Usual Disclaimers Apply.
Thanks for the comments!
"Playing With Fire"
Reno looked at his traveling companion in slight amusement. She looked as if she was going to be sick...correction, she was. He chuckled as the girl groaned when the Highwind began landing. "Come on sugar, just a little more."
Yuffie ignored Reno as she closed her eyes and prayed for the whole thing to be over.
Soon enough, the Highwind came to a halt, and she was home. Wutai.... /I'm never going to live this one down... never..../
"You ready?"
She looked up at Reno, the idiot with a smirk on his face and almost vomited. She heard Reno make a sound of disgust, which she ignored.
Reno sighed as he looked down on the girl who survived a meeting with Sepiroth. She just stayed in her seat, still looking sick. /Is this thing really worth eighty thousand gil?/
She hasn't changed much, still the same chick with the legs. Hell, it looked as if she was going to stay in that height and in that body for the rest of her life. His thoughts were interrupted as Yuffie stood up. She didn't say a word but just motioned for him to follow.
When the door opened, Reno looked around in surprise. /Wutai has an official landing strip?/
Yuffie saw the look of surprise in his eyes as they began to walk, Wutai was beginning to prosper, and if Godo made all the right decisions, their land would rise back to it's former glory before the war. She felt proud at what her people have accomplished, and how they've worked hard, and while they didn't trust the presence of Reeve a year back, they trusted the fact that she, Lady Kisaragi trusted him. As they continued walking through the town, there were excited whispers among the crowd as they saw their Lady's companion. Reno looked in amusement as the people bowed before Yuffie, which she answered with a bright smile, and a wave.
Wutai was a hell lot better than before. He admired the newly built building, the architecture in the classic Wutai style. The place definitely has potential, but it doesn't seem to want to loose its image. Children were laughing, running around in circles, and the local market seemed to be filled with tourists and locals alike. A big smile formed in his face when he saw the many women that passed by. Yuffie just rolled her eyes and elbowed Reno.
"Now's the time to pull that fiancé crap."
He smirked as he took his shades off. "Jealous, honey?"
The young ninja glared at Reno. "Don't let this get into your head. Remember, it wasn't as if you were my first choice."
He nodded. "I know, I know... I was your only choice..."
"You weren't listening. You were my 'last' choice. I wouldv'e asked Vinnie, but that guy's gone into hiding. I've contacted him with the PHS but no reply. I don't have enough time to look for him if I didn't know where to go. If I was positive about where he was..."
"But your not sure?"
She shook her head. "I called the others to see if they've talked to him or something, and Red said he mentioned something about wandering around for a while..."
Reno just shrugged and they continued walking. "How long till we get there?"
"Not long. You'll be staying in the guest villa. You'll sort of have the place all to your self."
"Sort of?"
Yuffie grinned. "You have to share it with someone, but I'm sure you won't mind."
"Who?"
She looked up at him and gave a sly smile. "Secret! Come on, it's just around the corner!" Yuffie didn't wait for him and started walking faster. He shook his head, thinking if he did make the right decision, but hell, who knows? He needed a vacation anyway.
"So, tell me about this other guy?" He asked as Yuffie entered a small alley. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"His name's Alec Kittani, comes from an old clan that left Wutai years ago, He's probably as old as you, he's what... 24 or 25 I think. He's actually trying to compete with Shinra, but with Reeve, they have no chance... which is why he probably wants this marriage." She explained as they went inside a building. She walked up the stairs as she continued. "They've been trying to experiment with mako reactors, which is another reason why I don't like that asshole, I mean hello, I was in AVALANCHE! I helped in the destruction of those stupid reactors!"
"I know, I was there." Reno muttered dryly.
Yuffie ignored him as she opened a door with her key and stepped inside. "Their company is called Kitani Corporation. Not only are they attempting to experiment with the reactors, he's also into business corporations and such..."
Reno glanced around the room. It wasn't like his apartment, but he wasn't about to complain either. "Maybe you just need to give this guy a chance...
