Reno: ~~3 hours later~~

Reno stirred and opened his eyes when the alarm went off, slowly lifting himself up. The Turk got out of the bed but was still walking rather went to the kitchen and plugged the kettle in, hoping a cup of tea would help wake him up. He looked over to Cloud, who was still watching TV, and spoke. "What's on?" Reno asked as he waited for the kettle to boil.

Cloud: Cloud had watched as Reno moved sluggishly about and smiled at him as he spoke, "Not much, found a movie a while ago, but it just ended. So, you feeling any better?"

Reno: "A bit. Still groggy an' kinda light headed but not too bad." Reno took a seat on the couch so he wouldn't wind up falling if he passed out. "We should head out once the tea's done." Reno wasn't looking forward to a physical, considering it involved everything he hated about doctors but he'd rather avoid cancer and heart problems, thank you very much. "I only got a physical when I joined." he said, acting awkward all of a sudden, a blush covering his cheeks. "What do they do again? Anything new I should know about?" Reno felt foolish for not knowing but he figure a SOLDIER of all people would know. They got physical check ups pretty often.

Cloud: Cloud blushed, "Um, basically they check over your flexibility, lung capacity, reflexes. At least if it's just a physical, otherwise there's unpleasantness." The blonde's face scowled hard at his hands, "Though the perverted guy got canned last week, so even that shouldn't be too bad anymore."

Reno: Reno gave look of disgust but nodded. "I take it he made prostate exams hell fer ya." the Turk joked before going wide eyed. They were checking for cancers, right? "If there is a God, please don't tell me that has to happen..." he whispered to himself. The kettle began to squeal but Reno stayed put, not feeling in such a rush all of a sudden. "Uh...ya mind gettin' that? An' I gotta ask. There anymore 'creepers' in the med bay I should keep an eye out for? I don't need another Hojo accident." The redhead shut himself up and leaned back in his spot when the memories of now dead scientist's hands running over his body came to his mind. "Gaugh! I fuckin' hate doctors, scientists, an' anythin' in between!" Reno quivered and frowned, crossing his arms with a pout.

Cloud: Cloud got up from the couch with a chuckle and moved over to the kettle taking the screaming object off the burner and then turning back to Reno. "Which cup slash where is it?" He was hoping Reno's tired mind would understand that phrasing... he almost didn't though, so he thought he might have to explain better that he wanted to know where the cup Reno used was. "And as far as I know he was the only creeper. He was outted because he made the mistake of attempting to "play"," He air quoted the word, "with General Sephiroth. And I don't think... no fuck that, I sincerely hope that there is no one else on the whole of Gaia who is anything like that crazy maniac."

Reno: Reno gestured to a cupboard. "My favorite one's up there. Just an ol' Christmas mug. It's mostly red so," The Truk shrugged with a smirk. "Wha-? He made a move on Sephiroth?! Damn, that guy must'a had a death wish!" He rubbed his shoulder when it tensed a bit. That was another thing. His muscles had been aching like crazy. It always happened when he was stressed so with so much piled up, his back was nothing but knots. "I swear, I'm gonna die from a heart attack'r somethin' way too young at this rate."

Cloud: Cloud grinned at him again and turned to the indicated spot, finding the red mug he pulled it down and set it on the counter, "Okay, now, where's your tea at, how dark to you want it and do you want anything else in it? Also... if it wouldn't be too awkward for you, both myself and Sephiroth are very good at massages." The blonde's cheeks pinkened a bit.

Reno: "Tea's in the second cupboard to your right. Just leave the tea bag in. I like it strong." he said and yawned, showing just how much he needed the energy. "No sugar or anythin'." Reno chuckled at Cloud's obvious discomfort. "That would be the best fuckin' thing in the world right now. Seph can if yer uncomfortable with it or whatever."

Cloud: Cloud smiled and grabbed out a tea bag and placed it in the mug before pouring the still boiling water over it. He swished the bag around a bit to get the darkening process started and then brought the mug over to Reno. "It's not a problem, I just didn't know if it would be awkward for you or not."

