Chapter Ten

Then

Elena though Reno was joking, or drunk, when he bounced into their office a few days later, joyously singing that they were going on holiday.

They had entered something of a lull since Rocket Town. Rude had gotten a couple of days leave, to recover from his somewhat embarrassing incident, and so Elena and Reno had been stuck in the office together. It had been fun, for maybe two hours, and then Reno had started to annoy the hell out of Elena. He wasn't in the mood to work, and kept coming up with fun, distracting ideas; chair races, and paper aeroplane contests. Elena was not impressed. She tried locking Reno out of the office, but Tseng made her let him back in. She tried bribing him into doing work by giving him sweets, but he just made noise with the wrappers. Eventually, she yelled at him, telling him to work or she would kick his sorry, red headed ass. Reno muttered something about PMS, and missing Rude, but finally shut up and started doing something productive.

When he bounced into the office, singing the Wutain national anthem, Elena glared at him. 'Reno, for fuck's sake...'

'We're going on holiday!' he told her, grabbing her by the wrists and pulling her to her feet. She rolled her eyes and tried to wrench out of his grip, but he wouldn't let her.

'Reno...'

'Lena, come on! We're going to Wutai! Tseng's lettin' us take a vacation!'

A voice from the door said 'It's true.'

Elena looked at Rude. 'Really?'

'Mm hm. Reeve says that AVALANCHE have stalled, and we've received no news on Sephiroth in days. They're still trying to track this Temple, but 'til they find it...'

'So we're going to Wutai?'

Reno nodded, jubilantly. 'Yup. We've got a pagoda there. It's so awesome, and there's this bar, and the weather's always great, and...'

'Breathe, Reno,' Elena advised, a slight smile on her face. She frowned. 'I'm a bit surprised. I'd have thought that at a time like this they'd need us here...'

Rude grunted. '... But they also know they have to keep us sweet. And it's a selfish move on Tseng's part. He gets four days away from Reno.'

Elena hid a smile as Reno made a face. 'Well. Okay then. It sounds fun.'

'Oh, it is. Believe me. There's this bar, Turtles Paradise, and they make the most awesome cocktails.'

Rude rolled his eyes, though it was hidden behind his shades. 'Girl's drinks,' he said, dismissively.

Reno stuck his tongue out. 'Whatever, man. Lena, you'll love it.'

She smiled at him. 'I'm sure I will.'

Tseng came into the office. 'Hello Elena,' he greeted her.

'Hello sir. Reno's been filling me in about this vacation.'

Tseng smiled, the joyous smile of someone who would soon be in a Reno free zone. 'Yes. I'm sorry I can't accompany you.'

Rude stifled a snort. 'Sure,' he muttered.

'In all seriousness, Elena, be sure to take in all the sights of Wutai. It's not somewhere you'll often get to go, and it really is rich in culture and history.'

'The girls are hot, too!' Reno added, eagerly.

Tseng glared at him. 'Shame they don't think the same of you, hey Reno?'

Rude laughed openly this time. Tseng turned to Elena, grinning. 'Reno tried to hit on my sister once, not realising she's a black belt in karate.' A nostalgic look passed over his face. 'I've never liked Reno more than when his jaw's wired shut.'

Reno was beginning to pout. Feeling a bit sorry for him, being the butt of the teasing, Elena asked 'When do we leave?'

'A Shinra plane is ready to take you whenever you're ready,' Tseng told her. 'I'd advise you to go as soon as possible though, or you'll get there very late.'

'Should I just finish this report before we go?'

Tseng hid a smile. 'No, that's okay. I can fill in the gaps for you.'

She smiled brightly at him. 'Thank you, sir.'

'Call me Tseng,' he admonished her, gently. Reno watched the exchange, frowning slightly.

xoxoxoxo

Three hours later, the Turks were on a very comfy jet, 30,000 feet above North Corel. Reno was asleep with his head on Elena's shoulder. The blonde Turk was reading an article in 'Midgar Society' about the Shinra family and Rude was watching the world move past beneath them.

Elena frowned. 'Rude. This article... well, it says that Rufus' mother died in a car accident. But I thought...'

Rude grunted. 'You've heard the rumors.'

She nodded, hesitantly.

Rude shrugged. 'No-one's sure, really. I think Rufus made himself believe it, as further ammunition against his father. You know he was tipping off AVALANCHE at one point?'

Elena nodded. 'I heard,' she murmured. 'But, I mean, President Shinra was a selfish man. But... having his wife killed... he'd have to be evil!'

'I don't know. Her family was pretty affluent. He saw their connection to him as a threat, I'm sure. As to whether he had her killed or not...' Rude shrugged again. 'We'll never know now, I imagine.'