"One, he wants to fiddle with those reactors, which you very well know I disagree with. Two, he already gave me a brief list of what he actually expects of me when I marry him, and that includes getting stuck inside the house playing good wife, hell no! Number three,
he has made it known to me that he thinks the time that I spent with AVALANCHE was a waste of time, and last but not the least, he never, not once said anything about loving me."
Reno walked towards the window and admired the view. "You can see the palace from here. We uh... I have to... to present you to Godo tonight,"
He took out a cigarette, which Yuffie quickly intercepted. "No smoking."
Reno took back the cigarette, and because of their height difference, managed to light it up, much to Yuffie's annoyance. "See the garden path? That will take you directly to the palace grounds. Someone will meet you to take you inside."
He nodded as he exhaled, and Yuffie suddenly felt awkward. "Anyway, I have to go.
Dinner at seven, dress nice and I'll see you soon."
Reno watched as she walked away. "Hey, you gonna tell your daddy I'm a Turk?"
"That's what you are, right? Why? You want me to say something else?"
"No. He might have a problem with his little girl engaged to a Turk."
Yuffie shrugged. "His problem, not mine. Vinnie was a Turk and he's a good guy now, besides... you're one of the good guys now, right?" She didn't wait for a reply as she walked out of his temporary home.
"You're too naive for your own good, pest..." Reno said softly before throwing the cigarette away.
***
Yuffie looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. /Reno's a professional, for eighty thousand gil, he'd better do this right!/
She decided to stick with a simple black dress that Tifa picked up for her when they were shopping. After complaining to her friend that she's got nothing to wear for all those official functions that she has to attend, Tifa helped her out. The dress was long, and backless, and a little of shoulder. It was either this or the other black dress that shouldn't have bothered with a skirt because of the length of the side split. This one however was what Yuffie wanted. Plain, and simple. There was no point with the other type of dresses that would show off one's assets, as Yuffie had already accepted, that she had none.
She took her glance way from the mirror when she heard a knock on her door.
"Showtime!"
She smiled as Ayami; one of the family servants greeted her. "You look really beautiful tonight, Lady. He's perfect for you!"
The two of them walked to the visitor's hall where she would meet Reno. "He's here?"
Ayami nodded. "Your father's there too. Seems he can't wait to see this secret man you've hidden for so long!"
Yuffie tried to smile. /I am going to die!/.
She walked alone as Ayami bowed and walked to her quarters. She could hear voices, Reno, and her father. She stopped behind one of the marble pillars and never noticed that she held her breath when she saw Reno. Wearing a black suit, he looked immaculate, with his red hair tied neatly behind the nape of his neck. There was no sign of his sunglasses, and yet even from afar, she could detect the nightstick safely hidden in his jacket. His tall frame was relaxed, and yet alert at the same time, and he was talking with ease, while her father still regarded him with suspicion. Closing her eyes, she smoothed her hair, which was tied half up, decorated with a simple white flower, to contrast with her black dress.
Reno turned around and saw Yuffie walking towards them. /About time, wondered how long she was going to hide.../ He was unprepared to see the girl he once considered as an enemy walking gracefully towards him, there was nothing special about the dress she was wearing, and yet...
"Yuffie, I hope you don't mind, I was telling Keno..."
"Reno." Yuffie and Reno corrected him at the same time.
Lord Godo cleared his throat. "Yes, Reno. I was just telling him about the party Alec Kitani has thrown on the Golden Arches..."
"I didn't know about that."
He nodded. "Well yes, you left before he could invite you." He stopped as he looked at Yuffie, then at Reno. "He told me you met when you were with AVALANCHE?"
He looked with slight disapproval before turning away. "Very well, we will talk about this later. Alec is waiting."
Yuffie waited until her father was far away enough before they followed. "What did you talk about?"
Reno shrugged. "He wanted to know what a man like me could offer you."
Yuffie stopped in her tracks. "What?"
Reno continued walking and Yuffie followed him. "What did you tell him?"
This time, Reno stopped as he looked at her. She stared at his face, which was devoid of any emotion, and she could do nothing, but just to stare at his scars, which only made his clear aquamarine eyes more beautiful. "I told him that I could give you anything you ask for."
"You did?"
Her voice was no more than a whisper, and Reno found himself enjoying the look of bewilderment on those gray eyes. He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to Yuffie to hold her when Godo's loud voice interrupted them.
"Are you to coming or not?"
They stepped away from each other, and Yuffie walked away, only to stop to turn back at Reno. "He shouldn't have asked you that."
"He's your father. Every father asks that."
They walked out together and saw Godo, sitting inside the open carriage. "This is going to be a long night."
Reno took Yuffie's hands, and pulled her gently to make her walk faster. "You survived Sepiroth, you'll survive this."
Almost two hours later, Reno regretted his words. Fighting Sepiroth, Cloud and the rest of his rag-tag team would be better than this. There was nothing but pretentious air, fake kisses here and there, boring talks of gowns and opera. He welcomed the admiring glances of the women, but stayed close to Yuffie, who was greeting people congratulating them on their engagement, commenting on what a lovely couple they make. It took him less than a minute to completely dislike Alec Kitani. If anything, besides the money he was going to get, it was worth seeing the look of anger, and jealousy on his face every time his hands wrapped around Yuffie's waist. Whatever Yuffie said before, he could recognize lust from another man's eyes, and he could see it in Alec every time he looked at Yuffie, god knows why he could feel that way over the flat-chested materia-hunter.
"Your father doesn't like me."
Yuffie nodded. "That's another reason why I wanted Vinnie. He'd probably scare Godo off..."
Reno chuckled. "You can get Valentine to attend this?"
"Well, I'm pretty sure he won't flirt with every woman that passes by,"
His hands returned to her waist as he bent down, his breath tickling her neck. She made a move to move away, but he held her tighter. "That wasn't flirting, sugar. You haven't seen me in action."
Yuffie turned and looked at him, their faces inches apart. She tried to speak up, to think of an insult to throw back at him but found none. She fidgeted.
"You can't just... touch me like this."
To her dismay, her heart began beating wildly as Reno moved his face closer to her. "How do you think engaged people hold each other then?"
She was saved from replying when they heard a familiar, and shocked voice.
"Oh God..."
They turned around and Yuffie moved from Reno's grasp, only to be shocked as Reno walked behind her and enveloped her in an embrace. "Hello, Reeve."
"I mean, I heard that you brought your fiancé here, but I had no idea... what's going on?"
Before Reno or Yuffie could reply, Godo and Alec Kitani walked towards them. "Ah, President Reeve, there you are..."
Reno stepped away from Yuffie and shook hands with a still stunned Reeve. "Thanks for the congratulations, man."
"You know the President of Shinra Inc.?" Alec asked surprised.
"We go way back, don't we?"
Reeve nodded, as he looked the couple. Godo saw the confused look on his face and explained. "My daughter has been keeping secrets from me. It would seem that she has been engaged to this... man here almost a year ago..."
Reno acted sheepish. "Well, you know how it was like back then. Rufus wouldn't have been to happy if he found out about Yuffie and me, and you know how Spike is..."
Yuffie prayed that Reeve would believe the story, or at least go along with it.
"I... I never knew, I never suspected..."
Alec looked suspicious. "Why did you your engagement a secret?"
Reno smiled as he held Yuffie's hand, and once again enjoyed the look on Alec's face.
"Well, you know about the whole Montague and Capulet issue right? Well what we have was an AVALANCHE and Turk issue. Even with the war over, we're not sure how our friends would take it. Just take a look at Reeve."
"Who else knows about this?" Reeve asked, still in shock.
"You're the first one to know, buddy!"
Reeve looked at Yuffie, who looked as if she was on the Highwind, and back at Reno. He smiled at the girl and gave her a hug. "Wow! I never, I never suspected that you two..."
"Well, Reeve... now that you know, wane be my best man?"
Yuffie wanted to die as Godo and Alec looked at Reno and Reeve. "How's Caith Sith?"
"He's fine, Yuffie. Reno... I'd be glad too! How did this whole thing start?"
"Yes, I'd like to know that too," Godo said as he observed the whole scenario.
A loud music interrupted their conversation, and all five of them tried to look for the source of the noise when Reeve noticed the slight irritation on Alec's face.