Reno: Reno shook his head. "Nah, it's all good." The redhead wasted no time in grabbing his mug and sipping carefully at the boiling liquid. He didn't feel like waiting for it to be 'just right'. It was tea and he needed it. "Thanks. So, where ya learn to do massages anyway?"

Cloud: Grinning Cloud answered him, "My mother actually. She's amazing, the General learned from her as well, said he couldn't have a Cadet teaching him something like that, it wasn't professional enough. So he asked where I learned and after I told him he went all the way to Nibelheim on a 'mission' to learn from her too. I didn't even get to go or warn her or anything. I ended up getting a letter from her a week after he'd come back telling me off for giving her such a heart attack." He chuckled, "How about after you're appointment? Since I'm sure you'll be even more sore after that. Plus we'll need to leave soon if you wanna make it on time."

Reno: Reno laughed at Cloud's explination but cringed at the reminder. "I'll just finish up the tea an' we can head out. So long as I don't wind up with someone's finger up my ass, I shouldn't be too sore after." he joked and began to chug his drink.

Cloud: Cloud blushed a deep red but laughed anyway, he got the joke after all. He was just a little to sheltered as Genesis would say. "Sure thing."

Reno: Reno finished his tea and set the mug on the coffee table. "Let's head out then." The redhead took a quick moment to check his leg and make a few adjustments before getting up. He then fed Tucker and filled his water bowl. "I'll be back soon, bud." he said, petting the purring kitten, then made his way to the door. "Ready?"

Cloud: Cloud nodded and followed the Turk out of his apartment, "Exactly where are we going? Just down to Medical?" He figured that was the case, but maybe Turks went somewhere else, it wasn't like he knew.

Reno: "Yeah, we don't have any mako craziness for scientists to sort out so it's plain ol' flesh and blood we have to worry about." Reno explained as he turned the corner to the elevators. He strode inside and held the door for Cloud, pressing the button to take them down. The sudden jump of the elevator, though usually effectless, made Reno sway a bit. "Whoa, that shit's weird. I'm so done with these meds. They just mess my head up." He leaned against the elevator wall until they hit the right floor.

Cloud: Cloud nodded and followed the Turk into the elevator, he jumped a bit, ready to catch the man if he toppled when he swayed. "I'm sure it'll get straightened out, Angeal said that maybe the dosage was too high. But he couldn't be sure if it was the meds or not."

Reno: "Not sure. I think it's just all the stress an' the meds together. These kinda drugs do make ya really sleepy. Or so I've heard." When the elevator 'dinged' Reno made his way to the med bay's doors and scowled. "Guess I should just get it over with." He walked in and a woman came over to him. She'd been specifically chosen because she knew how to handle difficult patients. She'd heard Reno could get violent if he felt 'trapped' so had made plans to make his physical as stress free as possible. She knew having a bunch of people around to hold him in case he lost it would only increase the chances of it happening. There was stand by but unless she pushed an emergency button, they were not to enter the room. "I'll see ya in a bit, Strife." Reno grumbled and followed the nurse. She was kind and spoke softly. It didn't take her long to realize the medication wasn't what the Turk needed.

"You should stop using them. While they do calm a lot of patients, they aren't the right meds for a Turk. You need to be alert and ready for anything, so the drowziness is not helping at all. I suggest looking for more natural relaxation techniques. Meditation and accupuncture are good." Reno cringed at the thought of having needles all over. The woman laughed. "Nothing to worry about." She walked to a cabinet and took out a very tiny needle. "This is what they use." She held it out, flat on her palm for the Turk to see. When she was sure he was alright with it, she took his hand and gently poked it into the back of his wrist. Reno felt nothing. He blinked and shrugged, making the nurse smile. "See? You can make appointments or have someone come to your apartment if you chose to try it. Massage also helps."

"Yeah, a friend o' mine actually offered one for me today."

"Oh, good! If it helps you relax, you should accept any help until all of this passes." Reno nodded. "Ready to begin?" The redhead sighed and nodded again. He stripped down and let her begin.

