Hello again. I know this is a day earlier than what I said, but I'm busy tomorrow so here you go.
Thanks for the reviews ^^ I know it does sound a bit like a Reno/Elena but when you think about it, If one of your friends has just died what else would you do?
anyway, here is chapter two.
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"Where are they?" and impatient Cloud asked out loud, dropping his head onto the table in exasperation.
(Almost) Everyone was waiting patiently for Elena to bring Reno over for his 'little' surprise.
"Probably just got caught up with something, that's all." Tifa reassured him with a smile, although she was also worried about where the pair had got to. She looked around the room; everyone was happily talking and drinking, waiting for the pair to turn up.
There was a knock - no, more like a bang - on the door, everyone suddenly went silent. Tifa grinned, walking towards the door.
Opening the door an inch and peered around the edge.
Only to see a miserable, soaking wet Elena, alone. Her smile began to falter.
She opened the door enough for her to slip out, closing the door behind her.
"Elena?" she asked, looking worried, "Are you ok? Where's…"
"Not coming." The younger of the two said, sneezing loudly, then sniffing, rubbing her nose.
"What? Why?" Tifa asked, her smile completely disappearing. She sighed, "Come on, let's get you dried off." She opened the door a couple of inches so Elena could slide through, Tifa following, once again closing the door behind her.
Elena stood in the room, arms wrapped around her body, shivering, until Tifa put a gentle hand on her back, guiding the smaller girl towards her room, past all the staring faces.
Once in the room, Tifa threw her a towel and a dry change of clothes, and then disappeared out the room.
Elena stood, staring at the door, silently for a few moments, before undressing, drying herself off and changing into the change of clothes Tifa had given her, listening to Tifa tell everyone outside they would have to wait a little while longer to find out what was going on.
A few minutes later, Elena was dry and sitting on Tifa's bed in her slightly too big skirt and jumper, fighting back tears.
The door opened and Tifa came into the room, sitting down next to the blonde on the bed.
"Now do you reckon you could tell me -?"
"He's dead." Elena cut her off, before she could stop herself, and before she knew what was happening she was sobbing into Tifa's shoulder.
The raven haired girl put both arms around her, gently rubbing her back and whispering soothing words. She rested her chin on top of the blondes head, staring straight ahead, eye's wide in shock. 'He can't be.' she thought. 'No, this can't be happening.'
"There, there Elena" She whispered soothingly. "It'll be alright." Even though she knew it won't be, not for while anyway.
"No. No it won't be" Elena sniffed, lifting her head to look at Tifa, tears streaming down her face. "He's dead" A fresh wave of tears flowed from her eyes and she buried her face back into Tifa's shoulder.
"I know sweetie, I know." Tifa said, closing her eyes as she rocked the smaller girl back and forwards, comforting her gently.
A single tear slid down her cheek.
It wasn't long before Elena's tears gave way to shuddering breaths. Shakily she sat up, wiping her eyes with her sleeve and sniffing.
Tifa took a handkerchief out of her pocket and handed it to the blonde.
Elena dried her face, and then looked up at Tifa.
"Are you OK now?" Tifa asked. Elena gave a small nod.
"Thank You" She said quietly.
"Your welcome" Tifa said, giving a small, sad smile. "Now do you want to tell them or shall I?" She asked.
"I will." Elena said confidently, although she felt quite the opposite of confident. "But I-I may need a bit of m-moral support." She added, stuttering slightly.
"Well then. Let's get this over with" Tifa said, standing up and holding out her hand. Elena took it, letting herself get pulled up, and not letting go even when she was standing.
Opening the door, Tifa led Elena out, Elena still gripping Tifa's hand.
Tifa spoke first, getting everyone's attention. "Hey! Everyone, listen up!" She shouted, shutting everyone up.
Cloud, who was sitting closest, took one look at Elena and instantly knew something was really wrong. Her eyes were red and her face was tear-stained. 'Reno… what mess have you got yourself into this time?' He thought, closing his eyes and sighing deeply.
"Urm…I'm sure you have all realised Reno hasn't turned up." Elena told them. 'Congratulations miss obvious.' Cloud thought, a forced smile playing on his lips.
"There was a last minute mission we had to do. A-and Reno, being one of the best, was the only one who was able to do it at the time." Elena took a deep, shuddering breath, before continuing her explanation. "But it went wrong. The Helicopter was hit, badly." She took another breath. Tifa laid an encouraging hand on her shoulder. "Reno's dead." She blurted out, another sob breaking out as she collapsed to the ground.
A wave of eerie silence washed over the group as the news sunk in. At first the overall feeling in the room was denial. Most were shaking their heads and attempting to deny the fact. But one look at Elena and Tifa, who had also started to sob quietly into the blonde's hair, changed that.
The first to accept seemed to be Cloud. He dropped his head into his hands, eyes closed in respect and sadness. 'Just as we were beginning to get along.'
Yuffie buried her head into Vincent's shoulder, sobbing, her small shoulders shaking. Even Vincent, even though he was reluctant to come in the first place, seemed slightly taken aback and saddened at the news.
Rude was staring blankly into space, dazed and grieved at the news of his partner's death. Tseng had a hand on his shoulder, while hissing furiously into a mobile phone. Despite his angry tone his face seemed distressed and saddened.
Despite how most of the room was filled with former enemies, it was shocking how easily Reno could win anyone over.
Tifa looked up, tears still streaming down her face, at the room around her. Sighing unsteadily, she rested her chin on top of Elena's head.
This is going to be a long week.
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Thanks again for reading this far. School is starting next week so i may not be able to update. I'll do what I can though.
See you all in the next chapter