"If you would excuse me gentlemen, Yuffie..."
Godo watched the young man walk away, probably looking for the source of the problem. Before he could say anything, an old friend of his captured his attention.
Yuffie could only sigh in relief as her father walked away.
"So, when did this whole thing start?" He asked again.
"Nothing started. I hired Reno to act like my fiancé to get rid of Alec." She whispered.
"You have to play along!"
Reno didn't know if it was his imagination, but Reeve actually looked disappointed.
"You hired?"
The girl nodded. "I'm sure Vinnie would do it for free, but I don't know where he is."
She replied. "Listen, I'm gonna go home now, this place is getting to crowded. She hugged Reeve. "Nice to see you, and thank you for what you're doing for Wutai."
Reeve smiled. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Mikagi.
Yuffie stuck her tongue out at Reeve before walking away.
"You have a lot of explaining to do," Reeve said to Reno as they watched Yuffie walk away.
"Is there a bar around here?"
Reeve chuckled. "My hotel's not far from here, you can get your drinks there. The last thing we need is to see the fiancé of Lady Kisaragi ass drunk and in another woman's arms..."
A few hours later, Reno was still sober, despite the five bottles of beer he had already consumed. "Gotta ask you something."
"What's that?" Reeve asked before drinking his third beer.
"You know everything Caith Sith knows, right?"
Reeve nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"Was there anything between the brat and Valentine?"
Reeve finished his beer, and tried to remember. "No, don't think so, she hanged around him more than the others, I think..." The president of Shinra Inc. watched as Reno reached for another beer and opened it. "Why?"
"Nothing."
Reeve decided not to push the issue further. "Eighty thousand gil, huh?"
"Yep."
"You should consider cutting that cost. She is a friend, you know."
Reno shook his head. "She may be your friend, but she's my client. A paying one..."
"You noticed that your pictures were taken, right?"
"So?"
Reeve shrugged. "So you know that before the week ends, you'd be known as the fiance of the next head of Wutai..."
"So?"
"What are you going to tell Rude and Elena?"
Reno stopped drinking and placed the bottle down. "Shit."
Thanks for the comments!
"Playing With Fire"
Reno looked at his traveling companion in slight amusement. She looked as if she was going to be sick...correction, she was. He chuckled as the girl groaned when the Highwind began landing. "Come on sugar, just a little more."
Yuffie ignored Reno as she closed her eyes and prayed for the whole thing to be over.
Soon enough, the Highwind came to a halt, and she was home. Wutai.... /I'm never going to live this one down... never..../
"You ready?"
She looked up at Reno, the idiot with a smirk on his face and almost vomited. She heard Reno make a sound of disgust, which she ignored.
Reno sighed as he looked down on the girl who survived a meeting with Sepiroth. She just stayed in her seat, still looking sick. /Is this thing really worth eighty thousand gil?/
She hasn't changed much, still the same chick with the legs. Hell, it looked as if she was going to stay in that height and in that body for the rest of her life. His thoughts were interrupted as Yuffie stood up. She didn't say a word but just motioned for him to follow.
When the door opened, Reno looked around in surprise. /Wutai has an official landing strip?/
Yuffie saw the look of surprise in his eyes as they began to walk, Wutai was beginning to prosper, and if Godo made all the right decisions, their land would rise back to it's former glory before the war. She felt proud at what her people have accomplished, and how they've worked hard, and while they didn't trust the presence of Reeve a year back, they trusted the fact that she, Lady Kisaragi trusted him. As they continued walking through the town, there were excited whispers among the crowd as they saw their Lady's companion. Reno looked in amusement as the people bowed before Yuffie, which she answered with a bright smile, and a wave.
Wutai was a hell lot better than before. He admired the newly built building, the architecture in the classic Wutai style. The place definitely has potential, but it doesn't seem to want to loose its image. Children were laughing, running around in circles, and the local market seemed to be filled with tourists and locals alike. A big smile formed in his face when he saw the many women that passed by. Yuffie just rolled her eyes and elbowed Reno.
"Now's the time to pull that fiancé crap."
He smirked as he took his shades off. "Jealous, honey?"
The young ninja glared at Reno. "Don't let this get into your head. Remember, it wasn't as if you were my first choice."
He nodded. "I know, I know... I was your only choice..."
"You weren't listening. You were my 'last' choice. I wouldv'e asked Vinnie, but that guy's gone into hiding. I've contacted him with the PHS but no reply. I don't have enough time to look for him if I didn't know where to go. If I was positive about where he was..."
"But your not sure?"
She shook her head. "I called the others to see if they've talked to him or something, and Red said he mentioned something about wandering around for a while..."
Reno just shrugged and they continued walking. "How long till we get there?"
"Not long. You'll be staying in the guest villa. You'll sort of have the place all to your self."
"Sort of?"
Yuffie grinned. "You have to share it with someone, but I'm sure you won't mind."
"Who?"
She looked up at him and gave a sly smile. "Secret! Come on, it's just around the corner!" Yuffie didn't wait for him and started walking faster. He shook his head, thinking if he did make the right decision, but hell, who knows? He needed a vacation anyway.
"So, tell me about this other guy?" He asked as Yuffie entered a small alley. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"His name's Alec Kittani, comes from an old clan that left Wutai years ago, He's probably as old as you, he's what... 24 or 25 I think. He's actually trying to compete with Shinra, but with Reeve, they have no chance... which is why he probably wants this marriage." She explained as they went inside a building. She walked up the stairs as she continued. "They've been trying to experiment with mako reactors, which is another reason why I don't like that asshole, I mean hello, I was in AVALANCHE! I helped in the destruction of those stupid reactors!"
"I know, I was there." Reno muttered dryly.
Yuffie ignored him as she opened a door with her key and stepped inside. "Their company is called Kitani Corporation. Not only are they attempting to experiment with the reactors, he's also into business corporations and such..."
Reno glanced around the room. It wasn't like his apartment, but he wasn't about to complain either. "Maybe you just need to give this guy a chance...
"One, he wants to fiddle with those reactors, which you very well know I disagree with. Two, he already gave me a brief list of what he actually expects of me when I marry him, and that includes getting stuck inside the house playing good wife, hell no! Number three,
he has made it known to me that he thinks the time that I spent with AVALANCHE was a waste of time, and last but not the least, he never, not once said anything about loving me."
Reno walked towards the window and admired the view. "You can see the palace from here. We uh... I have to... to present you to Godo tonight,"
He took out a cigarette, which Yuffie quickly intercepted. "No smoking."
Reno took back the cigarette, and because of their height difference, managed to light it up, much to Yuffie's annoyance. "See the garden path? That will take you directly to the palace grounds. Someone will meet you to take you inside."
He nodded as he exhaled, and Yuffie suddenly felt awkward. "Anyway, I have to go.
Dinner at seven, dress nice and I'll see you soon."
Reno watched as she walked away. "Hey, you gonna tell your daddy I'm a Turk?"
"That's what you are, right? Why? You want me to say something else?"
"No. He might have a problem with his little girl engaged to a Turk."
Yuffie shrugged. "His problem, not mine. Vinnie was a Turk and he's a good guy now, besides... you're one of the good guys now, right?" She didn't wait for a reply as she walked out of his temporary home.
"You're too naive for your own good, pest..." Reno said softly before throwing the cigarette away.
***
Yuffie looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. /Reno's a professional, for eighty thousand gil, he'd better do this right!/
She decided to stick with a simple black dress that Tifa picked up for her when they were shopping. After complaining to her friend that she's got nothing to wear for all those official functions that she has to attend, Tifa helped her out. The dress was long, and backless, and a little of shoulder. It was either this or the other black dress that shouldn't have bothered with a skirt because of the length of the side split. This one however was what Yuffie wanted. Plain, and simple. There was no point with the other type of dresses that would show off one's assets, as Yuffie had already accepted, that she had none.
She took her glance way from the mirror when she heard a knock on her door.
"Showtime!"
She smiled as Ayami; one of the family servants greeted her. "You look really beautiful tonight, Lady. He's perfect for you!"
The two of them walked to the visitor's hall where she would meet Reno. "He's here?"
