Aerith's cheerful laughter filled the air of the small delicatessen. Reno had just finished telling her about one of the many times he'd messed with Tseng's coffee.
Wow, her smile lights up her whole face, Reno thought as he watched her. Absolutely gorgeous.
After lunch had been eaten, and laughter subsided, Reno and Aerith spent the rest of the day together. Once night had fallen, Reno walked Aerith home. When the reached the door, Aerith turned around so her back was to the door.
"Well, Reno, thank you for the wonderful day and walking me home."
"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked with his trademark grin.
"Reno! Didn't we just meet?"
Reno chuckled, leaned forward and kissed her delicately. Aerith blinked, a little surprised. When Reno pulled away, he was still grinning.
"G'night Aerith." He turned to leave but decided against it. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ball of green material. "Here," he said, tossing the ball the her, "For the next time you knock some random guy out." With that, he left, heading for his apartment.
Aerith looked at the material in her hand. "Reno…"
----
The next day, Aerith went about her usual business. She wandered around, selling flowers, smiling at everyone who would look. The only difference about today was that she had the ball of green material carefully put up at the top of her braid. A brighter smile than usual adorned her face. She was exited about the night. She had a feeling she'd be seeing a certain red-haired Turk.
----
"Reno! Are you listening?"
Reno blinked then looked down at the phone in his hand. Sighing, he said, "Sorry, Tseng, sir. Tomorrow morning, airport, make sure me and Rude show. Got it."
"Good, don't be late," Tseng said, hanging up abruptly.
"Prick…" Reno muttered to himself. "You hear that, Rude?"
"Airport, tomorrow morning," his partner called back.
"God, I need a drink… too much paperwork make's Reno grumpy…" Reno murmured to himself. Rude? I'm leaving, see you tomorrow."
Rude stuck his head out of his office door. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I just need a drink."
Rude rolled his eyes and disappeared into his office.
----
The sunny smile had long since faded from Aerith's face. It had been dark for some time now, and still no sign of the sloppy Turk.
Maybe I was wrong… my hunches aren't always right… maybe I won't see him again…
Just as those thoughts had passed through her mind, crushing all hope, a bright haired drunk stumbled out of a bar.
"Reno?" she called out to him.
The man looked over at her with a look of confusion on his face.
Aerith recognized him immediately and ran over.
"Aerith…?"
She nodded and said, "I knew I'd see you again."
"Really, I thought I'd never see you again…" he slurred.
"God, you're really drunk… come with me," she said, leading him in the direction of her place.
----
Aerith and Reno eventually made back to her place. Once in the room, she pushes him onto the bed.
"Wow, you want me bad, don't ya, Aer."
"Just sleep, you idiot."
"Where are you gonna sleep?"
"I have a sleeping bag somewhere… I think…" she replied, turning to look for it.
"Sleep with me."
Aerith looked at Reno in shock. Did he just…? But he sounded totally sober… but why shouldn't I? It's not like I'd let him try anything…
"Aerith?"
The sound of her name snapped her out of her thoughts/ "Well… okay… but no funny stuff."
"Woohoo! I get to sleep with Aerith!"
"Ug, only if you calm down and actually sleep."
"Okay, okay, deal."
Aerith slipped into the bed and Reno immediately wrapped an arm around her. Aerith was little unsure at first, but decided it was kind of nice. She snuggled closer to him, causing Reno's trademark smirk to appear on his face.
Who knew me getting drunk was the way to get her in bed…oh well. "'Night, Aer."
"Mmm…" Aerith responded, already half asleep.
----
AN: Well, there you have it. Chapter two. I don't think I'll have time to get three up before the wedding, but who knows. Eleven days from now I'll be married… oh my god… scary… but awesome! Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter.