Hefting the bag over his shoulder Reno continued on the path towards the Seventh Heaven. It wasn't raining anymore at the moment but the dark sky was a sure sign that it wasn't too far off in the future. It made it seem later, or earlier than it actually was seeing as how the sun was barely peeking through at all, and that made Reno feel even more tired. But he quickly shook it off. He wasn't about to have Cloud leaving him behind if he slept in even a minute later. Because he knew that Cloud seriously would leave if he really was late at all.
Stepping up to the door of the bar Reno lifted his hand and knocked loudly. He wasn't sure if anyone else was up yet aside from Cloud and he wanted to make sure to be able to get his attention if he was upstairs or something. But no sooner than he had finished knocking did he hear footsteps approaching. They paused momentarily and Reno saw the curtain near the window be pushed aside as dark brown eyes gazed out at him before the curtain fell back into place. The lock on the door clicked before the door was pulled open, revealing Tifa in a dark blue robe. Her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail and she was holding a steaming mug of something. Reno guessed it was coffee from the smell and he wanted nothing more than to have a cup himself.
"Reno?" Tifa asked while looking the man over curiously, "what are you doing here now?"
"Looking for the delivery boy," Reno replied with a smirk, "is he ready?"
"Um," Tifa began while glancing behind her into the quiet place, "he's upstairs getting ready to head out in a few. But you..." she trailed off with a questioning gaze.
"I'm going with him," Reno supplied casually while strolling inside the bar and setting down his bag on the floor. "Fuck that coffee smells good yo," he continued while making his way towards the bar counter, "mind if I grab a cup?"
"I'll get it," Tifa quickly responded before Reno went any further. He shot her a smile before hopping up on one of the bar stools as she went behind the counter and towards the coffee pot. She poured him a cup before setting cream and sugar in front of him and he quickly started to fix the drink to his liking.
"And just why are you going with Cloud?" Tifa asked suspiciously while setting down her mug.
"Why not go?" Reno countered back before raising the cup to his lips and taking a most needed sip. He let out a satisfied sigh at the first taste of the caffeine on his tongue. That was what he needed to wake him up and start him on his way.
Tifa frowned at Reno's response but before she could say or ask anything else the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs caught her attention. She turned her gaze towards the staircase just as Cloud reached the bottom, crossing over towards the counter.
Spinning in his seat Reno gave a grin. "Well good morning!"
Cloud gave a bit of a hmph before going behind the counter. "So you're not late. I got to admit I was thinking you would be."
Glancing at his watch Reno tsked. "Still ten minutes before head out time. Why so little faith in me Strife?"
Pouring himself a cup of coffee Cloud shot the redhead a look in which Reno just continued to keep his grin in tact. His eyes traveled over Cloud's form as he watched Cloud set about making his coffee. He noted that those spikey blond locks seemed a bit darker and a little droopier, still wet from the shower Cloud must've just taken. He was dressed in his usual attire, in which Reno always questioned to himself but never out loud, why Cloud still wore the sleeve that covered his one arm. The stigma was long since gone but for some reason Cloud still donned it. The goggles that he always wore whenever he rode Fenrir were already sitting atop of his head and Reno's grin widened. He'd never admit it out loud but he loved it when he saw Cloud wearing those. Talk about adding to his sex appeal.
"Cloud," Tifa began while giving her friend an odd look, "Reno's going with you this time?"
"Yeah," Cloud simply replied while taking a sip of his coffee.
"Oh," she said while shifting her gaze back to Reno momentarily, "and you're okay with that?"
Giving a nod Cloud finally met her gaze, "it's fine. He's suspended so he has the time off."
"Hey!" Reno chimed in while sitting up more straight in his seat, "don't have to go 'round telling everybody that yo."
