk, and he wasn't kidding.

"Another word..." Her mind was reeling for something to say, something to turn the direction of the current conversation, but her mind fell blank, and she was left vulnerable to his heated stare. The redness in her cheeks wasn't fading in the least. If anything, the color deepened to the point where it was impossible to miss, even in the slight lack of decent lighting.

"Oh Tifa, is that a blush?" The redhead was taking full advantage, scooting smoothly to the edge of his stool, coming way too close for Tifa's comfort. Then again, he didn't think there was any real comfort left to take, "Say another word and what, I might convince you?" He chuckled softly, taking too much pleasure from her swift change in emotions presented not only on her face, but body language as well. And to think, he nearly attended a poker game instead of this fine piece of entertainment. "That's fine. I don't need words at all to show you how fucking amazing it'll be. Maybe you're right though. One night from me is never enough." He cocked his eyebrows, flashing a look of seductive intimidation. He could have sworn he saw her... squirm.

Tifa Lockhart was beyond uncomfortable. However, it wasn't from his suggestion, but from her brief desire to accept. Over these several months she and the Turk had become a bit more acquainted due to his regular nightly visits. Sometimes he would divulge information of his past deeper than he had with any other living being--at least, that's what he told her. But there was always a truth to his words when the intoxication became clear. How he lived on the streets from the day he turned eleven years old, a dead mother and abusive stepfather back home. A sick, senile grandmother he began to care for once he was accepted into the Turks organization who had died only three years later. She even knew her name. And in turn, she touched upon her past as well, the things that didn't involve Sephiroth and the painful memories that began the grand adventure of her life--he knew all of the rough patches due to Shinra documents. And to her undisguised surprise, he listened intently and even asked questions. When she truly thought about it, they were closer than she cared to admit.

"Don't...I won't be used. I..." Her words were nearly trembling as she forced the words from inside her throat. No, she didn't want to be used--who really did? But there was a demonic temptation that just licked at her senses that she pulled out all the internal stops to keep at bay. There was always another's name in the back of her head...

Reno was beginning to catch an inkling of truth--she was actually beginning to break down. As often as they had exchanged teases, personal jokes, and playful advances, he had never known the martial artist to crash so easily and early in his arrival. "We'll be using each other." His words took on a deadly serious tone, "Just one night. No ties. No binds. I know you want something to fill that void, even if it's momentary. Don't deny yourself that pleasure. I'm here, and I'm willing. No search required." This wasn't playful Reno anymore. There was much more weight in those words than there would have been nights ago. He really wanted this, and was convinced that somewhere within her, she did too. He had watched her sad eyes too often, heard the despondent tone of her voice too much, become too close to this old enemy to let her suffer any longer without presenting her with a way to at least dull the pain. The rest she would have to handle on her own.

Lockhart avoided his gaze completely, locking her eyes to the hands at her knees which clenched so tight she knew there would be a pattern of fingertip bruises around the caps. She knew they weren't playing anymore, and she just couldn't bring herself to give a definite yes or no. Did some part of her want him to attempt to convince her of the possibilities one night with him she could appreciate? Did she really want to forget all about... him?

She sighed. The place in her heart that cradled the memory of her traveling childhood friend simply wouldn't allow a complete release. She knew she'd be plagued by guilt that she didn't deserve to feel. "I couldn't do that to him. I can't..." The words were more to herself than to the company before her, yet those whispered words were heard loud and clear...

The Turk nearly scowled, apparent frustration written all over his pale face. He wasn't even there and he was still the driving wedge between her and some miniscule of happiness! "To him? To someone who isn't yours to feel guilty about? And you...you belong to no one." His tone had almost taken on a tone of hostility, an immediate switch from the former that was pressing, yet still gentle. But as if a light went off above his red mane, his eyes brightened with a revelation, "Wait...it all makes sense now... "

Tifa didn't speak as he continued, this time looking to his eyes, a flash of warning behind the dark irises, "You hope, you pray, you whine and cry yourself to sleep at night thinking he'll notice the personal sacrifice you make to yourself and come to you on hands and knees spilling his spiky-assed guts to you about how much he loves you. You--and not that soggy flower girl at the bottom of--"