Once it was over, Reno got the good news that his recent symptoms were nothing more than mental fatigue from all his pent up stress. He had none of the more dangerous physical problems of chronic stress. Though he was still on edge and felt VERY violated, he smiled, knowing it wasn't anything serious. The Turk thanked the nurse and walked out to meet Cloud. "All's well an' good." he said and stretched. "Ready to head back? I could use that massage."

Cloud: Cloud had lounged in the waiting area for Reno to return and grinned at the good news. "Great! Sure thing." He walked with Reno back to the elevator and up they went.

SOLDIERs: While they had been gone Genesis, Angeal and Sephiroth had shown up at the apartment. Sephiroth had brought the flowers that Zack had obtained and the three boys set to work on Reno's design for the apartment. Angeal cleaned /everything/ like the clean freak he was, and then Genesis set out the candles and Sephiroth the flowers. They left Reno a Good Luck note, written in Sephiroth's elegant hand because Genesis' was to flowery and Angeal's was too strict for the 'feel' they wanted it to give, and left the room.

Reno: When Reno got back his heart swelled a bit. Seeing the place just as he wanted it for when Rude came home put his mind a little more at ease. He picked up a few petals from the coffee table and blew them off his hand, letting them fall back over the surface. He then noticed the note and opened it, smiling warmly at the words. "Thanks, guys." he whispered to himself. The Turk undid his ponytail and ran his fingers through his hair, sighing in relief. It was such a big thing out of the way. "Hey, Cloud. I don't wanna mess up the petals on the bed or couch. Mind if I sleep on yer couch tonight so everything stays just right until tomorrow?"

Cloud: Cloud whistled when he saw the apartment and watched as a weight seemed to fall off of the slender Turk, "Sure thing Reno. Grab up your stuff and the kitten and we can head there now and get you that massage."

Reno: Reno nodded with a smile and went about grabbing his uniform, not wanting to change out of his pyjama bottoms and Rude's sweater. He then got his EMR, phone, and Tucker. Reno packed a small bag of food for him since he would only be there one night. "Mind if I just lay out some news paper for'im? It'd be annoying to carry the freakin' litter box there and back. He's well trained so he won't make a mess." Tucker swatted at Reno's chin then licked him and purred.

Cloud: Cloud chuckled, "Sure, that's fine. Need me to carry anything?" He wasn't sure if Reno was stable yet or not, he hadn't wavered around like before since leaving his appointment, but one could never be too sure.

Reno: "Sure, thanks." Reno handed Cloud his uniform and the bag of food. The Turk kept his equipment and Tucker.

Once at Cloud's room, Reno set Tucker down and filled a small bowl with his food and another with water. He then laid out a piece of news paper and gave the feline a quick pat, then took his things from Cloud. "Thanks, yo." The redhead set his items on the couch and flopped on his side, sighing happily. The little amount of stress that had been lifted felt like a ton. He couldn't wait until it was all finally off his shoulders. Reno closed his eyes and allowed his ears and tail to appear. Tucker quickly hopped up with Reno and nuzzled his cheek, purring as he laid next to his head.

Cloud: The ears and tail startled the young Cadet and he simply blinked at the Turk for a moment. "Does the doc know about that?" Cloud was thinking that however the traits had been acquired could be a big stress factor. But he had to admit that it was seriously cute.

Reno: Reno chuckled. "Yeah. It's no biggy. They actually calm me down fer some reason. It makes me sleepy kinda like when cats get all lazy. Didn't mean to freak ya out there." Tucker jumped on Reno's head and curled up on Reno's firey hair like a pillow. "Jeez, yer a weird cat." Reno mumbled as the kitten licked the Turk's red ears, making them twitch.

Cloud: Cloud giggled at the kitten's actions, "If you say so." He went over and began the massage, slowly loosening the knots he found in his friend's back and shoulders. He was carefull not to brush the tail that lazily flopped on occassion; he didn't know how sensitive it was after all. He didn't want to inadvertantly tickle Reno or something.

