Once More, With Feeling... – Chapter 18: Night on the Town
Summary: All just Reno and Cloud, making better acquaintance.
Author: Illusor Meaneld
Rated T: for Descriptive violence and injuries, No Adult Situations, No Cussing.
Disclaimer: I did not create, and do not own the characters from Final Fantasy 7, They are owned by Square-Enix, and I am simply borrowing them for my own (and hopefully your) enjoyment.
Reno's attempt to force Cloud to wear his hair back, by wearing his suit correctly, lasted all of two days. During those two days both boys had corrected the other's attire relentlessly. Reno couldn't tie a tie, and somehow managed to wriggle his shirt from his belt without trying. Cloud's hair was infinitely stubborn; he couldn't seem to get it to behave by himself, so Reno was constantly trying to keep it combed. Both boys were happier with the forfeit, agreeing to leave the other's appearance alone unless decorum was required. Cloud roamed as a Turk (Intern) with his hair loose around his shoulders, and Reno happily stuffed his tie in his pocket once more.
Of course, Having an Internship drastically changed Cloud's daily schedule, He still had Weapons Training in the mornings, and with Zack Fair's promotion, he saw the hyper SOLDIER on Mondays and Wednesdays. But after Weapons Practice he had a new class called "Marksmanship", which was a Special Ops. course, one that Tseng had claimed would be important. Cloud couldn't really argue, he'd run out of SOLDIER Prep. Academic classes… The last half of his day was taken by his Turk Internship. Cloud had to do his own Calisthenics in the morning, and his late-night training became a bit erratic with his flexible internship hours. All in all, he found himself VERY busy, and surprisingly, he enjoyed every minute of it! Also surprisingly, None of Cloud's bunk-mates commented on his sudden scarcity, Gavin was as talkative as ever, during breakfast, before lunch, and in the mornings before the Squad left for their first class, none of them seemed to miss him during his dropped "Calisthenics" class, Logan had become quiet and distant, merely glaring sullenly at Cloud whenever the boy drew too close. Cloud didn't see much of Lucas, the boy avoided him, but Cyril was very quiet, contemplative even, He hadn't said a word during Weapons Training class, since the "sparring" incident in the halls. It was puzzling, but Cloud didn't have the energy to ponder it at the moment.
Somehow, despite his crazy schedule, Cloud managed to get himself some off-base time. Enough for him to prepare for the "Sleep-over date" Reno insisted they were having. Cloud had made his way to the slums, he knew exactly where to find what he needed, Though he did have to browse through three different sectors before he found the prices he could afford. He had brought one of the standard-issue Shinra backpacks, it was large enough for his purposes, he didn't need LARGE bottles of the particular beverages he was bringing, but he did need a lot of different kinds. He picked up various munchies, a lot of drinks and juice, and even a small package of very particular fruits. But amongst his "party" purchases, Cloud picked up a generic "coverall", some cheap shoes, socks, and other under things, and a few other particular odds and ends he would need this weekend. One item had to be purchased from a certain store in Sector Six, … Cloud knew the managers held confidences, and he didn't need anyone finding out he had purchased a wig. With all of his preparations complete, Cloud stowed his stuff in his locker until Saturday.
Friday Morning started like most of his mornings of late, he continued to wake earlier than the rest of the boys in Squad Sekhmet, but since the shower-room fiasco, Cloud just did a quiet morning workout. The types of exercises he no longer had a class for, stretches and warm-ups. He continued these until his bunk-mates woke themselves up and got ready for the showers, then he accompanied them there. Gavin spent whatever moments he could in Cloud's company, those moments were fewer and fewer as time went on. Cloud only had one class with Squad Sekhmet anymore. After they were all showered and dressed in their SOLDIER Preparation uniforms, they attended the usual Weapons Training. It was by far the longest class they were enrolled in, and the hardest to test out of… it covered A LOT of different weapons!
Cloud's new Marksmanship class was interesting, even though Weapons Training was supposed to cover fire-arms briefly later in the year, Guns weren't a recommended weapon for SOLDIERs. They were however, highly recommended for Turks. Having been just transferred into this 'class' Cloud was, naturally, behind the other students, He hadn't handled a gun for years in his own time, and he'd never been a natural, only his years of consistent practice with Vincent and… surprisingly, the Tseng from his OWN time, kept him from shooting his own foot on the first day. Dang but those guns were HEAVIER than he'd remembered! He finally settled into a routine of paying more attention to his hands to keep them from moving while he shot, than the target. His instructor just hadn't understood when Cloud had tried to explain that he KNEW where the target was! It was his GUN he was worried about!
