"Why did they send ME on this mission?" Reno mumbled as he stood in front of the large iron gates of Shinra Mansion. Even though this place had recently been refurbished, it still freaked him out. Reno pushed the gate open enough for him to slip through. It closed with a loud bang behind him. He walked up to the door.
"Remember, calm, cool, and convincing," He said to himself.
He straightened his tie. Damn Tseng, making him wear a tie, it made him feel claustrophobic.
He reached up and knocked loudly.
"No answer," Reno mumbled five seconds later, "Must not be-"
The door swung open. No one was there. At least, no one at eye level...
"Vincent!" He heard a small voice yell, "It's the stupid turk guy!!"
He looked down to find Marlene, the kid that Barret guy was taking care of.
"What are YOU doing here?" She asked, giving him a funny look, "Cloud's house is down the street."
Reno smiled. She was a cute kid.
"I'm not here to see Cloud," He said, stepping in the door.
"You're here to see Vincent?" She asked, and Reno nodded, "He's in the kitchen! Come on, this way!"
She grabbed his hand, leading him into the fancy kitchen. Valentine sat at the table reading, an empty plate in front of him. He looked up when Marlene entered the room.
"Vincent, the turk guy came to visit!" She said cheerfully, hopping up in the chair.
Reno felt the heat of his gaze. He gulped. This guy freaked him out.
"Is there something you need?" He asked, looking up from his book.
"Well," Reno started, "Yeah, but can we talk privately?"
Vincent looked over to Marlene, who stood, "I'll go back to Cloud's,"
Reno sat across from Vincent, waiting for the door to close.
"What is it you need?"
"Tseng...well, Rufus too, want..."
Vincent cocked an eyebrow at him.
"They...wantyoutojointheturks."
"What?" Vincent asked, surprise flickering over his face.
"Yeah," Reno said, looking down, "Something about expanding the ranks,"
"No,"
Reno had expected that, "Why not?"
"I..." Vincent started, standing, "I'm busy..."
"I can see that," Reno spat, glancing around the room.
Vincent ignored him, placing his plate in the sink.
"C'mon Valentine, you've got nothing better to do!" Reno said, standing.
"I..." Vincent started.
"You know it's true," Reno said, walking out of the room.
He made it to the door, when he heard Vincent behind him.
"I'll think...I'll think about it."
Reno smiled, and opened the door. That was a hell of a lot better than no.