Reno: Reno looked like he passed out the second Cloud loosened the first knot. The Turk's head drooped, his body sunk into the couch, and his arm dangled lazily over the side. Cloud's small hands weren't the same as Rude's but they were still very calming. "Fu-m-tha-feel-g'd" he mumbled, his face burried in the pillow.

Cloud: Cloud simply grinned and continued until all the knots were gone, "Get some sleep Reno." He rose and scratched the sleeping kittens head before heading off to bed himself. It was rather late by then after all, and he had classes in the morning.

Reno: "No problems the-uh..." Reno blushed a bit but spoke. "Yo, Cloud? I uh, got a small favor to ask before ya head off..." The redhead stayed quiet for a moment and blushed a bit deeper. "Rude plays with my hair an' ears now an' then...It helps me sleep. Think you could just fer a few minutes? Just till I fall asleep?"

Cloud: Pausing on his way to his room Cloud was a bit surprised by the request. "Um, sure?" He made his way back over to the couch and sat on the floor beside Reno's head. He began petting and scratching the big ears like he would the small kitten's and running his fingers through Reno's loose hair. He'd always wondered what it felt like to run your fingers through someone else's hair... it was just as relaxing as having someone do it to you.

Reno: Reno was happy Cloud understood and slowly closed his tired eyes with a content sigh. "Th'nks..." he mumbled, slowly swishing his tail back and forth. Tucker curled up on Reno's now relaxed back and the redhead soaked up as much attention as he could before his mind started 'shutting down'. He became more and more sleepy until his words were just jiberish grumbles. He was saying completely pointless things to Cloud and in no time at all, the Turk was out cold, snoring lightly.

Cloud: Once the Turk was asleep Cloud smiled and got up, finally going to bed. He was out like a light and up before his alarm the next morning. He quietly made his way to his own kettle and put some water on to boil before getting dressed. He was trying not to wake the sleeping Turk on his couch, but he wasn't being overly quiet either. Plus he knew that if he didn't hurry his efforts would be in vain because Zack would simply bound through his door to walk him to class like he always did. And while Cloud dearly loved his friend... his energy and loudness wasn't something Reno needed right now. Plus it always kind of annoyed Cloud that Zack could be so damned perky so early in the morning.

Reno: Reno heard the little bit of noise and ignored it until he remembered what day it was and sat up quickly. "Rude?!" Reno looked around and sighed. He chuckled at himself but didn't stress over the mistake, knowing Rude would be home soon anyway. He then noticed Cloud setting the kettle up. "Sorry 'bout that." he said through a yawn. "Mind if I have a cup? Wait, what time is Rude supposed to be back? I gotta get dressed an' go to HQ! Thanks fer lettin' me stay though!" Reno grabbed his uniform and ran to the bathroom, quickly changing and packing up Rude's sweater and his pyjama pants. Tucker simply stretched and yawned, not moving from his comfy spot on the couch.

Cloud: Cloud looked over as Reno called out for Rude, he thought the man may have been having a nightmare, but it seemed he just thought that Cloud was Rude. "No worries man. I'm sure you've got time to have some tea. It's only 5AM."

Reno: Reno looked at the clock and sighed. "I gotta say...I'm pretty nervous." Tucker jumped up onto Reno's lap and curled up. "When'll he be back? I-I wanna see'em but I know I'm gonna lose it. I don't want to." he whispered. "I wanna hold'em but I just, I'm so pissed at him. I don't WANT to go off...but I know I will."

Cloud: Cloud shook his head as he made up two cups of tea; his own have two spoonfuls of sugar in it. He brought the plain black and getting darker mug to Reno and sat next to him on the couch. "I wouldn't worry about it. Rude's probably expecting everything from lovey-dovey goop to you hating him for the rest of forever. Though I realize that won't make you feel any better. No one knows when exactly he'll be back though. At least not as far as I know. He may check in once he gets back to Midgar or Junon or whatever. I'm not sure where he went so..." The blonde shrugged. "Did you want to have him meet you in his own apartment to get whatever bad vibes out before going to the romance domain you made out of yours?"

