A/N: Hello again! A quick reminder that I don't own Final Fantasy or any of the characters... Please read and review. I want to know what you think!!!

Chapter 4

Reno had the sneaking suspicion that Tseng was trying to keep him unusually busy. Over the next several days, Reno found himself doing trivial tasks, from fetching newspapers to scheduling Rufus' massages. Shit! I'm a Turk! Why am I doing secretary stuff? I should be out doing something. And why am I the only one doing all this crap? Not once did he see Rude or Elena scrambling around for Tseng. In fact, Rude and Elena seemed to have a lot more free time now. Tifa. It seemed Reno's thoughts never strayed far from her lately. I wonder how she's doing... Stupid Elena! It wasn't that Reno disliked Elena, but she was practically attached to Tifa's side since that night, and he hadn't a free moment to go see how she was. He would never admit it, but he was a little jealous of all the time Elena was spending with Tifa. Reno became flushed as he remembered Tifa's warm breath on his face. He was beginning to smell a conspiracy. Well two can play this game Tseng…

Tifa was happily out of breath since she and Elena had been surfing all morning and for the better portion of the afternoon. It was good to have an outlet for all this energy she felt bursting from inside her. "Elena!" She called as a huge wave was coming up. "Let's get some lunch." Her stomach growled, angry that she hadn't eaten anything all day. The wave was fast approaching, so Tifa quit paddling and raised herself on the board. She briefly wondered if she'd run into Reno. She really wanted to talk to him about that night before she left tomorrow. Maybe I can convince Elena to have lunch with the rest of the Turks. Of course she didn't know exactly what she wanted to say to Reno, just that she wanted to talk to him. We should-Aahhhh!!!! The warm water swallowed Tifa as she fell off her board, distracted by thoughts of the red-head. She felt the tug of her board as the connecting cord pulled on her ankle. She emerged from the water sputtering and laughing.

Elena rode the wave in and ran up on the beach to Tifa. "Graceful ride back there." She laughed. She enjoyed this assignment. Tseng had instructed her to keep Reno and Tifa separated and investigate what exactly was going on with Cloud and Tifa. Elena wasn't sure why, but an order was an order, and she was sure Tseng had good reason to issue it. So far, her assignment hadn't been too difficult. She had expected more problems from Reno, and she would've been right had Tseng not been stuck to Reno like glue. The one night Reno did get her alone, he grilled her about Tifa- how was she doing, did she look ok, was she eating? Luckily for her, Tseng had walked in and put an end to that. She giggled as she remembered the outraged look on Reno's face.

'You want me to what?' Reno was confused.

'I need you to obtain a performance schedule for the Gold Saucer.' Tseng calmly replied.

'Why? Do you know what time it is? The information booth is closed now.'

'Rufus might want to take in a show tomorrow night.' Tseng stared intently at Reno.

'Whatever man.' Reno turned to go, hoping the bar would have some information about the nearby amusement park's events.

'Oh, and Reno. I'll need you to find Rufus a new bathrobe. The complimentary one they provided is scratchy.'

'Come on!' Reno shouted. 'Are you for real?' Reno shook his head in disbelief. 'You can't be for real…'

Tseng tried hard not to smile. He was enjoying this. For Tseng, it was an opportunity to exact a little retribution for all the times Reno made life difficult for Tseng. 'Make sure it's white. He wants it for tomorrow morning.'

'Where am I supposed to find something like that at this hour? It's eleven!' Reno was fuming. 'And why the fuck do I have to do this?'

'Are you telling me you can't perform these few simple tasks? I thought you were a Turk…' From the look on Reno's face, Tseng knew he won this argument.

'I'm a Turk not somebody's lackey.' Reno grumbled softly as he went out the door.

Elena felt she could go for some food about now too. "Where do you want to go? There's that hamburger stand that we haven't tried yet."

"Sounds good. Do you want to meet up with the others and we can all go over?" Tifa hoped she wasn't being transparent. The girls started walking back toward the inn after they had returned their rental surfboards.

Elena experienced a small pang of guilt. So far, she had kept Tifa and Reno separated though Tifa had occasionally suggested that they meet up with the other Turks for dinner or drinks or whatever else she thought up. "Sorry Tifa. Rufus has the others doing different tasks right now."

