A/N: Thank you Lumina and ATK1734! Your reviews really give me life! XD I might just go for a double upload today. Anyway, here's chapter six. Hope you enjoy!

CHAPTER VI.

Getting Closer

Lightning

As we walked over to the group that was loading their luggage in Tseng's silver Lexus, I couldn't help but feel slightly out of place. Reno had said it was fine, but I wasn't sure if they would appreciate a part-timer tagging along on their personal trip.

"Give me a sec," the redhead smiled at me, strolling over casually to Tseng. Their conversation was happening too far for me to overhear, but Tseng threw his gaze over at me quickly before returning his attention to Reno and nodded.

Reno flashed me a thumbs up and I figured it was okay for me to go with them in the end.

"You're coming too?" The blonde intern watched me stand there with a look of surprise. "No stuff…?" She noticed my lack of baggage.

"She's only coming for the fresh air," Reno emphasized and I snorted. "How are we doing this?" He looked around as Elena pointed towards Tseng's car.

"Dibs on the boss' car!" She cried out and Reno exchanged a smirk with Rude.

"Sure thing. Alright Rude my dude, you're driving." Reno grabbed another set of keys from the office entrance and threw them at the baldie called 'Rude.' I still can't believe someone can be named that…

"Why am I driving? I can just hitch a ride with you." Rude answered in a laid back voice.

"Um, get a hint?" Reno pointed towards me. It was not as incognito as I think he imagined it and I felt bad for Rude having to drive all the way because Reno wanted alone time with me.

"This is totally unnecessary," I remarked as we walked over to his car. It was a black Land Rover. And it was roomy enough for all of us.

Reno held the door open for me and I climbed in. "It's fine. I'm taking every chance I am getting with you." He said with an arrogant smile. I only answered with a humph as I put on my seatbelt.

Tseng reversed and stuck his hand out the window to signal us, before driving off ahead. Reno and I followed suit, with Rude's white Prius trailing behind us.

"How long is the drive?" I asked as I fiddled with the radio.

"Some two odd hours," Reno replied, resting comfortably in the driving seat. He held the steering wheel loosely with one hand, tapping his knee rhythmically with the other. I kept my eyes ahead on the road, saying nothing. The car ride was silent for a while, until Reno spoke.

"So…." he started but didn't continue.

"So." I repeated, idly staring out of the window.

"Let's play ten questions to kill time," he suggested and I yawned lightly. I didn't feel comfortable just dozing off in his car, so I agreed with a nod.

"You first," I said, observing the city scenery passing by.

"What's your favorite color?" Reno asked, tilting his head as he checked the side mirror, overtaking another car.

"Black," I answered without much thought. "Favorite animal?" I asked, glancing at the rearview mirror to find Rude driving calmly behind us still.

"Chocobos for sure." He looked over to me. "You've never seen one right?"

I only nodded in response. "Was that your question?"

"No no," he drummed his fingers against the steering wheel lightly. "Hmm, what's your type of guy?"

I rolled my eyes. Somehow I knew he'd ask me something like this. A vision of cerulean blue eyes and blonde spikes flashed before my eyes and I shook my head to bury the image right back wherever it came from. "Uh…" I stalled, thinking.

What am I even doing here….

My eyes traveled back to Reno. He was whistling a tune absentmindedly as he kept his eyes on the road. The red haired guy with a contagious smile. He was a real professional when it came to work, but a hopeless flirt otherwise. But earlier, he had been neither of those. He had been there for me, a little more than what just a colleague would have done.

"Me?" His joke brought me out of my thoughts.

"In your dreams," I responded. "Pass," I replied when I was unable to think of anything.

"Not fair," he protested but decided to let it go as he waited for my question. "Same question," I relaxed a little in my seat, crossing my legs.

"Hmm…" he said in a mock shy voice, "I don't know. Rude is hot for a bald dude but Tseng's the real pretty boy."

I chuckled loudly. "You know what I meant. Your type of girl," I readied myself for another goofy response as the car slowly came to a stop in the parking lot of a rest area.

Reno turned off the engine and turned to face me. "You."

I don't know why my cheeks heated up at that stupid comment.

A 'humph' escaped me and his lips stretched into a playful smile but he said nothing. "Smoke break, do you want something?" He said as he exited the car. Rude had parked in the spot next to us. I could see Tseng's car parked a few spaces away.

"Yeah, I'll come along," I said, undoing my seatbelt and getting out of the car. I did a stretch before making my way to the cafe. There was a long queue, so it took me a while.

I returned with five cups of coffee. Reno was still smoking, but the others were just lounging near him.

"Uh, thanks for letting me tag along," I mumbled nervously. "I don't know what you guys drink, so I got black coffee for everyone."

Surprisingly the blonde intern smirked at me and was the first to take the drink from my hands. "Hey, thanks Farron. I really needed it."

Rude and Tseng just nodded in thanks as they took their drinks. Reno put out the cigarette before throwing it in the ashtray. "Thanks Farron," he took the coffee from me and popped the lid open, taking a long sip.

"Ah, sweet nectar of the gods," he exaggerated and all of them grinned in his direction.

Reno walked over to my side and held the door open for me as I climbed in, placing my coffee in the cup holder on my side. After closing my door shut, he walked around the front and jumped into the driver's seat.

"You know, you don't have to do that every time-" I started but he interrupted me, a little serious in his tone.

"Yes I do, Farron."

I decided to let it go. Compared to Hope and the other boys I hung out with, Reno felt more like a grown up. Sure, he was a weirdo, but I guess he was reliable in his own way. Reno took a sip of his coffee as he drove, keeping one hand on the steering wheel.

"My turn," he said suddenly and I remembered we were still playing the dumb game. "Your first kiss?"

Are all the questions going to be about dating?!

"Haven't had it yet," I replied honestly and he almost spat out his coffee, looking at me like I was from outer space.

"What?" I demanded angrily, crossing my arms across my chest. "I have been in the military since I was 15. No time for dating."

"Hey hey, don't worry, I ain't judging," he set down his cup as he sped up. I continued to glare at him for a while before asking.

"Favorite activity?"

"Sleep," he replied almost instantly. This response lightened the tense air, and I felt myself smirking. Somehow it really fit his image.

"Yours?" He returned and I replied instantly as well. "Running."

"Wow...running, huh? Maybe we can go for a run sometime." He offered but I snorted.

"Do you even exercise? You don't look like the type." Reno seemed like he couldn't care less about anything.

"Why, want me to show you how much I work out?" He teased, one of his hands unbuttoning his half open button-down shirt further.

"No thanks," I forced myself to look away, even though I was mildly curious.

"Is your hair naturally pink?" There it comes. I shrugged, drinking my coffee. "Yep, a lot of people ask me that. But yes, I was born with it."

"Hmm…." Reno mused as he waited for my question. "Best friend?" I asked randomly.

"That one's easy, Rude." He replied as he turned up the heater. Somehow he had noticed I was cold. I didn't know Reno was that observant.

"Thanks," I mumbled but he gave me one of his carefree smiles. "Yours?"

Glancing out of the window, all I saw were flashes of a small town. We had passed by the city and there was actual physical distance between myself and…

Cloud.

If I had to pick a good friend, it would be Cloud. We spent less time together compared to others, but our time was always meaningful. So many things could be conveyed between us in silence, or with one look.

But a best friend was different.

"Serah," I replied, earning a confused look from Reno. "My younger sister," I clarified as he nodded.

"Mini-Farron huh? I'd love to meet her," he said casually.

"I am trying to keep her away from creepy older guys." I focused on the radio and Reno actually laughed at my snide comment.

"Ha-ha!" He enunciated both words, yawning slightly. I guess even the coffee wasn't helping.

"Want me to drive?" I offered out of courtesy but he shook his head. "Nah, you just sit tight and be spoiled, Farron. I'll do the grunt work."

It was impossible to understand how this guy's brain worked.

"Where do you go when you're lonely?" He asked out of nowhere. He was serious now as he looked ahead, no trace of a smile. There was the same mature look on his face that I had seen last night.

"High places," I found myself answering him, even though I would usually hesitate.

"Where do you go when you're happy?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the somber subject.

"There aren't many places like that for me." His response was a bit shocking. I glanced over to him, observing his now troubled turquoise eyes. I recognized the expression in them. I made that same expression when I was recalling something painful.

I debated with myself whether to say something, but ended up staying quiet. After a while, Reno spoke. "What happened last night?"

This question was even more surprising than the last. I looked at him reluctantly. He stole a few looks my way, lips easing into a smile. "You don't have to tell me. But think about it. I am just a coworker. I am not even in your friend group .Telling me is easy, hassle free, no drama." He added the last part in an advertising voice.

I chuckled, resting my head against the car window.

"I like someone." It had been easier to admit to myself in the presence of someone else. "I didn't even know I liked him until last night. But I probably like him, I think," I added with some uncertainty.

"But-?" Reno inquired further and I continued after a long pause.

"He's already dating someone...my friend."

Reno looked at me like it was the most natural thing ever. His turquoise eyes were full of surprise. "Don't tell me….you were torturing yourself over something like that?"

I didn't understand his reaction. "What?" I asked, turning sideways to face him.

His eyes traveled between mine and the road ahead. "Maybe you don't want him but what he has." Reno suggested, decreasing the speed so he could look at me more often. "You said you've never dated right? Why don't you try dating a few people. And in the end if you still want to be with him, then it's more than a silly, fleeting crush."

I considered what he had said. It was true in more than one way.

I hadn't felt bothered before when either Cloud or Tifa spoke to me about the other. Only when I saw them together did I feel this...strange sensation in my chest. Maybe there was a way to stay friends with both of them. Ignoring Cloud was only making me think more about him. Maybe I just needed more...experience. Just like training with a new weapon until you've mastered it. I was new to the dating and - I shuddered - love arena. So maybe all I needed was understanding the feelings growing in me, instead of repressing them.

"And you know, I am always available." Reno added after what seemed like a long silence. I shook my head.

"Still a no," I smirked and Reno sped up, shrugging with "...Well, a man's gotta try."

The rest of the drive was quiet. The slow piano music lulled me into a sleep. I felt a warm touch on my cheek. My eyes flew open to meet turquoise ones.

"Farron, we're here," he said gently in a voice above a whisper. I shook the sleep off, feeling guilty for having dozed off at some point.

It was still early afternoon. Luckily, the day was clear with blue skies and zero cloud cover. It was colder up here in the mountains, but orange, yellow and red colors came together beautifully, replacing what was probably endless green in the summer. Birds chirped happily as they hopped from branch to branch, some of them floating in the sky - at complete ease. I took a deep breath. The air was different alright, lighter, cleaner.

I saw the others already in the lobby and they waved at us when we walked in. It seemed that we were staying in a wooden log house/cottage. "Well, we are renting the whole place so feel free to take a nap whenever you like," Tseng spoke as he received the keys from the caretaker and handed us each one copy. "Let's get lunch first." All of us just nodded.

We ate in the restaurant next to the cottage. It was run by an old couple and the food was insanely good. I munched happily on my beef bowl, the warmth washing over me on this otherwise cold day.

"Foodie, huh?" Elena spoke from next to me.

"Yeah, my guilty pleasure I guess," I replied and she let out a giggle. Somehow she was being a little nicer to me than usual.

Lunch itself was very lively. Rude spoke a lot more with Reno around and I could see why Reno considered them as best friends. The older man was very attentive to the redhead, and I found it amusing when he would refill Reno's water glass silently when Reno was engaged in conversation with other people.

"So, Farron. Have you considered joining us after you graduate?" Tseng spoke, snatching my attention away from my silent amusement.

"Uh…"

"You're already recruiting her?" Even Rude seemed surprised.

Tseng only looked at me with a straight face. "We are a private security agency and our main job is catering to elite clients. We have been doing campus security for a while, but once our contract is over we will go back to our old business." He explained as I took a sip of my tea. "Of course," he continued as the others listened intently, "you do not have to decide immediately. You are welcome to work part-time as long as you like, and if you are still interested, just fill out a letter of intention before you graduate. It is a formality, not legally binding."

"Boss, don't spring this up on an innocent part-timer. She came along to relax," Reno complained but Tseng just held his hand up to the male.

"I am just making an offer to a promising candidate. We are always looking for strong members. And I believe Lightning will be an excellent addition to our team. That is all."

I nodded twice. "Thanks, I'll think about it." I responded, taking another bite of my food. The gang returned to chatting about general topics and I felt my thoughts drifting off again…

Security work was comfortable, something I knew how to do well. It wouldn't be a bad idea to work for these guys in the long run. Judging by their cars, this job paid well. I would be able to support Serah as well, if she wanted to continue her studies or start a business like she had always wanted. This way I could also major in something random and get away with it. My eyes wandered aimlessly until I noticed Reno was looking at me very intently over the table. I immediately looked away.

When lunch was over, we all did a little stretching. We idled around the lounge, just relaxing for a few hours, until Rude suggested hiking to explore the area. The hike was long, tiring but beautiful. There were not many clear paths, so we went through some jungle territory to make our way to the peak.