Reno: Reno accepted the cup and looked at his reflection in the tea. "Shut up, yo. He likes the romance stuff." Reno said quietly. "But yeah, I'd rather meet at his place to hash it out. I know I won't hate'em an' that it'll be over once I speak my mind but...I just want him here, safe." Reno took a sip of the tea and sat quietly.

Cloud: Cloud smiled, it was so obvious that Reno and Rude truely loved each other. It kind of amazed him that it had taken them so long to get to the 'I'm gonna marry this person' stage. "I can understand that. You should hear Genesis' freak outs when Cissnei goes on missions he's not allowed to know about. Actually, seriously, never mind... you don't want to hear or see those. Most everyone doesn't want to be anywhere near the Commander when that happens. Man's fuckin' scary."

Reno: Reno managed a smirk at Cloud's words. It was good to know he wasn't the only one who felt like this. The redhead's fuzzy ears flopped down as he became more sad than stressed. Reno knew Rude would be home soon but he also knew they would be arguing before anything. All he wanted was to hold him and make sure he was safe but he wanted to punch him more than ever before at the same time. Reno just hoped the arguing wouldn't last long and this anger towards Rude would leave.

Cloud: Suddenly there was banging on the door and then it was opening, Cloud simply rolled his eyes as Zack invaded his personal space to give him a noogie. "You make me spill my tea and I will have the General end you Zack." Cloud's voice was dead serious.

Zack: Zack sprang back with a laugh, "Sorry Spikey. Hey Reno, what are you doing here? Oh! Were the flowers okay?"

Reno: Reno said nothing when Zack jumped in. He hated that the raven's hyped up energy wasn't helping him perk up. "Yeah, they were great. Thanks." Reno took a few more sips of his tea. "Any word from him?"

Zack: Zack shook his head sadly, "Not that I know of."

Cloud: Cloud smiled, "Well I've gotta get to class. Don't worry about locking up," The blonde rolled his eyes, "No one on this floor really knows how to knock or wait for an answer... so it's generally best to leave the doors unlocked. SOLDIER strength isn't something these doors are equipped with."

Reno: "Sure." What was he supposed to do now? Who would know when Rude would be back? The Turk's leg began to shake as his nerves got more and more wound up. What was he supposed to do? Reno put the mug down and ran to Angeal's office, knowing Rude had been keeping in touch with him for the most part. He knew it was early but he couldn't wait. The redhead pounded on the SOLDIER's door. "Angeal! Yo, Angeal, open up, man!" If Rude had told anyone when he'd be back, it would have been Angeal.

Angeal: Angeal had just sat down behind his desk and started up his computer when Reno started to make a racket at his door. "It's open Reno, turn the handle yourself." Angeal grumbled out, he wasn't really fully awake yet, he was missing his coffee because he'd promised Genesis and Sephiroth he would cut back on it because he was becoming addicted and it wasn't healthy. But his withdrawals were a serious problem at the moment. He was allowed to have a chocolate bar at lunch for his caffeine in-take, but that was it. So until he could mellow out he was a grumpy very powerful temperamental man. Which is why he spent the morning locked in his office alone... so he wasn't biting people's heads off.

Reno: Reno opened the door and stood in front of Angeal's desk. "You'd have heard before anyone else! Did Rude get in contact? Do you have any idea when he'll be back? I need to speak with him in his apartment as soon as he gets back! I know it's early but-" Reno's ears flopped down again and the expression on the redhead's face was one of despiration mixed with loneliness. "Where was he the last time someone came in contact with him?"

Angeal: Angeal buried his face in his hands, he really couldn't put up with this right now! He waited a few moments attempting to get his grumpy anger under control. His face still covered he tried to answer Reno, "No one knows where he was honestly. We know that he had been in Costa Del Sol and then left and that's all." Angeal's voice fluxed with his frustration, none of which was really directed at Reno, it was simply there. "He hasn't called in that I know of since he reported to Genesis that he would be on his way back today."

