Author's note: I do not own Final Fantasy VII or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list lambda. Theme 11: Score.

Hanging By a Moment

Elena had screwed up her courage, and she was going to do this. She was on ignoring all of Reno's advice on the subject, but she was going to ask Tseng out even if it killed her. Which it just well might. She was far more comfortable around all of the other Turks now. She would even consider Reno and Rude friends, but Tseng was a different case. Part of it was the crush she harbored. Part of it might be because technically he was her boss. Elena just always got tongue tied around him.

She was able to deal with him now during missions and on duty, but in any other capacity, Tseng still left her blushing and tongue-tied. It had gotten to the point where Elena had decided she either needed to see if a romantic relationship was possible between the two of them or destroy the crush completely. So she had decided she would ask Tseng out to dinner and see where things went from there. Of course, that meant she actually did have to ask him out, and Elena was having a little trouble with that.

To tell the truth, she had already chickened out at least three times. Smoothing her jacket and straightening her tie, Elena rose to her feet. She was going to actually do it this time. Despite the fact that the butterflies in her stomach were dancing the mambo. She made her way over to Tseng's desk.

"Excuse me, sir. Could I have a moment?"

Tseng smiled at her. "Sure, Elena."

He waited expectantly. Realizing that she was wringing her hands, Elena halted the movement before speaking. "I was wondering if-"

"Laney wants to get in your pants and isn't sure if you're actually interested. She's trying to score with you, dude," Reno cut her off.

Well, this really was embarrassing. Rage was a pleasant fizzling feeling beneath her skin. She smiled brightly at Tseng.

"Excuse me."

She was planning on killing Reno. Here, now, in front of everyone. Tseng caught her hand before she had made it away from his desk. Tseng smiled at her and kissed the back of her hand.

"Would you like to have dinner tonight, Elena? Say at eight or so."

She blinked then smiled. "That would be lovely."

Tseng let go her hand. "I'll pick you up. Don't main Reno too badly. He has an undercover mission in two days."

Elena laughed and turned to Reno, cracking her knuckles. "I think I can manage that."