When we reached the peak it was a little after 4 pm. I fell back into the carpet of autumn leaves, panting with my eyes closed.

"Some hike, huh?" Elena said as I snapped my eyes open.

"Oh, hey," I propped myself on my elbows as I enjoyed the scenery. What a view it was…. Being up here made the painful feeling in my chest leave momentarily, returning the clarity I had lost back to me.

Leaves rustled in the wind, with no sounds except our feet against the terrain and small critters hiding in the grass. The hike down took an hour and we were back by 5 pm.

"The sun will go down soon, should we go into the hot springs?" Rude asked after taking a big swig of his water.

"Yes, let's." Elena stretched, grabbing the bathhouse keys from the reception. "Coming?" She shot in my direction.

"Right," I nodded. If I knew we were hiking I would have brought at least a clean shirt.

Just then something flew my way and I caught it in front of my face. I looked at the object in my hand. It was a black hoodie, with the words 'Turks' in front.

"It's mine. It's clean, so use it if you like." Reno waved at me as he zipped up his bag.

I nodded in thanks as I followed the blonde haired girl. We took a shower - I let her go first - and settled quietly into the hot water. Elena and I sat in silence, relaxing quietly with no intention to bother the other. As I sunk into the warmth, I felt all my muscles soaking up the pleasure.

Ah…. This was so nice.

Why hadn't I ever done this before?

After a while, the bath next to us - which was separated only by a stone wall - became rowdy. Male laughter echoed, followed by a loud splash.

"Man is this nice or what?!" I heard Reno's playful voice, followed by a grunt from Rude and a "yes" from Tseng.

"I wonder if the girls are okay. It's awfully quiet," Rude's voice was heard and I held my finger up to my lips as I stared directly at Elena. She had opened her mouth to say something, but she bit down on her lip and nodded in understanding.

"So, Tseng," Reno started as we listened in from our side. "Are you just playing dumb or not interested?"

Elena's cheeks flushed as she looked down at the water.

"I am interested," both our eyes widened in response and I saw Elena touch her cheeks to calm herself down.

Ah, she liked Tseng.

I chuckled, watching the ice cold girl melt over three words. This is what it felt like to be in love, huh?

"I am thinking of taking her out to dinner, actually," he added and I had to cover my mouth with my hand so I didn't burst out laughing as Elena was containing her squeals. She had almost jumped in joy.

"What about you?" Tseng returned to Reno.

"What-what about me?" He returned in a sing-song voice.

"You invited Farron today." Rude added. Reno made a stretching sound. "Nah, that's not about- I just thought she needed a break." He replied and I was grateful that he didn't share the details of our conversation with the rest of the group.

"I just thought she needed a break," Rude and Tseng repeated in unison and I held back a chuckle.

"What?" Reno spat angrily, "It's true. Plus, I don't think she'll ever go out with me." He said in a deflated voice. I was surprised by his sudden lack of confidence with the others, considering his arrogance and flirtatiousness when we were together.

"You're saying there is a girl on this planet that you can't charm?" Tseng asked in a flat voice. It was the same voice he used for issuing orders.

"Yep, guess there is one. The one that got away," Reno joked and the others laughed. "But it's fine. I like her and that's enough for me."

Like….Reno actually liked me?

This revelation shook me slightly. I thought he was flirting with me like he was flirting with everyone else.

"You actually like her?" Rude asked in an incredulous tone. I guess this was also news for the others.

"Yeah…" Reno replied without delay. "I do. A lot."

"Wow," Rude exclaimed and they were all quiet for a while. When they switched topics to something else and were at their loudest, I quietly signaled towards Elena and we both sneaked out of the bath.

We changed into fresh clothes. I noticed that the back of the hoodie said 'Reno' in bold letters. Elena was wearing an identical one with her name on it in the back. "We all one," she filled me in.

We hung out in the lobby, waiting for the guys. I took this chance to talk to her. "Hey, so…" I started awkwardly, earning a curious look from the blonde. "I have noticed you don't really like me. Or at least you act that way." I continued, "...But it will get in the way of our work if we can't work as a team. So if I did something to piss you off, just know that it wasn't intentional." I finished and Elena looked at me in awe.

"W-wow…" her cheeks turned a deep red as she looked away. "You are really straightforward."

I looked away too, feeling awkward. Maybe I should have phrased that differently?

She startled me by adding, "I am the one who should be sorry. When you were recruited, Tseng took such an extraordinary interest in you...I felt jealous and kinda took it out on you."