Ayami nodded. "Your father's there too. Seems he can't wait to see this secret man you've hidden for so long!"
Yuffie tried to smile. /I am going to die!/.
She walked alone as Ayami bowed and walked to her quarters. She could hear voices, Reno, and her father. She stopped behind one of the marble pillars and never noticed that she held her breath when she saw Reno. Wearing a black suit, he looked immaculate, with his red hair tied neatly behind the nape of his neck. There was no sign of his sunglasses, and yet even from afar, she could detect the nightstick safely hidden in his jacket. His tall frame was relaxed, and yet alert at the same time, and he was talking with ease, while her father still regarded him with suspicion. Closing her eyes, she smoothed her hair, which was tied half up, decorated with a simple white flower, to contrast with her black dress.
Reno turned around and saw Yuffie walking towards them. /About time, wondered how long she was going to hide.../ He was unprepared to see the girl he once considered as an enemy walking gracefully towards him, there was nothing special about the dress she was wearing, and yet...
"Yuffie, I hope you don't mind, I was telling Keno..."
"Reno." Yuffie and Reno corrected him at the same time.
Lord Godo cleared his throat. "Yes, Reno. I was just telling him about the party Alec Kitani has thrown on the Golden Arches..."
"I didn't know about that."
He nodded. "Well yes, you left before he could invite you." He stopped as he looked at Yuffie, then at Reno. "He told me you met when you were with AVALANCHE?"
He looked with slight disapproval before turning away. "Very well, we will talk about this later. Alec is waiting."
Yuffie waited until her father was far away enough before they followed. "What did you talk about?"
Reno shrugged. "He wanted to know what a man like me could offer you."
Yuffie stopped in her tracks. "What?"
Reno continued walking and Yuffie followed him. "What did you tell him?"
This time, Reno stopped as he looked at her. She stared at his face, which was devoid of any emotion, and she could do nothing, but just to stare at his scars, which only made his clear aquamarine eyes more beautiful. "I told him that I could give you anything you ask for."
"You did?"
Her voice was no more than a whisper, and Reno found himself enjoying the look of bewilderment on those gray eyes. He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to Yuffie to hold her when Godo's loud voice interrupted them.
"Are you to coming or not?"
They stepped away from each other, and Yuffie walked away, only to stop to turn back at Reno. "He shouldn't have asked you that."
"He's your father. Every father asks that."
They walked out together and saw Godo, sitting inside the open carriage. "This is going to be a long night."
Reno took Yuffie's hands, and pulled her gently to make her walk faster. "You survived Sepiroth, you'll survive this."
Almost two hours later, Reno regretted his words. Fighting Sepiroth, Cloud and the rest of his rag-tag team would be better than this. There was nothing but pretentious air, fake kisses here and there, boring talks of gowns and opera. He welcomed the admiring glances of the women, but stayed close to Yuffie, who was greeting people congratulating them on their engagement, commenting on what a lovely couple they make. It took him less than a minute to completely dislike Alec Kitani. If anything, besides the money he was going to get, it was worth seeing the look of anger, and jealousy on his face every time his hands wrapped around Yuffie's waist. Whatever Yuffie said before, he could recognize lust from another man's eyes, and he could see it in Alec every time he looked at Yuffie, god knows why he could feel that way over the flat-chested materia-hunter.
"Your father doesn't like me."
Yuffie nodded. "That's another reason why I wanted Vinnie. He'd probably scare Godo off..."
Reno chuckled. "You can get Valentine to attend this?"
"Well, I'm pretty sure he won't flirt with every woman that passes by,"
His hands returned to her waist as he bent down, his breath tickling her neck. She made a move to move away, but he held her tighter. "That wasn't flirting, sugar. You haven't seen me in action."
Yuffie turned and looked at him, their faces inches apart. She tried to speak up, to think of an insult to throw back at him but found none. She fidgeted.
"You can't just... touch me like this."
To her dismay, her heart began beating wildly as Reno moved his face closer to her. "How do you think engaged people hold each other then?"
She was saved from replying when they heard a familiar, and shocked voice.
"Oh God..."
They turned around and Yuffie moved from Reno's grasp, only to be shocked as Reno walked behind her and enveloped her in an embrace. "Hello, Reeve."
"I mean, I heard that you brought your fiancé here, but I had no idea... what's going on?"
Before Reno or Yuffie could reply, Godo and Alec Kitani walked towards them. "Ah, President Reeve, there you are..."
Reno stepped away from Yuffie and shook hands with a still stunned Reeve. "Thanks for the congratulations, man."
"You know the President of Shinra Inc.?" Alec asked surprised.
"We go way back, don't we?"
Reeve nodded, as he looked the couple. Godo saw the confused look on his face and explained. "My daughter has been keeping secrets from me. It would seem that she has been engaged to this... man here almost a year ago..."
Reno acted sheepish. "Well, you know how it was like back then. Rufus wouldn't have been to happy if he found out about Yuffie and me, and you know how Spike is..."
Yuffie prayed that Reeve would believe the story, or at least go along with it.
"I... I never knew, I never suspected..."
Alec looked suspicious. "Why did you your engagement a secret?"
Reno smiled as he held Yuffie's hand, and once again enjoyed the look on Alec's face.
"Well, you know about the whole Montague and Capulet issue right? Well what we have was an AVALANCHE and Turk issue. Even with the war over, we're not sure how our friends would take it. Just take a look at Reeve."
"Who else knows about this?" Reeve asked, still in shock.
"You're the first one to know, buddy!"
Reeve looked at Yuffie, who looked as if she was on the Highwind, and back at Reno. He smiled at the girl and gave her a hug. "Wow! I never, I never suspected that you two..."
"Well, Reeve... now that you know, wane be my best man?"
Yuffie wanted to die as Godo and Alec looked at Reno and Reeve. "How's Caith Sith?"
"He's fine, Yuffie. Reno... I'd be glad too! How did this whole thing start?"
"Yes, I'd like to know that too," Godo said as he observed the whole scenario.
A loud music interrupted their conversation, and all five of them tried to look for the source of the noise when Reeve noticed the slight irritation on Alec's face.
"If you would excuse me gentlemen, Yuffie..."
Godo watched the young man walk away, probably looking for the source of the problem. Before he could say anything, an old friend of his captured his attention.
Yuffie could only sigh in relief as her father walked away.
"So, when did this whole thing start?" He asked again.
"Nothing started. I hired Reno to act like my fiancé to get rid of Alec." She whispered.
"You have to play along!"
Reno didn't know if it was his imagination, but Reeve actually looked disappointed.
"You hired?"
The girl nodded. "I'm sure Vinnie would do it for free, but I don't know where he is."
She replied. "Listen, I'm gonna go home now, this place is getting to crowded. She hugged Reeve. "Nice to see you, and thank you for what you're doing for Wutai."
Reeve smiled. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Mikagi.
Yuffie stuck her tongue out at Reeve before walking away.
"You have a lot of explaining to do," Reeve said to Reno as they watched Yuffie walk away.
"Is there a bar around here?"
Reeve chuckled. "My hotel's not far from here, you can get your drinks there. The last thing we need is to see the fiancé of Lady Kisaragi ass drunk and in another woman's arms..."
A few hours later, Reno was still sober, despite the five bottles of beer he had already consumed. "Gotta ask you something."
"What's that?" Reeve asked before drinking his third beer.
"You know everything Caith Sith knows, right?"
Reeve nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"Was there anything between the brat and Valentine?"
Reeve finished his beer, and tried to remember. "No, don't think so, she hanged around him more than the others, I think..." The president of Shinra Inc. watched as Reno reached for another beer and opened it. "Why?"
"Nothing."
Reeve decided not to push the issue further. "Eighty thousand gil, huh?"
"Yep."
"You should consider cutting that cost. She is a friend, you know."
Reno shook his head. "She may be your friend, but she's my client. A paying one..."
"You noticed that your pictures were taken, right?"
"So?"
Reeve shrugged. "So you know that before the week ends, you'd be known as the fiance of the next head of Wutai..."
"So?"
"What are you going to tell Rude and Elena?"
Reno stopped drinking and placed the bottle down. "Shit."