"Suspended?" Tifa asked as her eyes widened slightly. Just what had Reno done to get him in trouble? She couldn't help but to feel nervous about this. True she didn't hold the same animosity towards Reno as in the past, but still she wasn't sure that she could entirely trust him. And even though for some reason Cloud seemed to be able to put up with Reno for the most part, she didn't know if it was a good idea for Reno to tag along on one of Cloud's deliveries. What if Reno tried something? Not to say that Cloud couldn't take care of himself, but she didn't want anything else happening to her friend. He had enough stress and worries on his mind as it was and she had to admit that she was protective of him in that regard.
Before either of them could respond to Tifa's question a loud shriek sounded before Marlene was hopping down the stairs.
"Cloud!" She exclaimed while running over towards the counter.
"Hey not so loud, Denzel's still sleeping," Cloud explained to the beaming girl.
"No i'm not," a sleepy voice drifted into the air as Denzel walked down the steps rubbing at his eyes tiredly.
"We wanted to both say bye to you before you left!" Marlene chimed while running around to behind the counter where Cloud and Tifa stood. She wrapped her small arms around Cloud's waist while he gently patted her on the head.
"How long will you be gone this time?" Denzel asked from his spot near the staircase. He didn't move any closer to where the rest of the others were and simply rested against the wall.
"It shouldn't be too long," Cloud replied before Marlene was looking up at him.
"Will you bring me back something?" She asked, full of smiles and bright eyes.
"Marlene," Tifa said with a shake of her head.
"We'll see. Promise to be good and listen to Tifa?" Cloud asked while looking down to the small girl.
"Uh huh!" She nodded enthusiastically.
Reno cleared his throat after finishing off his coffee, glancing sidelong at nothing in particular. This had all become way too domestic for his liking.
"Ready?" Cloud asked him after prying Marlene off of him.
"As ever," Reno replied while hopping off the barstool and crossing the room to retrieve his discarded bag. He caught that boy...Denzel, looking at him and he raised an eyebrow at him causing him to look away. He really didn't know too much about that kid, he was much quieter than the energetic Marlene. However he did know that he was pretty attached to Cloud, so he was probably pretty bummed out with having to be left alone with two girls for so long. Reno couldn't say he blamed him.
"See you soon," Denzel said as Cloud neared the door behind Reno.
Nodding Cloud checked his pocket before continuing. "I have my phone, so call if you need anything."
Upon hearing those words Denzel seemed to brighten, though it appeared he was trying to keep it in check. But Reno clearly noticed the slump in his shoulders even out and the frown on his face almost became a smile as he nodded quickly.
"Fuck, now it wants to rain," The Turk grumbled just as he had stepped foot out of the bar and into the sprinkling outdoors.
"Cloud call tonight so I know where you are," Tifa said while stopping at the doorway with Marlene right by her side.
"Yeah," Cloud simply said as he lowered his goggles before rounding the corner of the bar to retrieve Fenrir. Reno stood off to the side and waited for Cloud to bring the bike around, all the while frowning on how Tifa kept such a watchful eye on him. Once Cloud had pulled up Reno made his way over, hopping onto the back of the bike.
"Bye Cloud!" Marlene shouted from the doorway as Tifa kept an arm around her.
Cloud gave a quick wave and Reno chuckled from his place behind him.
"Cloud Strife, regular family man eh? Who would've guessed it" Reno teased while shifting on the seat.
"Shut up," Cloud spoke while casting a glance over his shoulder, "you have everything right because I'm not coming back once we've left."
"Yeah I'm good," Reno replied with a nod while scooting closer and wrapping his arms around Cloud's waist tightly. "Hmm, I could get used to this."
An elbow in his side was his response and he let out a small cry from the unexpected hit.
"What the hell!" Reno started as Cloud revved the bike.
"I told you Reno, don't annoy me," Cloud said warningly.
Reno was about to tell him something along the lines of "get the stick out of your ass." But he closed his mouth when his gaze shifted back over to the entrance of Seventh Heaven where Tifa and Marlene were still standing, waiting for he and Cloud to depart. Okay, Reno got it. No funny stuff in front of the kid and the mother hen.