It seemed to be the straw that broke the camels' back. A sharp sound of skin-to-skin reverberated throughout the establishment as Reno's head snapped to its' left side. The expression on his reddened face was that of casual surprise, but nowhere near shock. Even he, in the back of his mind, suspected something of that nature was on its way. This time, he really couldn't blame her. He had said those things to hurt her, but also help her to think. In the process, he had stepped over a line he hadn't meant to cross, and stepping back over it might take more precious time he was willing to give. But when he turned back to face his assailant, he didn't expect to find tears.

They had betrayed her, the tears she'd fought with for weeks when he abandoned the family once again on one of his journeys he never did speak about in detail. The wine helped keep them inside, the bar helped her from thinking about his absence, and while the children asked of his whereabouts, it was their youth and innocence that kept her strong.

She was just too tired to be strong anymore.

"...Yes..." she said quietly, refusing to look away from him this time. He had hurt her, insulted her, but he had also called it dead on. Her calm was frightening, her words filled with intensity as she fought to further keep her hands to herself, "Yes, that's what I want. And what the hell kind of fucking right do you have to waltz in here and degrade my fantasy like it's nothing but piss from a tonberry?"

Reno matched her calm, though there was a touch of anxiety as he'd never heard her curse before. Damn did his cheek hurt, but he wasn't about to cradle the crimson skin, which surely matched his hair by now, "I take any right I want to. That's one thing in your puny little idealistic existence you haven't learned." He stood to tower over her, as if to gain back some humility he lost from the prior injury to his cheek and ego, "You give give give, and what the hell do you have to show for it? A little hole in the wall bar for drunks like me, and losers like Strife."

It was obvious as the tears dried that the sadness was replaced by anger, the sheer audacity of this Turk causing the switch. She had a right mind to toss him out by the collar into the slick streets of Midgar where he belonged. She stood as well, to prove she was in no way affected by his height. She stood several inches shorter than his person, but there was no doubt in her mind she could break him before he knew what happened, "Shut up Reno and get the hell out of my bar!"

And before Reno knew what he was saying, he switched gears, "Prove me wrong, you Avalanche crony." He took a step closer, his eyes tearing into her narrowed ones. But as the seconds ticked by, his green eyes softened, a slight smirk showing upon his lips as his fingers grazed her elbows. She flinched, but didn't move, "I didn't come here to fight with you. Hell, I didn't even really come here to fuck you, but it's a primary objective on my mind now, and it's something it seems you can use..."

She was dumbfounded once, and as luck would have it, he managed to accomplish this feat a second time. His rough fingertips sent an entourage of shivers through her veins. He'd never touched her like this. Hell, it'd been longer than she could remember that she'd been touched by anyone like this. It had her mind reeling back to the previous conversation, the one that began this heated battle of words and heartbreak reminder. The close proximity was suddenly enough to suffocate, forcing her to focus on her breath. She would not back down. She told him to get the hell out of her bar, and she was sticking to that. "Reno..." The name came out tender, gentle, barely backed by any sort of warning tinge. Her secret desires, her longing for a warm, masculine touch was treacherous to her better judgment. This moment could very well be her downfall.

He stepped even closer, only a hair of distance separating the two as those fingertips brushed up from her elbows and to her shoulders. He felt the goose bumps beneath his fingers stand against her bare skin. He knew he was getting somewhere. Perhaps her mind was protesting, but her body would eventually betray her. "One night, babe. Tonight, that's it." A small caress to her jaw line as he pushed several strands of dark, silken hair from her cheek, "For one night in your life, I'll make you feel like you've died and taken a dive into the Lifestream..." His other hand mimicked the actions of the first, sending both into a descent down her back. He felt a tremble beneath his palms as he rested them to the small of her back, "I'll set you on fire from the inside out," When he glanced to her eyes and could see no protest, his lips slowly approached her ear, and like a delicate whisper in the October wind, he spoke the words that sealed the offer, "I'll... make... you... scream..."

