A/N: WOW! We updated quickly this time XD This chapter is by Le Pecore Nere, who has finally managed to something over 500 words lol

Enjoy!

Chapter 9

Elena headed up to the hotel and walked up to her room. 'I wonder if Rude ever made it back…' she thought to herself, it was odd, even though it was her first time with them, she couldn't help but getting a feeling that his absence was peculiar. She found herself in front of Reno's room and knocked. A small groan reached her ears.

"Who is it?" Reno drawled, he sounded beat.

"It's Elena. Can I come in?" She asked.

"Yeah." She heard the sound of him shuffling around. The door creaked open and she gasped.

"Reno!" She exclaimed. Before her were stacks of plates, all of which had remains of food on them. "What'd you do? That's got to cost LOADS of money!" Reno laughed.

"Calm down 'Laney-"

"Don't call me 'Laney."

"It's just food." He continued, as if she hadn't spoken.

"Yeah but-"

"Relax, it all goes on the tabs."

"But-"

"Which Shin-Ra pays for." She sighed, it seemed like a mess followed this man everywhere he went. Besides food smears on the plate, there was food on the floor, walls, and somehow the ceiling.

She sighed in frustration. Reno grinned.

"I'm betting you didn't come in here to bother little ol' me." He said, quickly changing the subject.

Elena cleared her throat. Rude. "Reno, shouldn't Rude be back?" She asked.

"He called about an hour ago." He said, shrugging his shoulders. Amazingly, Elena found that that didn't help.

"…and?"

"And nothing, said something about checking the docks. That's probably what he's doing right now."

"Does it usually take this long?"

"Aww, is 'Laney worried about Rude?" Reno asked in a sing-song voice.

"No." Elena said and blushed. "I just-"

"I know, I'm just pushing your buttons. We'll give him another 20 minutes before we do anything you know, stupid." Reno said and winked at her.

"Alright so we wait for a half hour." Elena said.

"Question 'Laney, you would shoot at someone if they ever pointed a gun at you right?"

"Yes, of course." Elena said. What a silly question, of course she would, right? Well rather she hoped would. She shook her head. She could tell it was going to be a long half hour of waiting.

It hadn't even been a half hour before Reno stood suddenly saying "I can't wait anymore." He grabbed his EMR

"Reno! Wait." Elena started, she didn't think it was a good idea for anyone to go running off.

"Rude might be in trouble, rule number 1 don't leave a fellow Turk behind." Reno said, waiting for her to get ready. "I know good old president says 'each for themselves' but that's not the way it works around here."

Elena only nodded, she grabbed her gun, she understood. They left the building, and made their way over to the docks. It was getting very late, however the noise and bright colors didn't die down. There was a tang of salt in the air as they got closer, Elena could only hope that things were ok.

They turned a few more corners, and all the noise died down and they arrived at a more closed area. The rolling ocean was before her, something she had never seen in person. It was peaceful.

Reno shook his head, no sign of Rude. "Maybe he went to go check the boats. You take that half, and I'll take that one." He said, pointing to the left.

"Right." She said, and moved down the slippery dock. She had one hand on the gun, the other by her side. She hoped she didn't have to use the gun. It had become dark really fast. 'Calm down, it won't do you good, to get nervous now.' She thought and took a deep breath.

She went through each little dock area, looking for any sign of Rude. She had arrived at the very last docking area, before she was to return. Faint but clear noises reached her ears. Her heart beat faster, she drew her gun. 'Maybe it's just an animal of some sort.' She thought to herself. She shakily looked between all the boats. She reached the end, and the noises became much more clear. It sounded like someone or something moving stuff around. As she advanced, the noises stopped. She stopped moving. 'Don't let it be something I can't get out of please.' She thought to herself.

Just then a shadow jumped out from a boat. She felt a scream rise in her throat, and the shadow moved closer, and took shape of a person. She gripped the gun harder.

"Identify yourself." She said, hoping her voice was sterner than she felt. The shadow moved closer. She raised the gun.