A/N: Gosh, I really could use another spring break right about now ...

Hehe, I think this is going to be my fave chapter in this entire story, ^__^, thanks Cloud-san for the idea!! ~_^ Riva's making her debut into the fiction world!!

~*~

Chapter 9: Old Friends

Open the goddamn door will ya!? The blonde ex-agent shouted, slamming her fist against an old, wooden door. Her voice echoed down the hall of the aged apartment complex, though she didn't worry about waking anyone at this late hour. For crying out loud, it's not like you---

The door slowly swung open, revealing a younger dark brown haired girl, half stretching and yawning at the same time. What time is it? she asked, blindly looking around the darkness. Haruka, haven't seen you in ages ... still working with the CIA? The girl asked, swinging the door open wider to let the blonde in.

Thanks Riva. No, not anymore at least ... listen, remember that time when I cleared your file before your court appearance? Well, I need the favor returned, like now.

And good morning to you too. Riva replied, flicking on a few lamps and turning on the coffee machine. Picking up her watch she threw it onto the couch, Dude, it's 4am in the morning. You want this done now??

There is no time. Haruka looked around the apartment, And where's Cloud?

At this hour? With her girlfriend ... without a doubt. Noticing the blonde's questionable look she continued to explain, Uhh, met quite a while ago, always bringing her everywhere, to kill' spare time ... honestly, you'd think once a day was enough for a person.

Haruka chuckled, And what about you?

Cloud's sex life is enough for the both of us.

Rolling her eyes the blonde suddenly questioned, Hey, what happened to all of your computers and tech? Noticing the abnormal cleanliness and innocence of the girl's apartment.

Bloody raids going on everywhere, had to build a hideaway for all of it. Couldn't have risked another chance, too many people would be exposed. Riva grumbled, walking towards the coat closet and opening it, obviously searching for something inside of it. A few beeps could be heard before a wall behind Haruka slid open, revealing a fair sized room, but looking rather cramped with all the tech in it. Riva walked in and picked up a headset, Oi Cloud!! Take a break will ya and get over here asap!!

Friendly, aren't you. Haruka laughed, taking a seat next to Riva.

The brunette grinned, How else are you gonna get her in here? If it doesn't sound urgent, of course she's not going to come ... Less than five minutes later, another pounding could be heard on the door. IT'S OPEN!! She shouted back, and in a few moments, Cloud walked into the secret hideaway shocked to see Haruka there.

A O_o look fell upon her face. How long has it been since you've last stopped in Vienna? We've missed ya, the jobs just aren't as fun without you. Cloud ignored Riva sticking her tongue out at her and slapped the blonde on the back before taking a seat on the other side of the brunette. So what have we got this time?

Riva checked her watch, Wow Cloud, this must be a new record. Didn't imagine you'd be this close by.

Yeah well, I'm everywhere. All three cracked up laughing before Haruka began to go into the details of what they needed to do. Immediately, they all started doing various different tasks; Riva began hacking into the CIA's mainframe to find any useful intelligence related to the kidnappers, Cloud headed to the police station to load up on weapons, and Haruka had gone out to get food for the three.


A few hours later Riva sighed, grinning with her accomplishments. Wow Haruka, you've picked a cute girl to chase after.

Haruka turned slightly pink in her cheeks, I'm not chasing after her.

Right, you're just *saving* her. Riva winked. I found that laboratory system and got in, downloading all sorts of schematics of their testing and DNA replication. Gotta say, pretty interesting stuff. The army doesn't even have half of this information.

Just then, Cloud bursted back through the doors, dropping a large duffel bag letting it hit the floor with a hard thud. Got all of it.

Perfect ... now, Haruka said, pulling a large piece of paper from the bottom of the table and flattening it out on top. This is their base in Vienna - thanks to Riva's masterful hacking - they're located on the 73rd floor of the Delta Towers in downtown. Which means ...

Wait a second. You better not say what I think you're gonna say. Cloud suddenly interrupted, not liking the direction of this conversation.

Oh gosh, don't tell me you still haven't gotten over this. I would've thought with all that crazy stuff you've been trying lately, this stupid fear would've been history. Riva whined, shocked with Cloud.

Haruka laughed, You're *still* afraid of heights??

It's actually VERY common! Cloud retorted.

Well, unless you have a better idea, it looks like the air approach will be the best. Minimal security on the roof, on a dark night no one will even know we're there. The blonde said, looking over the blueprints of the Delta Tower.

Cloud sighed, running a hand through her hair, I knew I should've stayed with her tonight ...

Riva shook her head in disbelief, When are you _not_??





A/N: hehehehe, well, that's all for now, hopefully the next update will be soon! Be sure to let me know what you think!!!