Any protest that might have come to surface died upon her tongue. Instead, a gasp sounded from her parted mouth as she felt a pair of foreign lips press against the side of her neck. An onslaught of tingling sensations coursed from her toes to fingertips, her insides oozing like molten lava. She already felt as if she were burning, and she needed desperate assistance to put out the rising flames.

The attentions moved from her neck to earlobe as Reno relished in the open door opportunity he was presented. The brunette was doing nothing to halt his advances, so he pushed forward. Teasing and nipping the flesh between his lips, he knew he heard a subdued, but nevertheless urgent moan. God, how long had it been for her? Work had consumed the better part of him, so it had been several months and he was ready to go ballistic. However, he was gentle with her, suspecting it had been for a longer stretch than earlier assumed, and he didn't wish to scare her when he was so close to his endeavor. He'd gotten this far, why blow it with insatiable hormonal desperations?

Before he knew it, she had pulled completely away from the Turk. The disappointment in his eyes was clear with no hint of apology. She looked as if she'd been slapped. An eye for an eye, he supposed. But her next course of action sent him spinning. It was she who completely closed the distance, her arms locking around his neck, reaching upon the tips of her toes to capture his rose-tinted lips. Her kiss wasn't gentle at all, but urgent and needing and even savage. Reno was more than happy to oblige the demand.

She could hardly believe what she was doing, but it took only seconds for her to throw caution to the wind and be swept helplessly by her body's heat. It consumed her like a raging fire, bursting from every pore of her being. She felt her feet abandon the floor beneath, and for a moment she thought she was floating. Upon hearing several glasses shatter, she came to the realization she was being placed upon her bar counter. There was no more care, no more worry, no more anger. Just the need, the desire, the passion that held her prisoner in iron shackles.

The red-haired Turk kneaded his eager hands into her hips, tasting and abusing the lips his mouth tried to consume. She tasted of wine, and a hint of something sweeter. This reality was quickly rivaling his fantasy of the woman. In his fantasy, things were quick, raw, and almost animalistic. Now that reality was giving him the chance to make it come true, he instead felt the need to take his time, to make this one mean something. She had been one not to completely turn her back to him despite everything he and the government he was associated with had done. When so many of her troop admonished the fact of being kind to vermin like himself, she let their words fall to deaf ears. She made him feel welcome.

He left her lips behind, and she couldn't stop the resentment from such an act from being hidden from her expression. It didn't last however, as his found her neck once again. His lips teased the tender, anxious skin as teeth lightly grazed over the minimally abused flesh. Every portion of her body ached for more attention as she felt every coherent thought fall away over some proverbial cliff. The tension was growing, and she wanted to feel more of him, more of the delicate stubble of his chin, more of his delicious, if not nicotine infused kiss, even his gentle yet calloused caress. She felt the perspiration dot upon her forehead, she reached out to his blazer and shoved it from his shoulders, "You're too slow..." she breathed, eyes wild with hunger.

If that one phrase wasn't an invitation, he didn't know what was. Quickly he shrugged from his blazer, the garment falling forgotten. His shirt was next, but it was difficult to get his fingers working as he paid careful attention to Tifa's removal of her own clothing, pulling her tank above her head and tossing it behind her. The shirt draped over the bottle of earlier discarded tequila, and he couldn't help but wonder if she'd remember to rid of it before tomorrows' open. But Reno, in un-Reno fashion, was completely undone with the disappearance of the undergarment that supported her breasts. His hands tore at the remainder of his dress shirt, buttons popping from their tread as he hastily shrugged it off as he crushed Tifa against him in a swing, taking hold of her bruising lips and slammed her back against the wooden table closest by.

Lockhart groaned deep within her throat, much unlike herself. Then again, this entire situation she'd never thought to happen in a lifetime. She returned his kiss with equal urgency, biting as his lower lip, earning a growl of excitement. Lips locked, tongues exploring the warmth that was not their own, both struggled with the removal of the rest of each others' clothing. Desperation was beginning to grip hold of their motor skills, their shaking appendages making a simple task much harder than need be. Reno, the strangely clearer-headed of the two, was able to solve the puzzle his belt buckle presented that his partner was trying to accomplish, and slid his pants clear from his body. He was a bit gentler with her garments, but they were still seen as a distraction, and were cast away in a similar fashion.