Elena shivered, feeling a sudden burst of sympathy for the cold president. What a horrible environment to grow up, thinking that your father could be responsible for your mother dying...

The sad feeling stuck with her even as they landed in Wutai. Reno had woken up over Rocket Town, cranky and with a sore neck, but he'd quickly cheered up when he'd remembered where they were going. He'd noticed that something was wrong with Elena, but luckily was too psyched up to try and find out what. Instead, he'd started up a rousing chorus of his song du jour, the Wutain national anthem, stopping only when Rude threatened to ring the highly patriotic Tseng and let him hear how Reno was butchering his country's theme.

Elena was surprised by how cold it was when they stepped off the plane. She didn't know why, but she'd always assumed the Western country would be warm- not the cloying heat of Costa del Sol, but a smooth, pleasant one.

'It warms up,' Reno told her. 'Then during the day all the girls walk around in these teeny tiny clothes... Hey, Lena, did you bring anything like that?'

Her glare silenced him, at least until they reached the pagoda. It was a beautiful building, built recently, but in the style of classic Wutain architecture. Inside was spartanly decorated, but the walls were covered in ornate carvings. Elena stood in the entrance, gazing around. She felt Reno stop behind her.

'Nice, isn't it,' he remarked. He was close enough that she could feel his breathing against her neck, and she was surprised by the pleasure this sensation bought her.

'Yeah, it's beautiful,' she answered, voice slightly shaky.

It was late, so they decided to go to bed. Reno pouted for a while; he wanted to go straight to the bar, but the other two were adamant.

'Tomorrow,' Elena promised him. When they said goodnight, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. His lips were soft and warm: even when she woke the following morning, she could still feel exactly where they'd touched her.

xoxoxox

They went to the bar shortly after midday. Reno and Rude both started drinking instantly. Elena ordered a lemonade, but she promised Reno she'd move onto the hard stuff later.

'I don't like drinking when there's still dew on the grass,' she told him, smirking slightly. He stuck his tongue out at her.

It was funny, Elena was thinking of AVALANCHE when the tavern door opened. She'd had a couple of drinks by then, at the behest of Reno, and as she wasn't a big drinker she already felt buzzed. As nice as it was to have a few days off to just relax, she couldn't help but feel they were neglecting their duties somewhat. She hated the idea of things happening when they weren't there...

Odd then, that it took a second for her to register that it was Cloud who'd just walked through the door, accompanied by the slutty looking barmaid and that damn Ancient. When she realised who it was, she leapt to her feet.

'Yy ,you!? How did you get here!' No, come on Elena, just get to the point. 'Never mind that. I guess it's fate that brought us together. Get ready to die!' She pulled out her gun, training it on them. She shot a look at Reno and Rude to make sure they were ready, but they were just... sitting there and drinking?

'Elena, you talk too much,' said Reno, sounding amused.

Elena stared at him in disbelief. 'What?!'

'What are we doing out here?' Reno asked her, patiently, a little smile on his face.

'We're taking a vacation and resting up,' she answered, feeling a little stupid.

'Now our vacation is ruined,' declared Reno, a teasing note in his voice.

'But...'

'Even the booze tastes bad now,' added Rude, still taking a hefty swig.

Elena muttered 'Sorry,' then sat back down. Reno rubbed her foot with his under the table, to show her he was joking, but she still felt a bit embarrassed, and a bit angry too.

Reno ignored AVALANCHE, who backed off warily. 'Drink, Rude! How long have we been a team?' He shook his head. 'There have been hard times, being a Turk, but I'm glad I did it.'

Elena glared at him slightly. He was obviously drunk. Rude wasn't much better.

'To the Turks... To Reno!'

Elena looked over at AVALANCHE, glowering. 'You're lucky!' she called out. 'Next time we meet I won't be so nice. Now get out of my sight!'

As spiky head and his pals left, looking at her as though she was nuts, Reno hooted with laughter. 'Lena's drunk!' he crowed.

She kicked him, hard, under the table.

'Ow! God, I shoulda guessed you'd be a violent drunk,' he muttered.

'Reno, Rude, they're here!' she burst out. 'Why aren't we doing something?'

'Cause at the moment we're gettin' paid to do this,' Rude indicated his glass. 'Not to work.'

'Yeah, but...'

'But nothing. We're having fun, right?' He poured her another drink. 'C'mon Lena, lighten up.'

She tried to forget about AVALANCHE, and their close proximity, and was just about managing to, when the door opened, and two Shinra soldiers came running in.

'He is here! Turks, you're back-up!'

Reno sighed, finishing his drink. 'What a drag.'