Tifa's suspicions were beginning to solidify, so she turned to her friend. "So how did you get so lucky? You certainly seem to have a lot of free time." Tifa asked curiously.

Elena had been prepared for this, and answered quickly. "I was super busy with Rufus when we first got here. We got here like five days before you and Cloud. We're taking shifts so everyone can enjoy some time off."

Tifa's eyes darkened at the mention of Cloud's name. Elena had tried to inquire about 'that night' on several instances, but Tifa remained tight lipped about the whole thing. The only real fact that Elena could ascertain was that Cloud was gone, and Tifa didn't seem to want to talk about him anymore. "Um…actually, I think I'll pass. I need to get out of the sun. I'm already turning red from being outside this long." She smiled at Elena. It's not that she didn't like her, but there was something going on, and Tifa wanted to get to the bottom of it without being hindered. "We should get together later at the bar and celebrate my last night here."

Elena shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. Whatever you want. Meet me at eight?"

Tifa shook her head in agreement and the two women went their separate ways. I have to find Reno. It became a driving need. Her heartbeat rapidly sped up at the thought of finding Reno. I want to talk to him. But where to look? Her stomach growled again, reminding Tifa that she needed fuel if she was going to search around for Reno.

"This better work." Reno muttered to himself as his countenance assumed a mask of irritation. He stormed out of his room and sat dejectedly on the couch. Rude looked over at his best friend.

"What's wrong?" Rude inquired from the comfort of a plush chair. He had been enjoying the book he had been reading. In Rude's line of work, Turks didn't often have time to relax, for they were the strong-arm of ShinRa Inc.

Reno leaned his head back against the cushion and stared at the ceiling. "Rufus called. He wants me to go find that blond woman he was with earlier this week and invite her to dinner. Man! I don't know where I'm gonna start lookin'." He looked at Rude. "I can't really remember what she looked like either." He groaned before continuing. "This may take awhile. Tell Tseng I'll be out searching for her." Reno stood up and turned to go, but stopped when Rude laughed.

"You think I was gonna buy that?" Rude watched his friend's immobile back.

"I was hoping you would." Reno turned around slowly. "Or are you on their side?" Let's play the friend card. He thought.

Rude grinned. "You know I got your back, partner." Reno seemed to relax at his words. "Is that the story you want to go with?"

"Yeah. Can you make it work?" He asked. Rude agreed and Reno started off again.

"Hurry before someone else returns." Rude advised. "Oh, and when you find "her" just make sure you don't get caught." Reno could never fool Rude. Rude was too good at reading people. He just hoped his friend could find what he was looking for.

Reno paused halfway through the door. "Thanks partner. I'll repay the favor sometime."

Be brave. Tifa approached the door and tentatively knocked and waited for an answer. A very surprised Tseng stood with the door open. "Hi."

"Miss Lockhart. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Tseng opened the door to let her pass through. As Tifa passed through she scanned the room. Wow. This villa is really nice... Ok Lockhart. Think of something.

"Um… is Elena here?" Chicken! Tifa was still feeling nervous. Damn! Why did it have to be Tseng? He would definitely be able to thwart her plans if he caught on. She would have to be careful. Tseng was, without doubt, very shrewd.

"No. She's on an errand right now with Rufus and Rude." Tseng motioned for Tifa to take a seat on the couch.

"No. That's ok." Tifa declined his offer. "I was hoping to get her opinion on something." She laughed and started to edge back toward the door. "Oh well. I guess I'll be going."

"You can wait for her if you like." Tseng planted himself in front of the door. "Please. She should be back soon. Unless… is someone waiting for you? Cloud perhaps?" Tseng saw a flicker of irritation flash in Tifa's wine-colored eyes. He wouldn't pass up this opportunity to glean some information.

"No." She paused, her mind racing. She didn't want to appear rude; she just wanted to find out if Reno was here and talk to him. It's too quiet. He's not here. How do I get out without seeming suspicious? "But I probably should get some rest. Elena is supposed to meet me at the bar tonight. I was just in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd just pop over really quick" Inspiration suddenly hit Tifa. She walked up to Tseng. "Say, it's my last night here. Why don't all of you join me and Elena for some drinks?"

Tseng observed Tifa. He could tell she wanted to leave, but he wasn't going to make it easy for her. He flashed his most disarming grin. "That'd be nice. I'll have to see what Rufus is planning, but I think most of us can make it."

"Good. Well, then I'll see you later." She moved closer to the door, but Tseng didn't move. Time to switch tactics Lockhart. "Tseng, is there something you want to ask me or is my company that captivating?" She asked as innocently as possible.

"Actually, yes." Tseng went for a direct assault. "I wanted to discuss some business with Cloud, but I haven't seen him around. Can I escort you back to your room and talk to him?"

Oh god! Tifa was blindsided by that one. She didn't want to deal with this baggage yet. Why did everyone seem to want to know about her and Cloud? Well, maybe a little honesty would come in handy… "He's not here anymore. He left. Had to go and take care of some stuff." She tried to maintain direct eye contact with him.

"He left you here alone?" Tseng's frown betrayed his thoughts. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course." Tifa's chin rose defiantly. "Something important came up."

"Something important? And your still here on vacation?" Tseng didn't believe her and told her so.

Tifa knew she screwed up. Man. I don't want to air my dirty laundry. "It's important, but not that pressing. And no," she answered his unspoken query before he could air it, "I'm not sure how long he'll be gone. Can I go now?" Hands on her hips, she gave Tseng an intimidating stare.

He moved out of her way, and she opened the door. In her haste to escape, she tripped and fell into the arms of someone unexpected. Just as that happened, a flash of light blinded Tifa. When she opened her eyes, her face was inches away from Rufus Shinra's.

Reno had searched all over Costa del Sol for a familiar brunette. Where is she? I've looked everywhere. He was gradually beginning to lose his patience. He searched her room twice to no avail. Costa wasn't a big town, but he had spent hours scouring the area and hadn't turned up any sightings. He was starting to worry.

"Reno!" A female voice called out to him. "What are you doing here?" Elena walked up to him.

"I'm trying to find that blond Rufus was with earlier this week. He wants to take her out again." He lied to her.

"Funny. He didn't say anything to me about that. We were just out."

"I don't think Rufus has to tell you everything that's going on in his life." He smirked. "I don't think he necessarily feels the need to keep you apprised of his active night life." He knew this kind of talk would make Elena change the subject.

"Alright. Point made." She glanced over Reno's shoulder. "Look! There she is!"

Reno once again felt the distinct hand of a cruel female god. What are the odds? Reno knew he had to approach the lady if his story was going to hold. The blond seemed extremely pleased to be asked out for another night with Rufus. Reno knew he was going to have to do rectify the situation later, but he wasn't concerned about that right now.

Elena and Reno proceeded to walk back to the villa. Elena used the opportunity to try to get the information that Tseng wanted. "So Tifa and I went surfing today." She looked out of the corner of her eye at Reno, who seemed to perk up at the mention of Tifa.

"Good for you." Reno's guard went up. He wasn't going to give her any information. What happened with Tifa and Cloud was none of the Turks business. If she wanted others to know, then she would tell them.

Elena wondered how Reno would react to being baited. "Yep. We caught some waves, and then had a few drinks with some guys." She could see Reno's jaw clench tightly, an angry glint sparked in his eyes. "I was afraid Cloud was going to come up, but Tifa assured me that wouldn't happen. You know how he can get…"

Images of Tifa laughing and carrying on with strange men infuriated Reno. Some local kids were playing with a soccer ball, which had rolled by in front of Reno and Elena. With a forceful kick, Reno sent the ball flying. "Yes I do." He answered tersely.

Elena wondered if she crossed a line. Reno looked pissed. "You know-"

"Shut it Laney!" Reno interrupted. He stomped up the steps to the villa and flung open the front door. He didn't like the feeling that was spreading throughout him like a disease. It was unpleasant, and it made his heart feel like it was being twisted.