In a moment they had pulled out from the bar and were speeding down the streets as Cloud expertly weaved his way in and out of traffic. Reno reached up for his own goggles and pulled them down once the air started to whip him in the face. That paired with the rain was almost impossible to deal with without some sort of shades.
They eventually made it out of the city, riding down more rural areas and hitting the outskirts. It felt like it had been hours, and the once light sprinkling had long since changed to heavy rain and Reno found himself sniffling. He was cold now and he was hungry and he was wondering just when Cloud was going to suggest that they take a break. But after about another thirty minutes and Cloud still not making any attempts to stop Reno spoke up.
"Hey!" Reno shouted over the rushing wind, "don't you think we should take a break yo!"
"What!" Cloud asked, shouting back over the noise.
"A break!" Reno shouted again while leaning closer to Cloud's ear.
Slowing down to a stop Cloud pulled his cell phone from out of his pocket. "It hasn't been that long to take a break."
"Like hell it hasn't!" Reno argued, "Come on let's just stop and get something to eat. Go sit inside a dry and warm diner or something."
Letting out a sigh Cloud put his cell away. "Not yet."
What? Was Cloud crazy? Just how much farther was he trying to go? Reno didn't mind travel, honestly he didn't. He did it all the time...but he had to admit he preferred when he was piloting a copter. At least that way he could be warm and dry. But this rain...it was getting to him.
"Well fucking when?" He asked in a bit of an annoyed tone.
"Reno," Cloud started while glancing over his shoulder at the other. "It's a bit early for you to start whining. I have a schedule that I need to stick to."
Whining? Reno scoffed at that. "I'm not whining yo, I'm just saying," Reno continued while glancing around at their surroundings, looking for any upcoming exits that they could take to stop somewhere. "And I'm sure stopping at a diner for a few isn't going to knock you that far behind schedule."
"Aren't you a Turk?" Cloud started while twisting back around, "you should be able to deal with this. A little rain never hurt anyone."
Reno glared at the back of that blond head. Yeah a little rain never hurt anyone...but a lot of rain, for hours in the cold, that could start someone on hypothermia. Then what would Cloud say? It would seem as if his little rain did hurt.
"What the fuck ever," Reno grumbled while tightening his hold on Cloud's waist again, figuring he was about to speed off in a second. "I'm not all hopped up on Mako like you." He couldn't help but to slip that in, and he was instantly bracing himself for Cloud's attack. Hopefully he wouldn't knock him off his bike or something.
But Cloud didn't do that, in fact he didn't do anything. He just remained silent and kept facing forward. The low hum of the engine and the rain and wind were the only sounds next to Reno's occasional sniffling.
"Hey," Reno started while leaning in closer next to Cloud, "are you zoning out on me?"
"No," Cloud finally replied while turning to look over his shoulder briefly. "Shut up and sit back."
Frowning Reno sat back a bit, all the while keeping his arms securely hooked around Cloud's waist. They were once again taking off shortly after that, but rather than staying on the same path that they were on they veered off to the side and took the next exit that came up. Reno glanced around as they entered a small town and the bright signs of restaurants and hotels caught his attention. They were pulling up into the parking lot of a restaurant soon after before Cloud killed the engine.
"Get off," Cloud suddenly said. Reno was a little hesitant at first but he complied and got off the back of the bike. For a moment he was wondering if Cloud was just going to dump him off here and speed away, never looking back even once. But then Cloud was dismounting the bike as well before walking towards the entrance of the restaurant. Reno blinked briefly before he was following after Cloud. They entered the dimly lit, tiny restaurant that only had a few patrons inside before taking a seat at a small table off to the side.
"See?" Reno started, breaking the silence that had come over them as he let a smirk appear on his face, "this isn't so bad is it? We can take a minute to get warm and eat something and then we're off again."
"Whatever," Cloud mumbled while pulling off his goggles. His blue eyes appeared brighter to Reno at the moment. Maybe it was because they had been hidden behind the dark goggles for so long, or maybe it was because of the lighting in the dim restaurant that made them stand out so much. Whatever it was though it made Reno stare longer than he usually would've.