'What?!' spluttered the soldier, staring at Reno in shock.

'Right now we're off duty and can't run off to save your asses,' said Reno, signalling the barman for another drink.

The soldier looked stunned. 'We know you're off duty, but-'

'If you knew that, then don't bother us!' snapped Reno. 'Just lookin' at you is makin' me sober!'

'But you all have orders too,' tried the soldier. Reno didn't budge. The soldiers glared at him. 'All right, that's it! We'll get him without any help from the Turks, you'll see. And...' the soldier seemed to be getting more and more angry due to Reno's silence. 'Don't think HQ won't hear about this!'

They ran from the tavern. Reno laughed.

Elena sighed. 'Reno, do you really think that was such a good idea? I mean, is that the way a professional, a Turk, would act?'

'Elena, don't misunderstand,' said Reno, seriously. 'A pro isn't someone who sacrifices themself for their job. That's just a fool.'

Elena gazed at him in disgust. 'Rude?' She turned to the bald man. He just shrugged. 'Well I don't buy that!' Neither man would meet her eyes. She stood up, throwing a handful of gil to the table. 'Goodbye.'

xoxoxoxo

It had seemed like such a good idea at the time, making a statement, leaving them having had the last word. But now, tied to a cliff face alongside a green faced ninja brat, an STD ridden, lard ass pimp chortling below her, Elena was beginning to wish she'd stayed in the bar. Corneo, that absolute asshole, had grabbed her nearly the second she'd left, then he'd left her alone with the heinous Yuffie for nearly an hour, making her long for Reno and his stupid antics in the office. Then they'd dragged her up this cliff, and now here she was, hanging by her wrists, which really, fucking hurt, and she had a feeling she was either going to be raped or die, or maybe both, within the next hour. She knew Turks didn't cry, but just then she really wanted to.

Yuffie was struggling like crazy, and screaming at Corneo, who was just parading around beneath them, snickering.

'Hmm, delicious! Scrumptious! I think I've found a new hobby! Which one will it be...' He stared up at the two of them, then mimed groping their breasts. Yuffie spat at him, a glob landing in his bushy ass yellow hair. Elena stifled a giggle, though the urge to laugh left her when he stopped beneath her.

'Should I go with her?'

'Hey! I'm one of the Turks! Don't think you can get away with this!' she warned him.

He ignored her, as everyone seemed to be doing today. 'Or maybe her...' he did a little dance under Yuffie, who shrieked mightily.

'Ooh. I've made my choice... My companion for the night will be... The cheerful one!'

Yuffie went green. 'GROSSNESS!' she screamed. Elena felt mildly relieved, til she realised this meant she'd probably die sooner.

'Ooh, and she's saucy too!' Corneo suddenly stopped. 'Hmm? Who's there?'

Elena had never thought she'd be so glad to see Spiky head and his friends. Yuffie slumped forward. 'Oh man, Cloud!'

Corneo made a face. 'Hmm. Long time no see.'

Elena felt faint as they bantered. Get the fuck on with it, she thought, glaring at Cloud.

She felt almost bored as they fought off some beast Corneo had summoned, bored enough to actually consider talking to Yuffie. Thankfully, they killed it before she did.

Corneo paled. 'Um... Please!' He suddenly sounded as though he was crying. 'Just... give me a chance! Wait... I... Why do you think a bad guy like me would swallow his pride and plead for his life?'

Elena rolled her eyes.

'1- Because he's ready to die, 2- Because he's sure to win, 3- Because he's clueless?'

'4- Because he's a spineless ass face,' muttered Yuffie, eliciting a snicker from Elena.

Cloud sighed. '3?'

'Bzzzzzz- WRONG!' Corneo flipped a lever, and suddenly the two were upside down. Elena shrieked.

'If I push this button, they'll fall upside down, and we'll have SQUASHED TOMATOES!' Corneo was dancing maniacally.

'Damn,' said Cloud, looking worried.

'Coward!' spat the barmaid chick.

'Haha, you're mine too!' Corneo promised her.

Suddenly, there were footsteps. Corneo stiffened. 'Who's there?'

Elena twisted as far as she could. Was that...

'The Turks!' Corneo sounded terrified. Elena thought she would cry with relief.

'You knew this was going to happen, ever since you leaked that secret,' said Reno, sounding bored. 'We're going to take care of you... personally.'

'Then they're all going with me!' Corneo sounded desperate. He jerked forward, then there was a shot. Rude appeared, holding a paralytic gun, just watching as Corneo teetered by the edge.

'Good timing, Rude,' said Reno, approvingly.

Rude nodded. 'Let's get to work.'

