Chapter 4: Silent Farce.

Tifa awoke to the sound of cars roaring past in the distance and to the sound of plates clattering in the kitchen.

'What is he up to?' she thought, exasperated.

Reno poked his head around the door. He was still wearing his expensive suit.

'Mmm…what time is it?' Tifa yawned widely.

'Seven o'clock, lazyguts!' Reno grinned. 'Bacon and eggs all right for breakfast?'

Tifa's face lit up. 'Definitely!'

After she had gotten dressed, she went into the kitchen to find a smoking plate of violently charred bacon, and hard-fried eggs; blackened side up. Tifa's face blanched. Reno looked crestfallen. 'My culinary skills were better than usual today..'

Tifa smiled sympathetically. 'Why don't I cook breakfast?' she suggested.

After they had eaten a properly cooked breakfast, Reno informed her that he had been in contact with the other Turks last night and that they were all for her joining. Well, except Tseng, but she needn't worry about him.

Tifa and Reno set off through the crowded streets for the newly built Shinra HQ, for Tifa to talk to President Rufus Shinra.

They climbed the endless flights of stairs up to the President's office. Tifa was extremely nervous. This would mean the start of a whole new life for her; good pay, professional skills… and Reno by her side.

It'll be fine.' Reno attempted to comfort her.

Tifa gave a shaky smile.

Reno preceded her through the white double doors behind which the other Turks and Rufus Shinra were waiting.

She stepped in modestly, and all eyes instantly turned to her.

Elena smiled encouragingly, Rude gave a brief nod, but Tseng stayed stony faced and silent as usual.

In the centre of his bodyguards stood the blonde haired President of Shinra Inc, looking very pristine.

'I hear you wish to join the Turks.' Rufus said primly.

'That's right.'

He gave her a curious look. 'Why?'

'Well,' Tifa had gone through all the reasons in her head last night. 'Firstly; I'm curious as to what they do, secondly; I need a job, third; I want a bit of adventure'

She bit her lip. She could not confess even a hint of her feelings for Reno to these incarnate lie detectors.

'I see.' Rufus frowned in thought. 'Have you had any previous training in spying, kidnapping, setting bombs, or collecting specimens?'

'Um…' Tifa shifted uncomfortably. 'I did help to blow up one or two of your Mako reactors…'

Rufus's lip twitched. 'Mm. Unfortunately, I don't think you have the right experience or training; and besides, if I were to recruit any more members to the Turks they might become…conspicuous. Additionally, there is always the possibility that you are spying for AVALANCHE… Some people just never put aside their old hostilities...'

That's true. Tifa thought bitterly of Cloud. 'Is that a 'no' then?' she whispered.

'I'm afraid so.' Rufus sighed in obvious mock regret.

'All right then…thank you for your time.'

Tifa couldn't bring herself to meet the eyes of Reno or any of the others as she paced unsteadily out of the room. A fire of resentment flared inside her. Some people never put aside their old hostilities! The filthy hypocrite!

Tifa trudged back to Reno's house. He had left the door unlocked, luckily, so she stomped inside and threw herself on the sofa. After a few minutes, she lookd around blearily to see the pizza boxes and newspapers she had noticed last night still littered acrossthe floor.

She sighed.

I can at least tidy up for him.

Reno got back at around six o'clock that evening. He surveyed the immaculate house and smirked, but quickly altered his features when he saw the morbid look on Tifa's face.

'It's okay. You can get your pub back. I've been working on an idea.'

Tifa looked up hopefully.

Reno elaborated. 'Go out and buy Cloud something, as an apology. I'm going to make a phone call or two.'