"Hello," a young woman with short black hair greeted as she approached their table. "Are you ready to order?"
Glancing down to the menu before him Reno flipped it open quickly and scanned through it.
"I'll just have the turkey club and fries," Cloud said while shutting his menu.
"And to drink?" The woman asked.
"Pink Lemonade."
Reno rose an eyebrow at that. "Pink Lemonade?"
Shifting his gaze toward the Turk Cloud narrowed his eyes. "Would you just hurry up and order? You're the one saying how damn hungry you are."
"Alright alright," Reno said before letting out a sigh, "I'll have the Bacon cheeseburger...no onions, and a side of fries."
"Drink?" The woman asked once more.
"Vodka tonic."
Scribbling down the last of the orders the woman took their menu's saying that their food would be ready shortly before walking away.
"You're not going to get drunk and fall off the back of my bike are you?" Cloud asked with a bit of an amused look on his face.
"Relax," Reno began with a slight roll of his eyes, "it's just the one."
"For now," Cloud mumbled while pulling out his cell and looking through it.
"Should I have gotten a pink lemonade?" Reno asked with a grin while leaning on the table with his elbows.
"Just because I stay at Seventh Heaven you think I drink alcohol all the time?" Cloud asked while still keeping his eyes on the screen of his cell.
"No," Reno replied with a shake of his head. "Just still...pink lemonade. It's very...pink."
"Watch it," Cloud warned while lifting his gaze briefly. Just long enough to give the Turk a glare before his eyes were back on his phone.
Reno couldn't help but to find that interesting. Although he had never really been out to eat with Cloud though to see what kind of food he liked, drinks, that sort of thing. He guessed it was a bit odd considering that they...well, they weren't dating but...well whatever it was they had, they had never gone out to eat. No lunch or dinners or anything like that. They had drinks at the bar when Reno would go to Seventh Heaven. Or if Cloud was at his place in the evening and they were hungry, they would just order out and drink whatever was in the fridge. Which was usually beer. It may have seemed like a really small trivial thing, but it was sort of a closer look into Cloud...and as stupid as it probably was Reno was glad whenever he got to see just a bit more into the quiet blond.
"Don't tell me Tifa's calling you already," Reno said while glancing at the cell in Cloud's hands. "Talk about a short leash yo."
"It's not Tifa," Cloud mumbled before snapping his phone closed and tucking it back into his pocket. "Don't be so nosy."
"Nosy?" Reno asked while leaning back in his seat.
"Did you tell Rude you were leaving?" Cloud asked, turning the conversation away from becoming about him.
Reno decided to let Cloud's remark go and he shook his head. "No, I didn't get the chance to. I'll call him later. Besides he's at work right now anyways."
The waitress came back shortly thereafter and placed their orders down before them. Reno gave her a wide smile which caused her to blush and then she was quickly scampering off once more. Cloud shook his head before starting in on his meal. Reno was a shameless flirt, he always had been since Cloud had known him and he guessed he didn't foresee that ever changing. Even if he wasn't necessarily interested in them he still would throw a charming smile their way or even a wink.
It didn't take long for Reno to finish off his meal, it felt like he hadn't eaten in ages and so he had practically inhaled the food. Cloud on the other hand still had part of his sandwich left and a good portion of fries.
"Are you full?" Reno asked while already out-reaching his hand across the table to grab a few fries from the other. However Cloud quickly batted away the Turk's hand before shooting him a glare.
"Don't pick off my plate," Cloud said while moving his plate closer to himself.
"Come on I just want a few," Reno started while frowning slightly, "you still have a lot."
"Get your own," Cloud replied while placing a fry in his mouth.
"Didn't your parents ever teach you to share?" Reno asked with a shake of his head before pulling out his wallet.
"Didn't your parents teach you proper table manners?" Cloud shot back while dipping another fry into some ketchup.
Picking up the bill once the waitress had placed it on the table Reno began to fish some gil out of his wallet.
"How much?" Cloud asked while finishing the last of his fries.
"Don't worry I got it," Reno said while placing the gil on the table along with a tip.
"No, I'll pay for my own," Cloud corrected while pulling out some gil and placing it on the table.
"Strife it's not that much. I got it," Reno insisted while pushing Cloud's gil back towards him.
"Reno," Cloud started while placing it back in the middle of the table, "I don't need you to pay for me," he finished before standing up.
For Shiva's sake, why did Cloud have to be so damn stubborn? Did he feel like the chick or something if he let Reno pick up the ticket? Reno was only trying to be nice. He thought it was the least he could do since he was the one who wanted to stop and take a break. Not only that but…well he just wanted to. But Cloud couldn't even let him have that much could he?
"Fine," Reno began, his ego more than a little bruised as he stood up as well. "I guess the waitress is going to be getting one hell of a tip then with all that extra gil."
"So it seems," Cloud said casually as he started to head for the exit. Reno gave a bit of a growl at Cloud's nonchalant attitude but didn't say a word as he followed behind him.
"Thanks for coming!" Their waitress said before they made it to the door. "Oh," she continued while pointing out the window, "is that your bike out there?"
Reno lifted an eyebrow before jabbing his thumb in Cloud's direction. "It's blondie's," he said just as Cloud had reached the door. Stopping Cloud turned to look back at Reno, clearly not amused by the name that the Turk had just used.
"Yeah I thought so," the girl began, "I've never seen it around here before and a bike like that I'd definitely remember," she explained with a bit of a laugh. "You're from out of town right?"
Cloud gave a brief nod as he shifted his gaze back over to the girl, wondering just what it was exactly she was getting at. Was she just trying to make small talk? That was one thing he hated when he traveled was random people trying to talk to him. He was never one to just start up a conversation with someone he didn't know.
"I figured you would want to know before you head out," she started while pointing at the TV screen that was mounted in the corner of the diner. "They just closed the ramp due to the heavy rains. It looks as if we'll be flooded in to say the least. They just announced it."
"What?" Cloud asked while taking a step closer and letting his eyes travel towards the TV.
"There's only one ramp here?" Reno asked with a bit of a disbelieving look on his face.
"Well yeah," the girl replied while looking back to the news on the screen. "Most small towns around here do. I take it you must be from the city."
Letting green eyes travel back over to the window Reno noticed that the rain did seem to have become heavier. And since they had been here he hadn't heard it let up at all so he supposed it was likely for the streets to flood quickly.
"Oh but we have a few inns here, so vacancies won't be a problem," the girl further explained with a smile.
Sighing Cloud dropped his gaze from the TV. "Thank you," he said to the girl before turning to leave the restaurant. Giving a nod to the girl Reno followed after Cloud who was already hopping onto Fenrir.
"I guess this rain is worse than you thought," Reno started while approaching the bike.
"I knew it was going to be bad," Cloud said while narrowing his eyes at Reno, "that's why I only wanted to stop when I had gotten further. If we didn't stop at this tiny, isolated town we wouldn't have to worry about getting flooded in anywhere."
"If not here it would've been somewhere else," Reno stated before climbing onto the back of the bike.
Cloud barely waited for Reno's arms to encircle his waist before he was reversing and pulling out of the parking lot. Most of the buildings were all pretty close together so they didn't have to drive very far before they came upon the small inn.
Once they entered it didn't take them long at all to check in seeing as how the place was very quiet and there was probably only a few other guests aside from them there. They got their room key and went to the second floor where their room was located before entering inside. It was a small, dark room. Furnished with dark brown furniture and off white walls. There was only one window that was covered by burgundy curtains, that matched the burgundy comforter that was placed over the small twin bed that was off to the side of the room.
"Seriously?" Reno said to himself while taking in the surroundings. Crossing the small distance to the bed Cloud set his bag down upon it before removing his wet boots.
"Oh well, we're only going to be here until first thing in the morning," Cloud explained.
True enough, Reno thought to himself before setting his bag down near the door. A shiver went through him and he instantly looked around the room trying to locate the heating device that he was sure was mounted on a wall somewhere. Once he located it he cranked it up before removing his wet jacket and letting it carelessly fall to the ground.
"I'm going to take a shower," he said with a sniffle before turning his eyes back towards Cloud. "Not unless you wanted to first."
"I'm fine," Cloud replied while glancing at Reno briefly. He noticed that he looked a bit more pale than usual and his nose was a little red. Not hesitating for a moment longer Reno disappeared into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Cloud frowned, he hated being knocked off schedule so early into his delivery. If he were on his own this wouldn't have happened, he would've still been on the road if not checking into an inn that wasn't as ancient as this one. He wouldn't have to worry about someone else…not that he was worried about Reno but he found himself feeling a little bad for him. Reno wasn't used to being out on the road like Cloud was, and the Turk was right when he said earlier that "he wasn't all hopped up on Mako." Cloud honestly forgot at times that while his body could take on more, that the average person couldn't. It took a lot for the climate to get to him and he had to remember that that didn't go for everyone. And he had told Reno that he could come along, so he supposed he had to try to accommodate him in a way.
He couldn't help but to start to wonder why he had let Reno come along with him in the first place anyways. A part of him was saying it was just because he didn't want to hear Reno go on and on about it and he only told him he could come to shut him up. But still…if he really didn't want him to come at all the only thing he would have had to do was give Reno a look and he probably would've backed down and not pressed more. So what was the reason? Did he really want him to be there with him? Did he want his company? Or was it that he would miss him while he was away?
Shaking his head Cloud quickly dismissed those thoughts. Maybe he was more tired than he thought. Changing into some more comfortable clothes to sleep in he discarded his bag on the ground before pulling himself up on the small bed. It may have been tiny but it was actually pretty comfortable and that was all that he really cared about.
"That's much better," Reno said upon exiting the bathroom. A towel was wrapped around his waist and he was running his hands through his hair that had been freed from it's usual ponytail. "Hey," he continued once he caught glimpse of Cloud sitting on the bed with what looked like some type of map spread out before him. "Is that going to be able to fit both of us?"
Looking up Cloud blinked a few times before shaking his head. "Not at all. So…" he trailed off while pointing across the room to the brown couch that was pressed against the wall.
"No way," Reno started with a laugh, "I'm not sleeping on that."
"There's always the floor," Cloud offered while dropping his gaze back down to the map.
That little…
"Well then why don't ya sleep on it yo?" Reno suggested while pulling a comb from his bag.
"Because I'm not the one that insisted we stop here," Cloud said while lifting his gaze once more and giving Reno a look that dared him to argue with what he just said.
Shit, Reno thought before plopping down on the couch. Just from sitting down on it it already proved to be uncomfortable. How in the hell was he supposed to sleep on it? Pulling the comb through his hair a few times he let out a hiss as it got caught on a few tangles. Damn it, he hated when his hair had tangles. He didn't have the patience for it and more times than not he ended up pulling out chunks of hair rather than working them out. And from riding on Fenrir all day the rain and wind had done a number on his hair, causing more tangles than he knew what to do with.
He let out another hiss as he worked the comb through his hair, pulling out some strands of crimson that looked even darker from the water.
"You're going to pull out your hair," Cloud said quietly.
Looking back over to Cloud Reno shrugged. He wasn't even aware that Cloud had been watching him at all. "I'm not good with tangles," he said with a brief laugh while running the comb through his hair again and wincing.
Shaking his head Cloud pushed aside the map. "Come here," he said while shifting from his position to rest on his knees.
Reno gave him a wary look and Cloud just motioned for him to come over. Standing Reno crossed the room to the small bed before Cloud was pulling the comb out of his hand and pulling him down to sit with his back facing him. He ran his hand through the fiery red hair once before bringing up the comb with his other and running it gently through the locks. When it came to a snag he grabbed the hair just above the comb, holding it in place while making small raking motions with the comb to work through the knot. After a few strokes the knot gave way and Cloud moved on to the next part.
"Talk about a Jack of all trades," Reno teased with a grin.
"It's either this or watch you make yourself bald," Cloud explained while running his hand through Reno's hair again before using the comb. "Ever think about just cutting it?"
"Cut?" Reno asked in an appalled manner. "Like hell. My hair is my pride and joy ya know?"
Cloud just replied with a bit of a hmm as he continued on with his task. Reno couldn't wipe the smile off of his face at the moment even if he wanted to. Cloud had never done anything even remotely intimate and affectionate as this before. Yeah maybe it really wasn't intimate or even affectionate…but to Reno it was. He wondered if Cloud realized at all.
"Where'd you learn how to do this so well?" Reno asked while craning his neck slightly.
"It's not rocket science Reno," Cloud began with a bit of an amused look on his face. "It's just combing hair."
"Well it's difficult enough for me," Reno replied with a shrug, "I'm glad you're good at it though. Doesn't hurt at all."
Falling silent for the moment Cloud continued to pull the comb through Reno's wet hair that was beginning to dry a little, causing his hair to look different shades of red. He pulled the comb through all the way to the very ends of Reno's hair, letting it fan out across his back when Cloud let go of the locks.
"Your hair's so much longer …" Cloud said almost to himself while setting down the comb and running his hand through it slowly.
"Hmm?" Reno asked while turning his head a little, "has it gotten longer?"
"No," Cloud said quickly with a shake of his head. "I…nothing," he sputtered before shifting once more to sit back down on the bed. "There, you're done," he continued while swiping his hand through it once more.
Running his fingers through his hair effortlessly Reno turned around and gave Cloud a smirk. "Thanks," he spoke while leaning in a bit. He was already close to Cloud from their previous position, making it all that much more tempting.
"You're going to catch a cold if you don't change out of that," Cloud explained as his eyes traveled to the small white towel wrapped around Reno's waist.
Dismissing Cloud's comment Reno leaned in the rest of the way and pressed his lips against Cloud's. It took a moment before Cloud leaned into it, putting more pressure before taking Reno's bottom lip into his mouth.
That was what Reno wanted. After being pressed up against Cloud all day while riding Fenrir, he was definitely craving him now and he wanted nothing more than to sate his desire.
Pushing Cloud back against the bed Reno deepened their kiss, his tongue slipping inside that hot cavern and exploring every little bit. He felt Cloud's hands run up his sides, causing a pleasant shiver to course up his spine. He moved his hand downward between them as Cloud shifted a little to bring his leg up. It was that small movement that caused the bed frame to sway and Reno grabbed the side of the mattress for support.
"What the hell?" He started while pulling away from the kiss.
Cloud moved underneath him again and the bed did the same thing, this time seeming to last longer.
"Get up," Cloud said while pushing at Reno. After getting off of the bed Cloud sat up and looked at the headboard that seemed to be stable at the moment.
"What happened?" Reno asked while inspecting the bed a bit more closely.
"It can't withstand both of our weight," Cloud explained while reaching over to the map that he had set aside earlier.
What! That was that? The stupid bed in the room was a little old and for that reason Cloud was just going to brush him off?
"It'll be fine," Reno said while beginning to climb back on.
"Reno," Cloud warned while pushing at Reno's chest with his hand. "It's not going to happen."
Son of a bitch. The discussion was apparently closed if Cloud's glare was anything to go by. That and he had already started to go over the map, checking out different routes and such as he marked them with a pen that he had just picked up.
Reno could've screamed. Not just because he was so flat out rejected, but because Cloud, as usual, seemed to be completely calm and unaffected by it. Why was it that Reno was the only one craving some contact? Sure he could keep his hormones in check, he wasn't some worked up teenager, but still.