I snapped my head in her direction. This really skilled, beautiful girl was jealous of me?

"But you know, I was being unfair. Even if Tseng liked you, I should have been professional and thought about the team like you did just now. I am really embarrassed…"

"Hey, don't be-" I tried but she cut me off.

"Can I just say one thing, now that everything's in the clear?" She smiled at me. I nodded, encouraging her to go ahead.

"You know, Reno looks like this airhead who doesn't want to do anything, doesn't really care about anyone, right?" She asked and I hesitated before nodding, "...well, in the short time I have known them, I learned very quickly that it's a ruse. It's fine if you're not interested in him. But can you reject him once and for all? Don't lead him on."

I opened my mouth to speak but couldn't say anything. Elena added shyly, "He's really into you."

Before I could answer, or even process what had been said, the guys came out, each wearing the identical hoodie except Reno, who had lent me his. He was wearing black straight boot cut pants with a full sleeved, baggy black shirt. His messy hair was somewhat tamed and still wet.

"Hey girls, sorry we took a while. Ready to go back?" Tseng asked in and we both nodded. "Rude is re-fueling the cars, so we can head out as soon as he comes back."

I wanted to give them two a moment, so I threw a smirk at Elena - who blushed in response - and made my way to the front porch. Reno was there, leaning against the cool wooden wall, staring up at the starry sky. It was very lowly lit with only one lantern hanging outside, and nothing except the stars that illuminated the sky. He lit up his cigarette, inhaling deeply. Noticing me approaching, he reached for the ashtray to kill it but I told him, "...It's fine, go ahead."

He smiled at me in thanks, his eyes scanning my clothing. "Suits you. Maybe one day you'll get your own."

I crossed my arms and leaned next to him. "Yeah, maybe I will." Stars were spread over in abundance and I watched them shine like little gems scattered against a dark background.

"Did coming out here help?" He asked and I nodded, still observing the vast sky.

"I kind of ran away, but it helped me understand what I need to do when I get back," I admitted honestly.

It was easy to cut off Cloud, Tifa, everyone without an explanation. That's what the old me would have done without thinking twice. But I wasn't the same person now. They had all touched me, made room in my heart, went past my defenses and entered my solitary life somehow in this short span of time. The least I could do was not deny my feelings and run away. I didn't know how it was going to work out, and I wasn't even sure what my feelings were, but I had to at least try.

And Reno had been incredibly helpful in figuring all of this out.

Before I could say my thanks, Rude's voice called out.

"Cars are ready, boss!"

"Aye!" Reno called out, motioning me to follow him with a jerk of his neck.

The ride back was alright. Thankfully he was done with the annoying ten questions, so Reno and I talked about music, and he shared his very unique taste. His music taste was not bad, and I enjoyed his recommendations. He told me he also played the guitar, which he promised to 'show off' one day.

When we got back, we all ordered in and ate at the office. After cleaning, we locked up the office.

"Rude, Reno, I need you for some private business. Elena, you're off."

Reno groaned as he locked the front door. "I am going to walk Lightning back, so whatever it is, it needs to wait," he said authoritatively and I was surprised to find Tseng completely fine with it.

"That is fine," he responded as Elena did a final wave to us. Rude also nodded at us before following the other two in the opposite direction.

"You don't have to walk me back," I glared at him, though I found myself being softer than before.

"Like I said before, I do," he insisted and I gave up. We did not talk much during our walk to the girl's dormitory. Stopping at the entrance, Reno pulled out a keycard. "I live in the senior dorms by the north gate. This is an empty single on my floor. I borrowed it from the office , and you can have it," he opened my palm and placed the card inside, closing my fingers around it. "You know, if you need it. Just so you know you have a place to go to."

The wind blew against his wet hair and I chuckled. This man never ceased to surprise me. He was really good at taking care of people, but neglected himself.

"You could have dried your hair," I smirked but his hand reached out to hold a strand of my hair between his fingers. He felt it gently.

"Your hair's wet too, Farron," he challenged. I don't know why I felt my heart speed up. My eyes widened at the alien feeling, and I could see his cheeks take on a darker color as well.

"Lightning?" I turned around to find Cloud and Tifa standing in front of us.

A/N: This whole chapter is Lightning's POV. It was really hard to write and I don't think I did a good job, but I wanted to make some progress between her and Reno ^^ Next chapter will be mainly Cloud and the gang. Thank you for reading!