Kei: I heard about France :( I'm not sure if it's best, but I suppose we'll have to trust in our leaders to do what's best for us. I'm glad to hear everything is still okay with you and your loved ones. I'm so happy you said not to worry about the story! It's true that maybe it has a certain charm that things don't happen the way we want to, and I'm really happy to know you'll stay with me till the end :D Also super excited you'll keep rooting for them! In which case, I hope this chapter is to your liking! And everyone elses as well :P Yes, Gen deserves credit! I wanted him to be a little redeemed. I never really viewed him as a ''Bad guy'' though he's done some pretty horrible things. He has however shown remorse, and knows that what he did was wrong. (In my version at least) Whereas Sephiroth is completely delusional. (sorry) XD And Vincent! Aaaah, he's so adorable. There will be a lot more of him to come! I absolutely love them together! Stay safe!

Everyone stay safe and look out for each other.

On with the story :)


Chapter 198

When I entered the ship with Vincent, I was amazed at the sheer size of the thing. There was crew everywhere, constantly communicating back and forth on the goings on. Consoles were all over the place, and Cid was standing by the wheel. It was literally a wheel, like one would find on a ship at sea. This little detail amused me. In the middle of the deck was a large globe, lazily spinning like the planet below our feet. Then my eyes fell on a large drawing on the floor. It was a sexy looking pin-up girl, with the words 'High Wind' written underneath. It must be an ode to his last ship, the one we used to fly into the Northern Crater.

"Oh look!" Cid called from behind the wheel. "The princess has finally graced us with her presence. Don't mind us common folk, we weren't waitin' or anythin'."

"Oh, good." I said, ignoring him otherwise.

Vincent pushed passed me to find Reeve, leaving me standing face to face with Genesis. He gave me a subtle smile, and extended his hand to me. I felt my face go red at the very thought of what had happened between us earlier. I could only hope no one had seen us. I took his hand and let him guide me to the large window.

"Look at the view, Eden," He said, sounding like the poet he once was. I felt a little unsteady at this height, but I was nowhere near as afraid as I used to be. I wondered if it was because he was the one who made me fear heights in the first place. "Beautiful scenery such as this has inspired the greatest poets on the planet."

I didn't care about poetry, and I was pretty sure he knew that. Still, this was the kind of person Genesis was, and I was going to have to live with it. Already it worried me that I wouldn't be able to.

"Get me a bucket," I heard Reno drawl behind us. He was lounging on a chair behind a console, his feet propped up on the buttons, some of which were flashing bright red in alert. He was staring at me intently, making me wonder what was going through his head. There was something in his eyes that resembled challenge, but he'd been clear on his intentions from now on. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that for some reason, he'd started a war with Genesis, and Genesis hadn't been made aware of this yet. Reno's whole body was taut, I could tell, no matter how relaxed he appeared. "I might hurl."

"I take it you don't like poetry?" Genesis asked him, apparently oblivious to Reno's body language. Then again, maybe one had to know him to be able to tell his subtle hostility.

Reno snorted sarcastically and looked away from us. I scanned around for Rude, but didn't spot him on the large deck. Tseng and Elena were talking together at a table across the deck. Tseng said something to her that made her blush, and she took his hand lovingly. Rufus was nowhere to be seen either, so there was no one around to babysit this childish Turk. Ollie was nowhere in sight, but I could guess where he was. If I were to look for him, I'd find him in the closest bed, sleeping like a baby. Maybe it was for the best that he wasn't here. He and Reno seemed to be getting along a little too well. While there had been a time when I'd loved that idea, right now they felt like a team that would be against me in this. Ollie wouldn't approve of my relationship with Genesis. He'd lose his shit, actually. I hadn't had a chance to talk to him since Genesis had arrived, and something told me he was dying to, but I already knew what he was going to say. Normally, I would go and find him, but I wasn't in the mood for another lecture. No matter what I did, I felt like everyone was always against me. Didn't they understand that I did this because I had to? If the reaction my body gave is any indication, then a life with Genesis might not be so bad after all. Maybe I would learn to care for him in time. Right now, I wanted everyone to shut up about it, and let me do my thing.