Tseng's head snapped up at Reno's thunderous entrance. He looked at Elena's grim countenance as she slinked in behind the enraged Turk. "Reno. You've been gone for awhile. Did-" But Tseng never got a chance to finish his question. Reno continued past Tseng and into his room where he slammed the door – hard. Tseng changed his mind. Perhaps it would be better to work in a more controlled environment. I think we'll all be joining the women for some drinks tonight. If Tseng's hunch was correct, and Cloud really did break up with Tifa, then Reno going after Tifa… Well, he wasn't quite sure what kind of publicity that might bring to the company. He just didn't want any more trouble.

Tifa was waiting at a table in Bar del Sol. She didn't have to wait long before the Turks strolled in, still wearing their uniforms. Feeling slightly out of place in her pink tank top and beige shorts, she nervously played with her ponytail. It was warm tonight, and she needed her hair up off her neck. As the group neared the table, a young good-looking man approached Tifa with a drink and a smile. Before he could get any words out, Rude strode in front of him and shook his head menacingly.

"Get lost guy." Reno glared at the guy as he took the seat furthest away from Tifa. Not wanting a confrontation, the man left muttering.

"Hi! Glad everyone could make it." Tifa greeted the group. Elena took the seat next to Tifa with Tseng situating himself on Elena's other side while Rude placed himself between Reno and Tifa. Tifa noticed Reno seemed out-of-humor. He ordered his drink from the waitress and fell silent. Maybe he had a bad day. She mused. "Thanks for coming out to celebrate my last night here."

"Last night?" Reno seemed to come out of his shell a little bit.

"Yep. It's back to the real world for me. I'm taking the boat back tomorrow morning."

The conversation stopped as the waitress brought everyone's drinks but then resumed after a few moments. Everybody except Reno seemed to be enjoying themselves. Reno kept glancing over at the man who approached Tifa, throwing him dirty looks on occasion. He sat, drinking his beer, and watched Tifa as she made polite conversation with those around her. He became more agitated as the night wore on.

"What's the matter Reno? You've been quiet all evening." Tifa smiled. She hoped to draw him out a bit. She wasn't used to seeing this side of Reno and was getting a little concerned.

"Nothing Lockhart." Reno's short answer took Tifa by surprise. "Don't worry about it." He scowled as he took another swig of beer and slammed the empty bottle down." He signaled the waitress to bring another, which she brought hastily.

Tifa's eyes narrowed a bit. "No need to be so touchy. I just wanted to see if you were alright." She could tell Reno was irritated, but she didn't like the cold tone which he addressed her with. At the same time, however, it bothered her to see him in such a state; his words were hurtful.

He rounded on her. "I'm not TOUCHY!" Even Rude couldn't ignore his friend's behavior now.

"Reno. Maybe you should stop." All the Turks shifted their attention to Reno.

But Reno had no intention of stopping. "I'll stop when I feel like it." He stated and took another sip.

Tifa had enough. She was tired of angry men bringing her down. Her temper flared. "Don't be such a jerk! If you don't want to be here then leave! I certainly don't need you around to have fun."

Reno abruptly stood up. "So I hear!" All eyes in the room seemed to be riveted on the fiery red-head and frustrated brunette.

"What's that mean?" Tifa demanded and stood up to face him directly. The situation was quickly escalating. Tseng motioned for the other Turks to remain still. He wanted to observe the exchange between Reno and Tifa; he might learn something.

"Don't play innocent! I heard about your lunch!" Reno wasn't sure what possessed him to utter those words. All he could picture was Tifa laughing and flirting with some mystery man. Probably that loser who was trying to talk to her when we arrived. Inside, Reno's heart ached as if it was being stabbed over and over. He unconsciously clutched his shirt over his heart.

Tifa was really confused now. "What are you talking about? Who cares about lunch?" Neither Tifa nor Reno saw Elena's face turn red and look down as if ashamed. Elena seemed to be the only one who knew what was going on. Tseng and Rude looked just as confused as Tifa.

