Edit: 4/22/10

(a/n): Geez, Nikki, put that high school drama to bed already! Dx In this chapter, Nikki unleashes her pitiful wrath on the poor red-headed Turk. I do like the concept of this chapter, though…But Genesis, holy shizz...I'm skeptical on the idea of him being nice. Reminder: I had not played Crisis Core when I wrote this, neither have I played FFVII, so forgive me if I described the slums and The Honey Bee Inn incorrectly.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything. If I did…well, you guys already know if you've been paying attention to the disclaimers in past chapters.

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Guardian Angel

Chapter 10: Coffee Creamer

-:-

With the office door ajar on the 3rd level, Nikki popped her blonde head in curiously searching for her cubic office in the midst of the rest. To her unpleasant surprise, there was barely anyone there. Though, it did not linger on her mind for long because she suddenly remembered that there were only a few new members of the Turks and she was the only Turk in Training. But she did not know why there were twenty-five cubic offices with only five people in the whole room. Raising an eyebrow, Nikki spotted Elena and Reno arguing over some little thing and on the other side of the room, there was a lone girl obviously busy with her work. Nikki observed that she had light brown curls that bounced upon her shoulders. Since she was in her suit, Nikki could tell that she was a full fledge Turk and serious about her work. Yawning, Nikki stepped into the office fully and made her way to her desk and sat down, which put her in a position between Elena and Reno fighting. To her amusement, they didn't even note her entry because they were focused on who was right about some sort of bet. Shaking her head ever so slightly, Nikki pulled out her paperwork from her bag and set to work.

That morning, Nikki had eaten breakfast while sitting with Zack at the cafeteria. Of course, his usual perky self cheered up the shy teenager from her disgusted reaction to the food they served. She swore that she had no clue what was on her tray. All she knew was that it was green. Zack had taken the last banana and seeing how she stared at her food with wide eyes; he gave her the only decent food and warned her that breakfast was the worst time of the day. Satisfied, Nikki thanked him and they decided to eat lunch together. Tilting her head and smiling to herself, she remembered that she had just came from lunch break and that her lesson that morning had gone much better than yesterday. To her pleasure, she had actually hit the target itself each time and the center a handful of time, but she was trying! Also, she had learned how to block with a sword properly. Now she was doing her paperwork. Thankfully, Sephiroth did not have a job for her to do that day and, in fact, she never saw him since the day before.

Coming back to the present time, Nikki quickly finished her first assignment and was now on her second flier. Reno had surrendered to Elena's jeers and was busy staring at the cracks in the ceiling. However, Elena stared off towards the door. Not caring about what exactly she was gawking at, Nikki winced as she read about a convicted rapist on the document she was typing up. A dreamy sigh from her sister forced Nikki's eyes to escape the monitor and on her. Grinning and blushing at the same time, Elena watched a young, tall man with dark hair and handsome features enter the office and proceeded towards the trio of misfits. As he drew close, Nikki could see a red dot on the center of the forehead, which, Nikki knew, meant he was Wutainese. Arching her eyebrow again, she glanced back and forth from Elena to the newcomer and suddenly his name popped in her mind: Tseng. Ah, so he was there in person? Possibly to meet Nikki, but she didn't want to have her hopes up. Abruptly, Elena turned away and stared down at the keyboard as Tseng stopped in front of the two Turks and the new Turk in Training. With a determined face, he offered his hand out.

"Ms. Nikki, we're so pleased to have you here. My name is Tseng. I'm sorry I did not introduce myself the other day, but I was busy. It's good to see Elena's sister working with us now," he gave Elena a soft smile which made Elena beam and chuckle nervously. Accepting his hand, Nikki grinned up at him while she remained in her chair.

"Pleased to meet you, too. I'm glad to be here," she quoted as she stole another glance at her blushing sister. Seriously, couldn't Elena learn how to control herself when in front of Tseng? Disrupting the thought, Tseng said his farewells to all of them before switching his attention to across the room to the quiet girl.

"Cissnei? Do you have those reports finished?" he called as he went over to her desk. So that was her name? It was a rather pretty name, and even though Tseng had his full attention on her, Nikki could tell he wasn't the least bit romantically interested in her. So, she thought, Elena could have no reason to be jealous, right? Wrong.

At this time, Elena was glaring at the small girl who was in a deep conversation with Tseng. Rolling her eyes as if telling the world she didn't really care about it, she focused now on her laptop and began typing furiously. Continuing staring at her, Nikki remained silent as she watched her sister for awhile. For a few minutes, Tseng and Cissnei chatted until he had to leave for a mission and exited the room. Pausing, Elena turned and watched him leave. Blinking, she breathed out sadly. Cheerfully, Nikki placed her hand on her sister's shoulder.

"I can tell, Elena. I approve, as well," she whispered so that Reno could not overhear what she said. If he did, the whole ShinRa Company would find out by the end of the day. Smirking, Elena stood up from her seat and gave Nikki a meaningful hopeful glance. Clearing her throat, she managed to catch the red head's attention.

"I am leaving for a break, anybody who wants to come with me, can't," she announced proudly. Scoffing, Reno rubbed the back of his neck.

"Then why tell us?" he sneered.

"Because, dimwit, I don't want anybody following me. I'd rather be alone," she spat out to him. Nikki did not mind, for she knew that she just wanted to think over past events and such. It was her own life, after all. With an interested expression, Nikki watched as her older sister left her with the teasing Turk. Inwardly she groaned, but she did not want Reno to think that she was annoyed with him. It would not be considered polite. Unfortunately, right after Elena left, Reno leaned over Nikki's shoulder.

"I read that flier. So, 'virgin', did you have fun that night?" Nikki heard the heart aching words escape his mouth. Feeling her ears burn in embarrassment and shame, Nikki suddenly stopped from typing. What could have brought up the subject? Maybe he read it while she was messing around with the printer. Nonetheless, it was a rude remark, and Nikki was angry. Tears swelled up in her green speckled grey eyes as her chin quivered. Warningly, Reno leaned back and began to stammer.

"Hey, kid, it was just a---" he never finished his sentence.

With full power, Nikki swung her right fist around and slammed it against Reno's nose. The force of the punch sent Reno falling backwards with Nikki standing up from her seat to stare down at the fallen prankster. That remark was too far, and she did not want anybody to think of her that way. It was her pride. She was not like that, everybody should know. She never dated, never wanted to. She had never even talked to a man until she came to this place. So why tease her about it? Gasping, Nikki whirled around and ran towards the door with Cissnei staring at her in shock. No one would have heard Reno's statement, only her, so that was one of the things she regretted that she did not have any evidence that her action was in self defense in some way.

As soon as she escaped the room and went through the doorway, Nikki had to stop herself from bumping into Genesis, who had in his hand a document as it appeared that he was stopping by with a report to give to the Turks. In fear, she stood frozen on the spot. Now she would be in trouble. She didn't want to; she liked this place. It was better than where she lived where each night she shuddered in fear because of the dangerous neighborhood and if the general found out…she would possibly be sent away…back home. All at once, Nikki could not contain it any longer. She sobbed. She simply burst into tears and buried her head in her hands. Of course, Genesis had no idea of what had troubled his student, so naturally he asked the common question.

"What happened?" he didn't know how to act around her, so that was all he could do. But it didn't work as Nikki pushed his hand away from her shoulder, which he had placed when he inquired the question. With tears streaming down her face, Nikki sprinted towards the elevator, which had just opened and some random SOLDIER exited. Sliding into the compartment, Nikki slammed her fist on the first button that came to mind: 27. She knew that it was the level with all of the coffee shops and snack shops. A snack…a chocolate snack. Chocolate was indeed a girl's best friend, especially when she was hormonal and panicky. And this time, she needed it.

Since she was crying uncontrollably, Nikki had no clue how much time passed by when the elevator doors slid open and revealed the mall-resembled level 27. Sighing in a shaky breath, Nikki stumbled as she made her way through the wide open, two story level. Sniffing, the bookworm spotted through her bleary eyes the way to her rescue: A chocolate store. There was no one else on the floor because it was work hours, but the clerks had their stores opened. In relief, Nikki forced herself to stop crying, which only resulted in hiccupping. Fishing out three gil from her pocket, Nikki approached the counter and looked pitifully at the young woman who was employed by ShinRa Company and lived on the premises. Her only response was to look at her through sorrowful eyes.

"Is there anything I can get you, honey?" she asked sweetly as she plastered a kind smile on her face. Her black hair was tied back in a simple bun and her yellow apron matched her dress.

"A bar-bar, of ch-chocolate, eek! Please…" Nikki managed to say her words with only one hiccup. Nodding an understanding, the woman reached under the glass display and grasped with her gloved hands a square of plain chocolate. Handing over the chocolate, Nikki exchanged with the payment due. To her surprise, the lady bent down behind the counter and rose back up with a bottle of water. Accepting it gratefully, Nikki smiled.

"Th-thank you," she muttered as she found her way to a close by metal table with two chairs. Feeling her cheeks, Nikki knew that her face was red and puffy from crying so much. But could she help it? No, of course not…she just let her emotions go too far. Breathing out, Nikki unwrapped the chocolate piece from the white paper that the woman bound it in. With her shoulders shaking, she bit into the simple, but yet delicious, chocolate. She had failed…once again…she had never felt so worthless before. How is it that even if you try your hardest to get through life, people still hurt you? What did she do to them? All she was doing was being herself and trying her hardest. Couldn't people accept that? No…not in Nikki's opinion…from then on, she decided, she would not go about making friends with people before getting to know them. She did that before, and she has seen the problems in it. Even the pain a close friend to her heart caused her…

"You're not in that much trouble, Ms. Hirome," an arrogant voice that Nikki recognized, or more likely dreaded, broke her silent thoughts. Craning her neck around, the girl saw Genesis standing a few feet away from her with his hands behind his back. With a simple smirk, he welcomed himself to the second chair at Nikki's table and leaned back. But Nikki made no sign that she would speak to him.

"Well, you wouldn't be if you explain," he whispered sternly at her, trying not to distract the curious clerk behind the chocolate stand. Fluttering her eyelashes, Nikki hiccupped again before wiping away a stray tear from her face. Never in her life had she cried in front of a man. Not even her father. Well, she did before the accident…but after that, after his reaction to her…she felt insecure and closed up from him. So, since then, she never talked about her feelings; but in this case, she had no choice. After all, she did not want to leave or be punished. Sadly, Nikki stared at her feet and the white floor. Everything in the building was white except for the training room.

"It's difficult to explain. You would only think I was making up something. You wouldn't listen. No one does," she murmured as if to herself as she glanced up at his face. To her surprise his expression softened.

"At least tell me. I promise I'll understand." Nikki couldn't help but scoff.

"Don't make promises you can't keep…"

"I do mean it, Ms. Hirome. Tell me, please," his words were now comforting. Daring to meet his eyes, Nikki stared at Genesis. She could see that he meant it…a person could tell behind the eyes. Nikki always believed that the eyes were a window to the soul. Simpering, Nikki leaned back in her chair as well.

"I do have pride, you know. It may not be the same pride as you men, but women have pride as well. We have feelings, too. It is very awkward to tell you about this, but when everyone thought I had slept with that guy, who I have never even laid eyes on before…I felt horrible. I believe in something, and for people to say those things about me…it hurts. Not only that, but no matter how I'm myself, people still tease me. Because I'm so quiet, you see. But they don't know, do they? They never do, and they still pick on me," Nikki privately scolded herself for going too far. She had almost let out her deepest secret. Moaning from a sudden headache, Nikki rubbed her temples before unscrewing the bottle cap and took a sip of the water. Relaxing her shoulders at this moment, Nikki lifted her eyes up to Genesis', only to see a soft smile on his face. A smile…Nikki's heart leapt when she had rested her gaze upon his smile. It was a nice smile…friendly, caring. Not helping it, she only smiled back. To her it was a sign that everything was alright.

"I understand. And no worries, General Sephiroth won't find out," at the sound of his name, Nikki winced and broke her grin as she looked at the chocolate piece in her hand.

"But you know, come to think of it, there is something I would like you to do…more like, we need you to do," Genesis gazed up at the ceiling thoughtfully. Confused, Nikki leaned forward.

"Yes, sir?"

"When I was on my way here, I stopped at the coffee shop. I asked for low-fat caramel creamer, but they didn't have it. They ran out. And Market Place is in Sector 7. Would you mind going over there and picking up a few gallons?" he questioned, or demanded more likely, Nikki. With a half smile, she rose from her chair and stuffed the chocolate in her pocket and carried the bottle.

"I will…thank you, sir," she uttered as she turned on her heel and walked back to the elevator to go on a mission…Mission: Low-Fat Caramel Coffee Creamer. As funny as it sounded, Nikki set an emotionless face and listened to the click of her heel on the concrete floor.

-:-

How dark and dreary could a town get? Indeed, Nikki was in Sector 7 at that very moment, observing the towering buildings and the deep dark alleys. Smog prevented the sun light from shining on the city, as well as the large plate covering the entire city of Midgar, for protection or seclusion, she didn't know which. The girl could tell already that Sector 7 was a dangerous place. Pulling her jacket closer, she gulped hard and shot concerned wary glances everywhere she turned. Quiet the town seemed, but it was only because the people were remaining silent as she passed them. Although this fact was true, Nikki couldn't help but overhear a momentary hysterical laughter or crazed shrieking. Nikki's admiration with Genesis was quickly fading as she thought about how careless he was sending her there without any protection…without a weapon…without any skill…Even without another Turk! She would have been glad to even have Reno there with her at that moment…Quickly, she took that wish back. No, she wouldn't go that far.

Pacing casually down a certain alley, Nikki could not find her sense of direction. Market Place, Market Place…she had no idea where it was. In other words, to put in quite plainly, she was lost. Yes, lost in a dangerous sector, no less. Shivering, and not from the cold, Nikki jogged away from an opening door with a hooker at the entrance, waiting for someone to welcome her in. Cowering, the teenager began to pant and swerve away to miss a drunk who was swinging a bottle carelessly. Scratching her head, Nikki dared to walk up to a homeless man in rags who was leaning against a wall.