Finally, thought Elena.

'All right, Corneo. This'll be over quick, so listen up. Why do you think we went to all the trouble of teaming up with those guys to get you? 1- Because we were ready to die? 2- Because we were sure of victory? 3- Because we were clueless?' Reno looked at him, expectantly.

Elena nearly missed his answer. They teamed up with them... for me? Reno...

'Two, number two!' said Corneo, desperately.

'All wrong,' said Reno, stamping on his hand.

'No, wait, stooop!' shrieked the Don, as he fell to his death.

Reno adjusted his goggles. 'The correct answer was...' He looked up at Elena, catching her eye, letting her know the real reason. 'Because it's our job.'

She smiled at him. 'Thank you, I... never expected you to come help.'

Reno winked almost imperceptibly. 'Don't act so weak. You're a Turk.'

She made a face at him. 'You're right... sir.'

He glared at her.

'...Thanks,' said Tifa, the barmaid, reluctantly.

Reno was about to say something, when his PHS rang. He answered it. 'Yeah... this is Reno. Yes... yes, I'll get on it right away.' He hung up.

'Was that the company?' asked Elena.

Reno nodded. 'Yeah, they want us to find Cloud...'

The three AVALANCHE members pulled out their weapons, looking wary again. Neither Reno nor Rude moved.

'Are we on?' asked Rude.

Reno scratched his neck. 'No, today we're off duty.'

Cloud nodded at him. Reno just glared at him.

Yuffie suddenly shrieked 'Who cares about that? GET ME DOWN!'

xoxoxoxo

Rude had gone in search of some kind of lotion for Elena's wrists, which were rubbed raw from the rope, leaving her alone with Reno. She had been very quiet on the way back from the mountain. Rude had carried her some of the way, as she was exhausted from straining. Now she was sitting on the futon style couch, wrapped in a blanket, ignoring the coffee that Reno had made her. The redhead was standing in the doorway, drinking a beer, watching her.

'I'm... sorry,' she said, softly. 'I... screwed up, didn't I.'

Reno shrugged, coming to sit beside her on the couch. He lifted her hands, looking at her wrists, wincing slightly. 'Ouch. He had you pretty tightly.'

She nodded. 'Y,yeah.' She examined his face, biting her lip slightly. 'Are you mad at me?'

He looked at her in surprise. 'No. Should I be?'

'Reno, you had to team up with AVALANCHE 'cause of me! You had to climb a mountain- 'cause of me! You had to stop drinking- 'cause of me! You had to-'

'Woah, woah, woah. Lena. Calm down! Whew. Look, I didn't mind doing any of that.'

'Yeah, right,' she muttered.

'No, it's true. You're a Turk Lena, but you're a friend too. You were in trouble, we helped you. It's cool.'

Elena sighed. 'I just... I keep doing things wrong, don't I.'

'Everyone makes mistakes. These experiences will make you a better Turk.'

'They... will?'

Ren nodded. 'Of course.'

Elena smiled at him. 'Thanks, Reno.'

He stroked the back of her hand, affectionately. 'It's no problem.' They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Reno still stroking the back of her hand. It felt nice, the gentle pressure sending little sparks down her arm...

'Reno?' she turned to look at him. 'Were you... worried about me?'

'...Kinda.'

'Huh! Only kinda?'

He smiled. 'I trust you. I know you can look after yourself.' His face darkened. 'But... Corneo...' He shook his head. 'I hate that man. If he'd have laid a finger on you...'

Elena looked at him, touched by the obvious anxiety in his voice. 'He didn't,' she told him, softly.

Reno looked down at her. 'Elena...' Very gently, he touched her cheek, caressing it with the back of his hand.

I love how he says my name, she thought giddily, leaning her face into his hand. She wasn't sure if she was moving up to him, or if he was coming down to her, but somehow their faces were together, their lips brushing. It was a soft, brief kiss, but Elena still felt breathless.

'Reno...'

She would have said more, only the door banged. They sprang apart, just as Rude entered, carrying a pharmacy bag. She smiled shakily as she accepted it, not looking up as Reno stood, saying he needed a beer.

It's a good thing Rude came in, she told herself. It is... But for the rest of the evening, all she could think of were his lips on hers, and the softness as their skin touched.

A/N- lol, my sister Nina had a baby, so I had to go home for a few days which is why my updating basically stalled for a couple weeks. Anyway such a long chapter lol and not even everything I wanted to put in! I still think there'll only be two more chapters- the last one is written already! The next one'll be up in a couple days, and we'll finally get to see Tseng skewered lol. Thanks for all the reviews and favorites, and for all the hits too! Review this chap? XD