Genesis turned away from Reno and pulled me into his side, taking me closer to the window. "When I was touched by the Lifestream, and it healed me, I felt the agony of the planet and all the souls within. But they also told me beautiful things, about the cycle of life and how everything has its own life-force. I never looked at a tree the same after that. Or those monsters out there, for that matter. You killed them because they attacked and because you feel they are bad, but they have feelings too."

I assumed they did, but they wanted to gnaw my arm off, so they had to be killed. Somehow, he had really changed. The Genesis I knew before didn't care for the feelings of other things. The poetry had stuck, though.

"You're so full of it," Reno grumbled to his back, obviously listening in on the conversation. "Do you really think she's into that kind of bullshit?" Genesis looked at him over his shoulder, getting more menacing by the second. "You think you know her?" Reno said. "Gimme a break."

What was he saying? That he knew me better? Of course he did, no surprise there.

"Is there something on your mind, Turk?" Genesis said to him, danger and contempt dripping from every word.

"Yeah, you're an asshole, that's what." Reno stood up, his shoulders squared.

I saw Genesis reach for his Rapier, but I stopped him with a hand to his wrist. If he went for Reno's throat, he would no doubt have it. As good a fighter as Reno was, he wouldn't last very long against a pissed off Genesis.

"Genesis, leave it," I said, trying to get him to focus his attention back on me.

"You're completely clueless, ain't ya?" Reno pressed. "It won't work, she's just doin' this 'coz she thinks it's the right thing to do. It's her thing, and you ain't good enough for her. She deserves better."

I'd expected him to take his anger out on me again, instead, he- complimented me? What sudden chivalry was this? My bewilderment was cut short by Genesis unsheathing his sword with a clear ring, ready to slice off a piece of Reno-pie. I had to act fast to prevent this fight between them from getting out of hand. There was only one thing that came to mind. I grabbed Genesis by the face and kissed him. His arm went around me as he savored the slow kiss. When I pulled back I saw nothing but content in his eyes, but Reno seemed far from happy. I heard him scoff in disbelief and when I stepped away from Genesis, Reno was already gone from the bridge. It bothered me more than it probably should, and I had to suppress the urge to run after him and apologize. I felt myself falling into an endless pit, and I knew that if I didn't put a stop to this, I would lose him forever.

An hour after we had arrived, I started getting more and more frustrated with Genesis. However much I had appreciated his attentions outside on the grass, it was starting to make me feel constricted now. His arm was constantly around me, claiming me in front of everyone. Whenever I tried to get away from him, he would follow my movements and attach himself to me, like a magnet. Once, I pushed his hand off me, hoping the message would sink in that way, but it didn't. Reno had reemerged from the rooms in the hull, along with Ollie, Rude, Reeve and Rufus. Ollie's look had been enough to tell me he didn't agree with my decision and couldn't wait to tell me so. I shook my head at him, warning him not to start, after which he had sat himself down with Rude and Reno, and was now leaning heads together with the red-head. Reno was no doubt giving Ollie an update, as they kept throwing angry glances my way. Ollie looked at me like I had betrayed him, and didn't move from Reno's side until the briefing started. Rufus was looking at me coldly, his pride no doubt hurt over the fact that I hated Genesis less than I hated him. Which wasn't true, by the way. I didn't like Rufus, but I didn't actually hate him. Even Cid kept looking at me strangely, like he didn't know who I was anymore. I found my only consolation in Vincent, who smiled at me whenever I looked his way. It seemed he was the only one still on my side. I felt like everyone else was against me now, and all I wanted to do was go somewhere and cry. The arm around me didn't comfort me in the least, it only made me feel more trapped. After Reeve concluded his talk with Tseng, he walked over to the middle of the deck to address us all.

"I have discussed the plan of approach with Shinra and Cid. I believe that Rufus and his Turks are most knowledgeable when it comes down to strategic assaults. We have four capable Turks who will head into Midgar shortly, along with Olliver. They will go ahead and scout for us, sweep the area, and clear a path to HQ. Once the operation commences, they will lead Vincent through secret passages towards the Shinra building and provide sniper cover. Reno grew up on the streets of Midgar. He will lead Vincent there safely. We have three SOLDIER in our midst, who will prove to be of utmost importance. Cloud will lead the ground assault with Tifa and Barret. Eden and Genesis will join them in the recapture of the city,"

Genesis pressed a kiss to my hand, almost making me roll my eyes. This touchy stuff was getting on my nerves. Then I wondered, had it been Reno, would I have cared? There was no real need to wonder. I would have swooned, had it been Reno. I ignored the voice in my head again and focused on Reeve's instructions.

"Cid will arrive with my fleet to lead the air assault. Vincent will be on board and will enter the city undetected. He will then proceed into the labs below Shinra HQ, and prevent Omega from being summoned."

"Eden will be joining me." Vincent suddenly said.

"What?" Genesis wondered out loud, looking at me in question.

I had no answers for him, this came as a surprise to me too, but I could guess what this was about.

"We have other plans for Eden, Vincent." Tseng explained calmly. "We need her on the ground, especially with those Tsviets around."

Vincent shook his head, not taking no for an answer. "Eden is the only one who can calm me when I lose control of Chaos. If I go alone... There will be no one to keep an eye one me. I need her with me."

I'd thought as much. As close as we were, he might not trust anyone else with this task. Also, there was no way of knowing whether anyone else would manage to calm him if needed. I didn't even know if I could do it again. Still, letting him go in there alone was a bad idea. If he lost control of Chaos, then we would lose the mission and potentially the world.

"I will go with Vincent." I nodded in agreement.

"That is far too dangerous," Genesis said to me, grabbing me by the arm to face him. "You will do no such thing. I forbid it."

Excuse me? Did he really just say that to me? Who was he to tell me what to do? No one told me what to do.

"Did he really just say that?" Ollie, who stood beside Reno asked the redhead. It seemed he was thinking along the same lines.

"Yup," Reno replied bemusedly, his arms crossed over his chest.

I narrowed my eyes at him, thinking he was enjoying himself a little too much. He looked me dead in the eye, not giving an inch. I brought my attention back to Genesis, who was still grabbing onto my arm in a controlling manner.

"Forbid it?" I asked him in a hiss. "Are you trying to tell me what to do?"

"Ooooh boy, he's in trouble now." Ollie chimed, not looking sorry for Genesis at all.

"I'd like a word outside." I said to Genesis, all but dragging him along behind me.

As soon as we were out of earshot, I reeled on him, a lot angrier than the situation called for. I blamed him for everything that was going wrong at the moment, even though I knew none of this was his fault. I needed someone to be mad at, someone to shout at, but I refrained myself from doing exactly that. It wasn't fair to treat him this way, but I couldn't help the feeling of frustration he brought out in me.

"I can't do this." That about summed it all up.

His eyes widened and he reached for me. Without thinking, I stepped back out of his reach, not wanting him to touch me anymore. He'd been touching me more than enough today.

"But, Eden-" He reached for me again, trying to catch hold of my hands.

"Don't," I slapped his hands away. Somewhere deep down, I felt sorry for him. My hatred for him had dimmed, and I appreciated the way he had become. But I couldn't help that I had no feelings for him whatsoever. I hadn't back then, when he had been my mentor and had already tried to win me, and I still didn't today, even though I had been willing to try. It simply wasn't going to happen. Not now, not ever. I wanted someone to love, and maybe he had been right that I might end up alone for the rest of my life, but the more I thought about it, the more certain I was; I'd rather be alone than unhappy. Until I found someone I loved who wanted me back, I would remain a lone wolf, no matter how long that would be. "I'm sorry, Genesis, but this isn't going to work."

Hurt washed over him, a vulnerability I had never seen in him before. He almost looked like a little boy, lost and confused. Then he straightened his back like the proud man he was. "I was created in perfection, Eden."

His words almost made me scream in frustration. Did he not understand that I didn't want all that? Yes, he was gorgeous and powerful, but he still didn't appeal to me the way Reno did. It didn't matter that Genesis was taller and more muscular, I didn't even care that he was a better warrior. I didn't love him. That was all there was to it. Genesis could never make me giddy and lightheaded with a single look, or make me feel so overcome with emotion that nothing else around me mattered. Part of me wished that he could, wished that he could make my heart beat faster every time I looked at him. It would make my life so much easier. But he didn't, and that was the sad truth. He wouldn't ever awaken that kind of reaction in me, no matter how perfect he was.