"I guess now that Strife's out of the picture you feel free to do whatever you want…" His throat had tightened, making it hard to get out the words. "Probably never occurred to you-" His voice faltered now. Damn it! It was getting harder for Reno to deny what he was feeling inside. He could actually put a name to it now. "Forget it. Have a good life." He left the bar and started walking aimlessly outside. God! What am I doing? I love her. The thought hit him hard, and he felt out of breath. When did I get caught up like that? He stopped and looked around. Nobody would bother him here. Lost in his feelings, he didn't hear the footsteps coming up behind him.

Tifa was dumbfounded as she watched Reno storm out of the room. It doesn't make any sense… What's he talking about? She looked around at the other Turks who were completely speechless. Elena was too scared to speak up, so she kept her head down. What does he mean 'have a good life'? Tifa didn't like the sound of that. She rushed out of the bar in search for Reno. He has to be around here somewhere… She went by the beach first, but it looked deserted. She ran to the villa after that, but he wasn't there either. Maybe… she took off to the port where the ships were docked. Bingo!

Reno was leaning on his side against a stack of crates, his head hanging. Tifa came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. He whipped around to see Tifa standing with her hands on her hips and head tilted to one side.

"You don't actually think I'm gonna let you walk out on me and write me off do you? Especially when I don't know what you're talking about."

Reno sighed heavily. "I know about… them."

"Who?"

"It's none of my business. I know. But… I don't think we can be friends anymore. I won't be able to take it. I'm starting to get mad again just thinking about it." His fists clenched as another sharp pain tore though his heart.

"Please… speak… English." Tifa was trying to be patient, but there was a growing fear that she was about to lose someone again. "I'm not following you at all." She reached out and touched his arm. "Please… don't say things like you can't be my friend anymore. I-I'm not sure I could take that right now." Tifa's heart throbbed violently.

Why was she insisting on tormenting him? The touch of her hand was painful. "Your lunch date with those guys today… You and Elena…" He couldn't finish. Damn! Is this what love feels like? He wondered. I don't want any part of this. Reno felt utterly rejected, a feeling he wasn't used to at all.

"Reno." She spoke softly. "I never had lunch with anybody today. I went back to the inn and ate alone. You can ask the inn keeper." She gazed directly into his aquamarine eyes. He's so full of pain! That thought alone almost broke her heart. She stared at the ground and let her hand drop from Reno's arm.

Reno's heart skipped a beat. "Really? You're not just saying that?"

Tifa shook her head. "No. Why would I lie?"

Reno was elated. A smile spread across his face. He hadn't felt this happy in a long time; it was like he was a different person. He felt the old Reno coming back. Elena-you little liar! You'll get yours... Oh man! Is that what it feels like to be Cloud? Yuck! Pushing those thoughts aside, he grabbed both of Tifa's hands in his. "Babe. You've just made me a happy man."

"Why does that make you happy?" Tifa was still concerned and baffled at Reno's rapid mood swings.

Oh no! Reno was aware he wasn't out of the clear yet. "Um…" He was at a loss as to how to explain what happened. Should I tell her how I feel? He thought back over the past few months. There's definitely an attraction, but he also felt deep down that they had made a deeper connection. He looked intently in to her eyes. "Well, you see…" He was fidgeting with her fingers now. Heart pounding, he decided to take a chance. "I've just realized lately that… ummm… I think I…" This isn't going well…So much for being a ladies man! "…ah hell!" Reno gave up attempting to explain his feelings. He couldn't help himself anymore. Giving in to his desire, he tugged Tifa forward, pulling her into his embrace, and lowered his lips onto hers.

Tifa felt his lips touch gently across hers before he deepened the kiss. Her arms found their way around his neck as she passionately kissed him back. An overwhelming sensation she couldn't name flowed through her. She moaned quietly and leaned into his body, all thoughts scattered.

Passion ignited, Reno gripped her tightly. His hands found her silky hair. He ran his fingers through her long tresses, delighting at the feel as he undid her ponytail. He slowly pulled his head back and buried his face in her dark locks. "I love you Tifa Lockhart."

Breathing hard from the kiss, she tried to calm herself, but her heart felt like it was racing 100 miles an hour, and she was light-headed. "Reno…" She wasn't sure what she wanted to say.