Suddenly, the Turk stopped completely and pulled his lips away from the woman beneath him. He gazed seriously at the eyes that were slowly opening. What he saw was unmistakable lust, hunger, and passion. They were exactly what he wanted to see that would allow him to move on with his task. However, she was different, just like tonight. She was different from all of his other conquests. It was the difference that gave him pause, and almost had him walking away himself, "Tifa...are you completely sure about this?"

Perplexed by the question, she simply stared at him for a moment, allowing herself to wrap around the question. After his insistence, his insults, his suggestive manipulation, he now asks if she's sure? Instead of making him feel like a complete ass for it, she merely smiled. It proved to her once and for all there was a heart beneath all of the binge drinking, the chain smoking, and the dirty work of his occupation. He was still human , "No Reno, I'm not. But you were right--I do need this. But above that, I want this. Just one night, remember?" She touched his cheek with the back of her index finger, caressing his jaw line in a descent toward his throat and finally to his chest, "Now try to make me scream."

Her smile set him at ease, and her caress sent the hair the back of neck on end. A devilish grin touched his features as he dove his fingers through the tresses of her long, chocolate locks and held firm. Instinctively, her thighs pressed against either side of his hips as he thrust into her without a warning. A slight wince was heard despite her strong facade, the contours of her face set for the brace. He could tell she was going to put up a fight, and he was ready to meet it head on.

Tifa may have wanted this, but she wasn't about to make it easy for him. She attempted to relax to make the entry easy for both of them, but he was a bit bigger than she originally anticipated which turned out to be a huge mistake. A sound escaped her even as she tried to swallow it, but she had lived her entire life with pain; this would be no real challenge.

He moved in again, his emerald eyes intense with her brown irises, catching a flash of the hunger that still consumed her. It was a thrill to find that look in any woman's eye, but with it being hers made it seem more satisfying than it should have been. The thrill of finally having the upper hand on a former enemy? No, it was much more complicated than that. He'd think about it later. For now, he tugged on Tifa's tresses as his lips circled one of her attentive nipples, heightening her ecstasy as he thrust into her lower orifice in gentle succession.

The pace was maddening, as was trying to keep her moans of pleasure to herself. She matched his pace with her hips, but gave an extra push for emphasis, "Harder, Reno..." she breathed, her nails dragging up and down the length of his back causing the muscles beneath the skin to quiver by the touch.

Unsurprised by the request, he kept with the rhythm, ignoring her completely. He kept attention to her breast, casting gentle bites around the areola, knowing now she was having a fine time controlling herself. He wanted her to beg, to cry for a release. As much as he wanted one of his own, it was much more gratifying to hear a woman beg for mercy while the throes of passion overtake them.

The fight was fruitless. She opened the floodgates to a torrent of moans, followed by pleas Reno was just waiting to hear. She knew he would feel a victory, but denying herself exactly what she sought for was setting her up for a disappointment she didn't want to accept, "Please Reno..." she cried, her nails digging into his shoulder blades as she met with his latest thrust with one of her own.

He hadn't counted on her plea being so intoxicating. He pulled back, only to carry out her request, thrusting with an added grunt, "Ask me again..." he hissed through gritting teeth against her hair, placing an array of kisses to the shell, to her cheeks and finally to her awaiting lips. His own need was rising considerably and he was ready to obey her without any further demand. But hearing her cry out was far too exhilarating to let go.

A whimper came from behind pursed lips followed by the heated, desperate cry of a woman on the brink of sexual insanity. The heat was unbearable, and Reno was taking his sweet time to deliver. Clinging to him savagely, she tore from his lips withholding from a scream as he no longer held back. The table scraped the floorboards beneath as the Turk put all he had behind his thrusts, releasing her hair to gather her upright against his standing form. Her bottom grazed against the wood as he continued his raw motions of passion, feeling the nails ooze blood from his wounded skin but paid no mind to the injury. They were both upon their breaking point, the ecstasy of the moment coming to its climax. And as Tifa released her scream of satisfaction, her partner took the cue to finish his own satiable hunger, allowing his withheld and elongated groan escape from deep within his chest as he reached his end.