Reno: Reno could tell how frustrated Angeal was and nodded. "Right." He felt kind of bad for pissing him off when all he'd done was help him through this. The redhead walked around the desk and rubbed the raven's shoulders. Reno hoped a massaged would help Angeal just as much as it had helped him last night. "Don' worry 'bout it." Reno then started running his fingers through Angeal's dark locks, gently scratching his scalp as he brushed the strands back in their natural flow. In all honesty, it was even calming Reno down. It was nice knowing he could make comfort even if his world wasn't too comfortable at the moment. Reno went from Angeal's hair to his neck and rubbed out the tight knots he felt there.

Angeal: Angeal felt rather bad for snapping at Reno when he knew the man was frantic, but... fuck coffee! When Reno came around rubbed his shoulders the SOLDIER had to fight down the urge to punch him. He could tell that he'd made Reno feel bad by Reno thinking that his anger was aimed at him. He face-desked with a groan but couldn't say he was displeased with the attention. "I'm surry Reno, not all'd coffee." He mumbled into the surface of his desk.

Reno: Reno chuckled, knowing EXACTLY what Angeal felt. All of his anger and frustration left him when Cloud had messaged him. "It's okay. I've been snappin' at people left an' right since Rude left. Why not grab some lil' chocolates to eat whenever, ya feel like ya need coffee?" Reno had grown addicted to tea and coffee himself but he didn't bother trying to change it. His guess was that SOLDIER was a bit strickter with these things though. "So, if Rude left Costa last time he came in contact, he should be here soon enough." the Turk said, mostly to himself.

Angeal: Angeal shook his shaggy head, "No, I'm allowed to have a chocolate bar at lunch time and that's it. I promised Seph and Gen I'd kick my caffeine addiction. And Rude left Costa to go after his target. His last check-in was from wherever he'd met his target. But we don't know where that is. And even in Costa right now, it's only like one in the morning. I would hope the man would still be asleep." He flexed his shoulders when Reno hit a tight spot but he was rather enjoying this.

Reno: Reno's hands stopped and he pouted a bit with dissapointment. He'd thought that was Rude's last location. So, it would be even longer, huh? "He did say he was comin' home today, right?" Reno asked with a little hope in his voice. He then faceplanted onto Angeal's shoulder and grumbled. "Fer fuck's sake, I hate this. I sound like a god damned princess waitin' fer some night in shinin' armor or a kid lost in some store that can't find his fuckin' mother. Fuck this. I'm gonna head out to spar a bit an' kill some time." He gave Angeal one final, firm rub over his neck and back before heading to the door. "I'll see ya whenever, I guess."

Angeal: Angeal simply grunted in response, Rude had said he'd be back today, so he would be – come hell or high water. That's how the Turk was, he never broke his word. Which is kind of why him suddenly leaving freaked everyone here out. He left no real explanations, left a fiancé behind... a wounded and mentally scarred fiancé. No one was really sure /what/ to make of it. Once Reno was gone he lifted his head as his computer finally chirped to life and began his paperwork for the day. Oh the joys of being fucking in charge of shit!

Reno: Reno went to the training room, not surprised to find Elena there. She was newer but that was WHY she trained so much! She wanted to catch up. She was doing some sit ups and Reno could tell she had been at it for a while. Her face was red and there was sweat drippied on the floor from being in the same place for so long. "Hey, rookie. How long ya been here?" he asked as he went to the change rooms to change into some simple baggy pants. When he came back out, he wrapped his hands in boxer's wraps and began working on the heavy bag. "So, you been-hah-practicin' a lot, huh? I-hah- noticed that-hah- lately" he explained over a few quick punches and kicks. "Up fer a sparrin' match?!" The anger in his voice was clear and it was more of a demand than a question. He wanted this frustration gone but cow hide wasn't working. He needed real, moving, targets to get him fired up. That was how he cooled off after a while. "Up!" he demanded." "Yer muscles will build faster if yer actually fightin' anyway! Come on!"