"Hello, sir. May I ask where I could find an inn?" she quipped kindly. In fact, Nikki praised herself for discovering, inns held maps. And a map could show her where she was. Also, it could lead her to Market Place. Dangerously, the man glared at her and then extended a boney finger towards a certain direction. Following his gaze, Nikki turned completely around and spotted a three story building with red curtains in the windows that had a sign hanging over the French doors. 'Honey Bee Inn', well that sounded comforting. With a bright grin fixed upon her face, she turned back to the man, but he was now passed out on the ground. Her heart ached because the man had no shelter, and she could not leave him any money because a thief could prowl around and take it from him while he slept. Hopelessly, Nikki switched her attention back to the inn and skipped over to the doorway. From the outside, anybody could hear the loud music and the conversations that were screamed back and forth.

"Okay, at least it's an inn…" she mumbled under her breath as she pushed her way through the wooden doors. With a small exclaim, Nikki suddenly realized what place this was. It was not an inn, oh no…it was a whore house. Of course, anybody could tell if they entered one. It wasn't so easy to miss.

"Maybe they have a map, anyways…" Nikki stammered as she approached the counter, which was right at the entrance, so no one could avoid it. A man with a stubble was lazily attending the desk. He was scrawny and behind his ear was a pen as he waited for guests. With a brave attitude, Nikki dared to speak to him.

"Excuse me, sir?" she caught his attention, which, she noted, was not so pleasant, or honorable. With lustful eyes, he examined the sixteen-year old up and down.

"A little too young, don't you think?" he sneered at her as he crossed his arms. Ignoring the question, Nikki shot back a remark.

"I'm looking for a map. Could you get me one?" she blinked impatiently.

"Innocent, too…though you fit the description…Margie! We got another client!" he was completely oblivious to the question of the frightened young girl. A woman who was immorally dressed came out of the back room and shot a disgusted glare at Nikki. Furious, Nikki slammed her fists on the counter.

"Damn it, I'm here for a map!" she spat angrily. Appalled at her sudden outburst, the man only chuckled.

"Feisty, no doubt. She'll do," he waved a hand motion to grab Nikki at the woman behind him, but Nikki stomped her foot. With her mouth agape, she was ready to yell at the two ignorant people when she was interrupted.

"She's with me," a chiding voice rang out. Whirling around to slap the man who said that, Nikki stopped herself. There, standing two feet away from her was Reno. Shocked, she looked at him with painful eyes as she lowered her hand. Without another word, Reno grabbed her arm and pulled her along with him through the exit of the dreadful inn. Jerking her arm away as they stepped onto the empty street, Nikki huffed and crossed her arms without a word. Fuming, she kept her eyes down at the ground while Reno stood a few inches away, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Nikki, I'm really sorry about that incident in the office. I didn't know that it was sore subject with you…please forgive me?" Nikki gazed up at his pleading eyes. She could tell he meant it, but she was not so sure. Hesitating, she rubbed her fingertips and remained quiet.

"I really am sorry. I didn't mean it all, you know?" he begged again. Reluctant, Nikki nodded slightly.

"It's okay…" she muttered.

"Thanks," Reno smiled slyly and then looked around and took in the surroundings.

"By the way, Mr. Rhapsodos told me to go out here and help you, since he remembered that you had no clue where Market Place was…" Confused, Nikki snapped her head up and raised her eyebrows.

"Who's Mr. Rhapsodos?" she demanded as she wrapped her arms around herself to warm herself up. Reno shrugged.

"You know, Genesis? That's his full name; Genesis Rhapsodos. But us Turks call him by his last name, if you know what I mean," Reno started strolling down a certain alley and Nikki jumped as she began to follow him closely. With an amused grin, Reno shot Nikki a sideways glance.

"He seemed concerned about you. What did you guys talk about?" he asked brightly. Blandly, Nikki answered.

"Nothing of significance."

"All right, if you say so…I hope you don't mind me asking, but where did you learn to punch? My nose hurts like hell," Reno complained as he rubbed his nose, which, Nikki noticed for the first time, had a white bandage on it. Biting her lip, Nikki thought about where she learned it…she didn't. All she did was swell up with anger and explode.

"I never learned. You can say I taught myself," she said half jokingly as the two made their way to Market Place. It was nice walking with Reno, now that he apologized and all, but Nikki still felt uncomfortable about Sector 7.

-

(a/n): Genesis is too nice. Darn him. By the way, I always imagined him liking Low-Fat Caramel Coffee Creamer. I don't know why…it seems like he'd be picky like that. X3 Reviews and critiques will be loved! Flames will be used for Genesis' pleasure, since he's a pyromaniac. (I think…he uses Firaga all the time…)