Mild exhaustion swept over him as he brought his thrusts to a slow halt, tracing his hands up and down the thighs of the martial artist. A bit of a fantasy, a bit of reality, and it actually surpassed his wildest dreams of the brunette beauty. He took her moment of composure to really take in the sight that was Tifa Lockhart. Their carnal desires took over any opportunity to truly appreciate the physical wonders of his partner. In Reno's case, he couldn't have been more satisfied by the picture before him--her bust was perfect, her stomach smooth and firm, and her thighs strong and toned. One night... that was all he asked for. But now he didn't know if he'd be satisfied with just one…

Tifa leaned back on her palms as she finally brought herself to breathe in a normal pattern rather than near hyperventilation. During that escapade, there was no invasion of Cloud within her thoughts, or anything else for that matter. She hated to admit, but Reno was right. She really did need that after all, "Thanks. That was..." Even after sitting naked before a former enemy, sweaty with disheveled hair... and his member still within her, she still managed a bright crimson blush, "...great."

"I told you sex was my forte." Reno couldn't keep the humor from his tone. Reluctantly, he stepped away from Tifa to retrieve his clothing. He knew this upcoming part would be awkward, as it always was. Leaving as quickly as possible was always the best solution to a difficult problem. No point in drawing the damn thing out any further than need be.

Lockhart watched him for a moment before mimicking his efforts, moving to gather her own garments. She slipped on her shorts upon finding them beneath an upturned chair that must have happened somewhere between the switch from bar counter to table, "One night is all it took." For the moment, it was easy to lie to herself that this was all she needed. The physical pleasures of the evening were wearing off, and were being replaced by something much harder to heal. She felt as if her heart was concaving in on itself, but she refused to let him see anymore of her weakness.

Something happened that Reno didn't expect, something that actually had him dumbfounded. He felt his heart skip a beat. The thought of this ending, it never happening again was something he didn't want to hear, that he didn't want to accept. Somewhere inside himself turned this into something more than just a casual encounter, somewhere along the line sex had opened the door to something more...

He scowled upon the revelation, shrugging on his pants and zipping them up, not bothering with the belt buckle. Sure, she gave him free drinks, welcomed him when everyone else turned him away in his drunken stupors, listened to his stories of the past and kept him company hours after closing time, but she didn't mean anything. Not a God damned thing--

"See you tomorrow?" He turned to see her standing behind the bar counter, her clothing back to her glorious figure as she stood so casual, as if nothing had even occurred. He couldn't help but be unnerved and completely frustrated, but he didn't show it. He said one night, and they'd stick to it.

"Maybe," he replied as he pulled his arms through his ruined shirt. When the hell did he bust off the buttons? "I don't know."

He turned away to grab his blazer, when it would be his peripheral vision to give him a clue--her casual demeanor was a facade. Through the corner of his eye he saw her crack, her face contort into heart wrenching agony as he moved to turn his back. She didn't want him to see it, her pain, and perhaps the damage that a sexual encounter couldn't cure. Despite his earlier desire, he suddenly got cold feet. He wasn't emotionally equipped to handle an issue as deep as this one. He could kill Cloud, but that wouldn't heal her open wounds.

He grabbed his blazer as he slowly turned to face Lockhart, to give her the time needed to collect herself before she looked at him. She still looked on the verge of tears, but at least they weren't cascading down her beautiful, heart-shaped face, "Do you want me to come by tomorrow?"

There was no preparing either of them for her next statement, but as soon as the words left her mouth, it would seem that the roles in each others' life would be changed forever, "I want you to stay the night."

Author's note: Ok...I haven't written anything in forever, and I have a couple projects on hold. Sorry :( This is my FIRST ReTi, totally influenced by Savvy Savie years ago but never finished. So here it is :P Be gentle..