"I don't care about that," I almost cried, willing him to finally understand what I was saying. "You still don't get it do you?"

"I know you don't love me, but that can change!" He was becoming desperate again, begging for a chance the way he had done so many times before.

He'd gotten his chance, and now he wanted what? More time? And after that, even more time? I'd always known this wouldn't work, and forcing myself to be with him had been a bad idea, no matter how much my body had enjoyed his touch. My heart hadn't been in it to begin with. Not even during our episode outside.

"I've been trying to tell you for years, that it won't, Genesis. I will never."

"Am I too late again..?" He whispered in realization. "Is it... that Vincent character?"

I barked out a laugh. How did he even get that idea? Because he asked me to come with him? Because he'd said I was the only one able to calm him?

"Not even close." I replied.

"Then who?" He demanded, grabbing my face between his palms. I felt them shake with subdued emotion. "Does your heart belong to someone else?"

I looked at him, searching his eyes. Answering in all honesty could be dangerous. His hope had flared before, once Sephiroth was gone, claiming my heart was now his to capture. His sense of rivalry was dangerous, borderline deranged, but he was a changed man. For some reason, I trusted him more now than I had ever before. He was nothing more than a lonely man, forced to carry the burdens of his life alone. We were somewhat alike in that department. In the end, I decided on the truth, thinking he could handle it.

"Yes," I said honestly. I saw his eyes fill with emotion, spilling from his eyes like tears. Hurt and loss. I had crushed the very last of his hopes."It does," My voice almost cracked, feeling his pain. If Reno were to ever say something like this to me, that his heart belonged to someone else, I wasn't sure what I would do. I swallowed and pushed the sadness down. "I tried, but I can't do it. I'm not proud of myself Genesis. I'm sorry I did this to you. I thought this was what I wanted, but I..." I looked away from him, not wanting to say it out loud.

"Who is it, Eden?" I had already feared he'd want to know.

He always wanted to know, to see if he could change my mind, or take care of the hurdle in another way. Like say, challenge said someone to a dual. I would never let that happen.

"It doesn't matter," I shook my head in refusal. Telling him wouldn't solve anything for him, it would only make things worse. "What matters is that I will never want anyone else. It wouldn't be fair to you. I'd be with you but be thinking about someone else all the while. Is that what you want?" For a moment, I feared he would say yes, that he didn't care who I was thinking about as long as I was by his side. However, to my surprise, he didn't. His eyes had become darker, his jaw set.

"It is that Turk, is it not?" My lips parted in surprise, probably telling him all he needed to know. How he'd guessed, I didn't know, but maybe it was simply that obvious. Reno's attitude towards him had been awful to say the least. "Does he want you back?" He then asked me. His words flowed reluctantly, but there was also a hint of triumph in his voice.

My eyes narrowed at his tone. "No," I replied truthfully, feeling almost embarrassed about having to admit that.

It seemed that had been exactly what he was going for.

"How does that feel?" A bit of his old self shone through his cracked armor, telling me he hadn't changed as much as he'd led me to believe. His arrogance still got the better of him, and he couldn't help but feel victorious over the fact that he wasn't the only one suffering.

I bit my tongue and glared up at him, suddenly feeling less sorry for him. Still, I couldn't deny he'd hit the nail on the head with that question. It made me see that Genesis must be feeling exactly the way I was right now.

"You know how it feels." I answered him, refusing to tell him it felt like my heart had been torn from my chest and stomped on. The anger drained from his face, and his eyes lowered to the ground, a shadow of shame passing over his perfect features. I put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it in sympathy. "It feels like that." I whispered, finally understanding what he was going through. It made me feel even worse about myself. "I'm sorry, Gen," I said to him again when he closed his eyes in sorrow. "Believe me when I say I know what it's like. You know what the worst part is?" I scoffed thinking what a sad pair we were. "That I know I'm throwing my future away and I don't even care." Genesis remained silent for a long time, until he finally drew me into his chest and held me. Not the way a lover would, but the way a friend would. It seemed we had finally reached an understanding. "You are free to leave, if you want," I told him. "I understand you might not want to help anymore. I'm grateful you're here, but I know it is a lot to ask of you."

He released me, holding me at arms length. A pained look haunted his lovely eyes. "I'm still SOLDIER and I have my honor. After everything... I care nothing for the state of the world. However, you are a part of it. I said I would fight beside you, and I will, if only to protect you. I promised I would aid you in return for a chance. It might not have ended the way I wish, but I am a man of my word. We will part ways here, Eden." He pressed a kiss to the back of my hand. "Please understand that it is too difficult for me to be here. I shall fight alongside your friends on the ground. After that, we will never see each other again. I wish you all the best and happiness. May your wish, at least, come true." He stepped into me, cupped my cheek to tilt my head back and kissed me one last time. I almost wanted to cry at the pain he must be feeling, because I could relate. But I had to be strong, and maybe one day I would find someone to fill the void. When he pulled back, I saw nothing but resignation in his eyes, but it was more than I had hoped for. "Goodbye, Eden." With those final words, he pushed passed me and left me standing. "What are you looking at, Turk?" I heard his dismayed voice from further down the hallway. Panic gripped me, wondering why Reno was suddenly showing up everywhere I went. Was he spying on me? I was aware he was a spy, but this was laying it on a little thick, wasn't it? I closed my eyes in distress, feeling restless. How long had he been standing there? How much of our conversation had he witnessed? I heard his footsteps come closer from around the corner where he had no doubt been eavesdropping.

"Way to go," Reno spoke from behind my back, sounding more than a little amused. "That must've been the shortest relationship in history. Was that even an hour?"

What was he complaining about? Wasn't this what he wanted? He'd begged and tried to command me to not go ahead with Genesis, and now he was commenting on my decisions again. No matter what I did, I never seemed to do the right thing with him. What was he so upset about this time? That I hadn't listened to him? Was it still Rufus? Was it the foot he was about to get shoved up his ass? He must be in complete disarray with himself, and as always, he took it out on me, like I was the one to blame for that. For the first time in a long time, I wanted to hit him. I wanted to yell at him in a way I had never done before. I wanted him hurt, and destroyed. While praying for patience, I took a deep breath, refusing to face him. If I did, I knew for sure that someone was going to be in pain, and that someone wasn't me.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" I asked him, thinking those were the only acceptable words going through my head. Anything else would end up in a bloodbath.

"Yeah," He replied casually. "Last year or so."

I couldn't help but laugh at the madness of it all, and finally faced him. "You're such a fucking asshole, you know that? What do you want, anyway?"

"I do, yeah," He shrugged. "I was on my way to gear up with Rude, but I couldn't resist checking out this thick cloud of dread that was wafting down the hallway. You really have a way with people, don't ya?" He grinned, though it didn't sound like a joke to me. I didn't detect any anger with him, if anything, he seemed relieved, almost his old self. This pushing and pulling of his was beginning to piss me off. "Almost feel bad for the guy, if he wasn't such a douche."

"You're the douche!" I snapped at him, not caring who else heard the echo that traveled down the hall. Reno looked over his shoulder, but there was no one in sight. I didn't care if there had been. "All these years you've accused me of being a cold-hearted bitch -which I am and never denied-, but you-! You-!" I was at a loss for what he was, and I felt my face go red with anger. He seemed to be getting a little concerned, though he stood his ground. He would never run from me, of this I was sure. "You're impossible! Ignorant, stupid, cocky son of a bitch!" I yelled at him, and it was all I could do to keep myself from hitting him. He stared at me for a moment, eyebrows raised as he waited patiently for me to finish my assault. But I wasn't done yet. "You have no idea how Genesis feels, because you lack the ability to feel anything! You're more of a robot than even Sephiroth was! You call yourself a firecracker, well guess what, your heart is a bucket of ice!"

"Don't you dare-"

I knew what he was about to say, but I wouldn't let him. At least Sephiroth had never been afraid to tell me how he felt, he'd always been open with me about his thoughts. Reno was as closed off as a bar on Sunday morning.