"Sssshhhh. It's ok. You don't have to say anything." He didn't want to let go of her. "I had to tell you. I can't stand the thought of any other man touching you. That's why I was mad earlier." He inhaled the scent of her hair. "You smell good babe." The jasmine scent lingered in his nostrils.

Tifa didn't know how long she remained in Reno's arms, but it seemed only too soon when he suggested that he walk her back to her room. Her mind raced for answers as they slowly trekked to the inn. The kiss made her happy, but she didn't know if she was mentally prepared to take another leap right away though the thought of life without

Reno was rather painful. When did he become so essential to my happiness? She remembered how despondent she'd been when Cloud and Reno had their altercation and how she had been out of sorts until she met up with Reno again. They slowed to a stop when they approached the steps to the entrance of the inn.

"You're awfully quiet babe." Maybe I said too much too soon. The small fear planted itself in his mind.

"I've been doing some thinking." She smiled up at him. "I'm not sure about what I'm about to say." She paused before continuing. "But… I think I really care for you Reno. And…"

"Say no more babe. If you're ok with it, we'll go slow. Real slow. Whatever you're comfortable with. Just tell me we have a chance."

Spontaneously, she wrapped her arms around Reno and drew him close, surprising even herself. Her eyes took in his handsome face, and her heart melted. Tifa wanted happiness. She was pretty positive that Reno could satisfy that need. She indulged her desire and kissed him, parting his lips and exploring his mouth with her tongue.

Reno practically crushed Tifa in his grip as he hugged her close, her feet leaving the ground. The passion he just got under control sprang forth again. He knew he had to be careful, or he might get too swept up in the flurry of emotions. He didn't want to push Tifa too fast. "Tifa." He gasped her name and gently unhooked her arms.

Tifa's breaths came rapidly. She smiled as she said, "I think I'm ready to try something new and exciting and oh so satisfying." She felt the overpowering urge to wrap herself around Reno again. I could lose myself in him. Somehow, she composed herself enough to take a few steps back. "Will you see me off tomorrow?"

"Wouldn't miss it. What time you leave?" It was hard for Reno to control himself. He longed to sweep Tifa into his arms and carry her inside. Easy now… He had to warn himself.

"Ten." She cracked open the door. Tifa knew she had to remove herself from temptation. "Don't be late."

Reno watched Tifa disappear inside. He felt like shouting out loud. His stomach was filled with butterflies. He laughed at the night sky. Nothing could take this feeling of ecstasy away from him.

Reno met Tifa at the loading dock the next morning. He was tired because Rude refused to let him go to sleep without hearing his story. After all, both Tifa and Reno left, meaning Rude had to cover their part of the bar tab. Therefore, Rude felt entitled to know what happened.

"I'll miss you babe." He buried his face in her hair. The faint smell of her jasmine- scented hair had teased him all night. "I'll be back in another week." Too long. A voice inside his head complained. He sighed softly.

She lightly kissed his cheek and separated herself from him as the boat blew the whistle for the last time for boarding passengers. "You better be." She quickly boarded the ship and went to the deck to wave good-bye to Reno. Tifa frowned as she saw an angry blond man in a long white coat grab Reno on his arm.

"RENO!" Reno spun around to see an angry Rufus. Behind him was an angry woman. An angry blond woman. Reno cursed himself for forgetting.

"-stand me up! You think you're all high and mighty and can do whatever you want? Who's this girl?" The blond yelled brandishing a newspaper in Rufus' face.

"Reno!" Rufus yelled at him again. "What is the meaning of this?" He pointed back at the crazy screaming woman.

"Uh… I don't know boss." He lied, trying to cover his butt. "What's-" His went numb as he looked at the picture on the newspaper. Snatching the paper from the blond, he spun around and ran closer to the boat. "Tifa! Tifa!" Tifa looked down at Reno's summon. "What the hell is this?" He yelled at her.

Tifa squinted her eyes to see the picture. What is that? Oh my God! She stared at the picture and started laughing. In bold type on the front page was the question: IS THIS LOVE? Underneath the large letters was a picture of Tifa in the arms of Rufus.

A/N: So... I know this chapter was twice as long as the others, but I couldn't bring myself to break it up. Let me know what you think!