"Well if that's how it is," Reno mumbled while grumpily making his way back across the room to dig around in his bag. He pulled out his pajamas, tossing the towel to the floor carelessly before shrugging on the garments. Once he was dressed he flopped down onto the couch and stretched out. It was extremely uncomfortable and he shifted around a few times trying to find a comfortable spot before deciding to just give up altogether. Maybe the floor was the better option after all. Glancing towards the bed he saw Cloud with his focus still on the map, not paying any attention at all to him.
Idiot, Reno thought before pulling out his cell phone and quickly composed a text message to send to Rude. He figured at this time his partner was probably getting ready to head home for the day, which meant that he would probably be calling Reno up to see if he wanted to go out for a round of drinks.
I'm going to be out of town for a while. Figured I'd make the most out of my suspension. Try not to miss me too much!
With that sent Reno let his phone drop to the floor before reaching over and grabbing hold of the remote that was placed on the small end table. He clicked the television on and began to flip through the channels before stopping on some sort of action flick. It wasn't that it was a bad movie, though it wasn't too great either. But he felt himself starting to doze off, regardless of the hard lumpy couch that he was lying on.
A small buzzing sound caused Cloud to finally look over to the couch sometime later. He had heard Reno moving around earlier and letting out sounds of frustration, but he didn't pay him any attention and figured he was just pouting to say the least.
His eyes took in the form of Reno lying on the couch, his legs dangling off the end and his face half hidden in the pillow. His eyes were closed and his hair was strewn this way and that. When he had actually fallen asleep Cloud wasn't sure, but he couldn't help but to let a smirk spread across his face. The Turk was too tall for the tiny couch, and the sight of it was pretty comical.
Getting up from the bed Cloud crossed the room to the couch to locate the buzzing noise. It was Reno's cell phone vibrating on the carpeted floor. Picking it up Cloud placed it on the end table before picking up the remote that was set on the couch next to Reno. He pointed it at the TV screen and turned it off before setting that down also. He was just about to switch off the lights before his eyes fell onto Reno once more.
'He'll be cold.'
There was only the comforter on the twin sized bed, but other than that there was no extra blankets.
Letting out a small sigh Cloud reached out and gently shook Reno's shoulder.
"Mm?" Was the sleepy response that he got.
"Reno, get up," Cloud said while moving back over to the bed.
"Why?" Reno asked without opening his eyes and shifting slightly.
"You have to sleep here, there's no extra blankets," Cloud explained while pulling back the covers.
Finally opening his eyes partially, Reno sat up a bit before wincing at the stiffness in his neck.
"Oww," he began while rubbing at his neck and peering at Cloud through stray strands of hair. "I thought you said the bed wouldn't hold us both."
Cloud was silent for a moment before lying back in the bed and adjusting the pillow. "Just try not to move around a lot."
With a bit of a stretch Reno got up from the couch and neared closer towards the bed.
"Turn the lights off."
Obeying Reno stopped and turned around to flip off the light switch in the hallway before moving back towards the bed, letting the soft light from outside that filtered into the room guide his way. He carefully climbed into the bed behind Cloud and pulled the blankets up over the two of them. A part of him wanted to say something smart, or to point out to Cloud that he was right and that the two of them could share the bed. It was what he would usually do, but maybe it was because he was already tired and the day had been long but he didn't say anything like that, instead he said...
"Thank you."
"Mm," Cloud replied quietly while scooting as close as he could to the edge of the bed to make sure Reno had enough room. And the Turk moved right along with him, his chest pressing up against Cloud's back and his warm breath on the blond's neck. They had never slept together so closely, at least not on purpose. It was a bit strange to Cloud...but he supposed it was alright.
Authors Notes: And here is chapter 4 of Rubiks Cube! I am really getting back into regular updates now, I know it's been sporadic but with this and Ukiyoe Painting I'm getting back on track! Anyways! So their little trip has started, albeit with a bit of a bumpy start. Trying to set the emotions of each of them right now, of course Reno wants more and is aware of that but Cloud...well not so sure. Though he obviously seems to care more about the little red head then he lets on, hehe. I do hope that you all haven't given up on this story as well, I really am interested in this pairing and am having a good time with exploring it! So until next time!