"It's never occurred to you that maybe I have feelings too, has it?!" I waltzed right over him, never giving him a chance to say anything. "Whenever there's something bothering you, just take it out on me, why the hell not? Foxy can take it, can't she? Well, even I have a limit to what I can take, okay?! So you know what? You know what?! Fuck you! That's what! And not in a good way!" I was panting hard, my nails ripping into my gloves as I pressed them into my palms. It felt so damn good to finally let off some steam. I felt like I hadn't yelled at anyone in ages.

"First of all," Reno said calmly once he was sure I wouldn't start screaming again. "Don't ever- ever- compare me to him again," I blinked at him, not believing that was the first thing that was on his mind. I knew he hated being compared to Sephiroth, but I had wanted to hurt him by doing so. No one said I was a saint. "Secondly," He continued, still composed. "I just know you did that on purpose. Don't play dumb with me," He added when I opened my mouth to ask what he meant. "You know what I'm talkin' about," The kiss I gave Genesis. That's what he was talking about. I knew that would come back to bite me in the ass. He had it coming though. "And lastly, and maybe most importantly, I do have feelings. Like the feeling that someone has been pulling off shit behind my back and is trying very hard to keep me from finding out. Fair enough, you think you deserve a chance to explain before I judge you. Fine, I'm okay with that. Tell me what's going on between you and Rufus."

My breath caught in the back of my throat, unprepared for the sudden interrogation. Could this be salvaged? I'd blamed him for not asking, but now that he was... I wasn't so sure it was a good idea to tell him. Especially not now. "What are you talking about? There's noth-" It seemed trying to deny it was no use, his lips parted in a disbelieving chuckle.

"I thought we kinda had this silent but mutual agreement going on that we wouldn't lie to each other," He was beginning to sound angry, demanding the truth from me that he knew I was keeping from him. "I've never lied to you and you know it. Are you gonna start now?" He was right about that. I had a way with evasions and he had a way with keeping things from me, but we had never lied to each other. I stared at the floor for a moment, ashamed and hurt that I had to do this to him. All I had wanted to do was protect him from the truth. He might be devastated if he knew he couldn't trust me anymore. My gaze traveled away from him, knowing there was no way around this secret anymore. "Want me to yell at you now?" He asked me. "Call you a heartless bitch and a liar?"

I braced myself. "If you want," I said softly, not knowing what else to say. I deserved it if he wanted to. "You're entitled to."

His eyes widened in surprise for a moment, telling me he hadn't expected me to simply admit. "Just tell me what's going on, Foxy," He replied impatiently. I was glad he decided not to yell at me. "I know you didn't sleep with him, you despise him too much for that," Thanks for the vote of confidence. "Though it shouldn't surprise me," He then added. "You're into cold hearted and powerful guys, so...Rufus fits that bill, all right."

Once again, that harshness of his was showing, his ever present line of defense. He couldn't resist a sneer. I wanted to snap at him for being such a bastard, but I swallowed my words and closed my eyes. In the past, snapping at him had only made things worse for us. It was about time I learned that. There was a reason we were right where we were.

I bit my lip and waited for myself to calm down. "I guess I deserved that one for lying to you." I confessed after some time, catching him by surprise again. "I didn't sleep with him, no, not in a million years."

"Kinda expected that," He said truthfully, his eyes gleaming with mirth. "I'm pretty confident you'd have picked my bed over his, if that last sample is any indication." My lips parted indignantly, thinking he had absolutely no shame. We were standing in the middle of an HQ hallway, having an argument and he chose this time to become completely brazen again. It did however tell me that we were all right for now. "What'd he do?" He then asked me in all seriousness, the joy fading from his eyes. "He's my boss and my friend, but I know he's a bastard too. He tried something, didn't he?" There was no reluctance in his voice, only acceptance. He stood still, hands at his sides, his face set as if he were ready for anything. I realized he'd expected the worst. He'd prepared himself to hear that I did sleep with Rufus, and he'd told himself to deal with it. "C'mon, Foxy. I know you kept this from me. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I ain't no idiot either." I shook my head, wanting to argue with him over that. After all, he was smart and sassy. Sometimes, he didn't give himself enough credit. Let's forget for a moment I called him stupid not five minutes ago. "There had to be a reason he wanted me outta Whiterun. Sure, he had a good point sayin' that I was slacking, since everybody else seems to think so, but I know that ain't all there is to it. Tell me, babe."

I took a deep breath and sagged against the wall, leaning my head back and looking up at the lights on the ceiling. Maybe now was the right time to come clean. Would it anger him? Would it ruin his friendship, even his job? "Remember the other night, when I said I had a nightmare?"

He grinned, shoving his hands into his pockets. "When Ollie tried to fend it off with a bat?" He rolled his eyes as if that had been the dumbest idea ever. "Yeah, I remember."

"It wasn't a nightmare," I admitted, thinking he already suspected that by now. "He was trying to fend off Rufus." I fell silent, not knowing what else to say or how to say it.

Maybe he got the gist without me having to spell it out for him, but he usually wasn't that fast to catch on to such things. Luckily it seemed this time, he did, saving me a lot of embarrassment.

"So I set a trend, huh?" Was all he said, but it actually made me laugh. I couldn't stop the sound from escaping me, despite my unease. It seemed he knew exactly what I meant. "I'm gonna go on a hunch here and assume you destroyed him."

He seemed a little too excited at the idea, telling me that, yes, he was angry with Rufus. He just didn't want to show it. I wish I had destroyed Rufus for his boldness. I had been too shocked to do much more than push him out of bed and throw a boot at him. A freaking boot. Way to go, Eden. And that was after I'd let him have his way with me for five minutes. Gods, the mortification.

"No," I corrected him flatly, thinking I might as well give him the whole story. "I actually thought he was you."

He seemed taken aback for a moment, probably wondering if that meant what he thought it meant. "Thanks for the invitation, I guess." He then smirked, making me think I had missed that look on him.

"He didn't say anything," I continued, outwardly ignoring his statement, but almost choking on my own saliva. "I'd get more response from kissing a rubber duck. That's when I knew he wasn't-," I broke off before embarrassing myself even more. "I kicked his ass out of bed."

Reno snorted, trying to hold in the laugh that threatened to escape him, and only half succeeding. "Are you sayin' I ain't as dispassionate as a rubber duck?"

That was exactly what I was saying. I could say a lot of bad things about him, and I did often enough, but if there was one thing he was, it was passionate. My heart beat faster only thinking about it. Still, he was having a bit too much fun with this conversation, and wasn't nearly as upset as he should be. If anything, he seemed to be getting happier by the second.

"I'll take the duck." I folded my arms over my chest, hoping this conversation was now over and done with.

"What did I tell ya about lying to me, Foxy?" His confidence rattled me a bit, as it always did. Even after all this time, I wasn't used to his effortless come-backs. I suddenly felt a little heated, and I jammed my hands between the wall and my back awkwardly, trying to get rid of my sweaty palms. When I didn't answer, he shook his head in amusement. "You get into trouble even when you're not doing anythin'."

That right there was the story of my life. I never asked for any of this.

"So, what are we gonna do about Rufus?" I asked him, changing the subject back to the problem at hand. "He kind of declared me his personal conquest, and we both know he's not used to not having his way. I doubt he knows the meaning of the word 'no'."

Footsteps sounded down the hall, and Elena came running around the corner. She wasn't dressed in her neat suit any longer, instead, she wore black cargoes and a black tee. There were weapons strapped to a belt around her hips and she was sporting comfortable looking black lace up boots.

"There you are!" She panted. "I've been looking for you. We're leaving, let's go!" She clapped her hands impatiently, waiting for Reno to get a move on. "And you still gotta change!"

"Yeah, hold on," He said to her carelessly, before addressing me again. "It makes no difference, you ain't interested, so nothing's changed." I could only hope that meant that we were going back to the way we were before, but I feared it didn't. "I gotta go, they're waiting for me. I'll see ya in Midgar. Don't worry, we'll get you guys in there, you just worry about Vince." He spun on his heels and started down the hall after Elena, who'd gone back the way she came. Then he seemed to change his mind and paused, looking at me over his shoulder. "And babe, don't swap spit with someone when I'm lookin', got it?"