After those two classes, was of course, lunch. Zack Fair, having been deprived the opportunity to stalk his favorite blonde buddy four times a day, had settled instead on stealing Cloud every lunch period. Cloud ate in the SOLDIER mess-hall, with Zack and Angeal. He tried to be careful about what he said in front of the SOLDIER 1st, but his caution rarely became necessary, Zack was more than happy to carry the conversation all by himself. Just before lunch actually 'ended', Reno gleefully 'crashed the party' as he was prone to doing, barging into the SOLDIER Mess-hall with no invitation, flopping himself on Cloud's free side while grinning at Zack's disgruntlement. Reno waited only long enough to make sure Cloud was done eating before forcefully dragging the fourteen year old off to get dressed into what Reno called his "real uniform". Both reported to Tseng as soon as Cloud was "properly attired". Much like his other days as a Turk Intern, Cloud spent his time running errands, delivering paperwork, and generally getting to know all of the 'important' people in Shinra by sight. Cloud had to hide a smirk as one of his assignments ended up with him being a "scribe" for Reeve Tuesti. It wasn't hard to figure out the purpose behind the seemingly inane tasks. If Cloud hadn't already known his way around the Shinra building and its employees, he certainly would have by now.
Reeve was quieter and less self-assured than Cloud remembered him, and what might have been a boring day writing down notations and messages to the various helpers in Tuesti's understaffed department, was made enjoyable both by Reno's constant banter, and Reeve's soft smiles.
Cloud was almost reluctant to finish that assignment, but eventually Reeve dismissed him and he reported back to Tseng. At the end of his shift Reno walked him back to Squad Sekhmet's dormitory and waved a goodbye with a lopsided grin. Cloud just laughed at the suggestive wink and reminder of their Saturday night 'plans'. He didn't change his night-time regime, continuing to train himself well after the other SOLDIER Prep. boys had gone to bed, but with as busy as his days were, he often didn't have as MUCH time for his midnight sessions. A Sleep-deprived Turk, even just an INTERN Turk, sounded like someone who was asking for trouble!
"Come In." Tseng offered quietly, he was already expecting the raven-haired SOLDIER 1st class. Angeal had made an appointment to see him while Cloud Strife was particularly occupied. A scribing assignment with Reeve Tuesti was guaranteed to keep the small blonde occupied and out of the way. Angeal walked in without a greeting, striding evenly to Tseng's desk before dropping a rather thick manila folder on the polished desk. Tseng glanced once at the folder before flicking his eyes back to the Lieutenant.
"This is…?" Tseng murmured softly, he knew the Mako enhanced warrior had no trouble hearing him.
"Operation Weatherman." Angeal informed him, smirking a little. With a frown Tseng picked up the very full folder, glancing at the title with one raised eyebrow.
"Operation Weatherman?" the Turk smoothly repeated, the barest curiosity in his voice, he slowly opened the folder glancing over the neatly typed pages inside,
"Yes, … you wanted a full report, and so I have given you one with all of the knowledge Sephiroth and myself have managed to acquire. The idea is that you would add what you could to the Operation."
Tseng was silent for several moments, skimming over the many pages full of text, looking for a quick indication of the subject matter. The longer Tseng browsed, the wider Angeal's grin became, until finally the Turk set the folder down and leveled his gaze on the man before him.
"What is 'Operation Weatherman'?" Tseng knew Angeal was waiting for that response, and as he predicted the SOLDIER chuckled.
"What does a Weatherman do?" Angeal quizzed with a smirk,
"Predict the Weather."
"How do they do that?" Angeal continued to prod, Tseng remained silent, merely raising an eyebrow, "By watching CLOUDS" Angeal finished with a snicker, Tseng slowly pressed his face against his hand, shaking his head at the antics of the Mako enhanced.
On Saturday Morning, Cloud woke to the door opening, his eyes cracked open just enough to see a silhouetted form against the hallway light before the door shut. The blonde had to stifle a groan as a snickering form launched itself from the doorway onto Cloud's occupied bunk.
"I gotcha a day off Yo! Wake up!" Reno hollered as he collided bodily with Cloud's "sleeping" form. Cloud wuffed painfully, Reno wasn't very big, but Cloud was even smaller than the lithe red-head.
"Get off Reno!" Cloud growled, "What time is it?" It was earlier even than Cloud usually woke, he had the very uncomfortable feeling that Reno had somehow planned it that way.
"'searly." Reno admitted cheekily, "'searly enough t'be sleepin' in, but we gotta lotta stuff ta do."
There was a sudden snarl from the other side of the room as the other Sekhmet boys began to stir from the noise. "What the Cetra is wrong with you shrimp?" Logan half-rose, squinting at Cloud's bed.
"Don' mess with Turks yo!" Reno sniped right back, "I got stuff y'ain't never seen, and ya wouldn't wanna either."
"Stop flirting with him Reno, and get off." Cloud sighed, he needed Reno's protection even less than he needed Zack's or Angeal's!
"You comin'?" Reno's blue eyes flitted back to Cloud, still perched leisurely on the blonde's chest.
"What did you do to my classes again?" Cloud knew that Logan was listening now, and by the shuffling on a few other bunks he suspected most of the room was. It wasn't everyday a Turk invaded the SOLDIER Preparation dormitories… in fact, Cloud had never heard of it happening before.
"I signed you outta them yo, said ya had an important mission an' stuff."
Cloud groaned, "You WHAT?"
"You're off-duty!" the red-head smirked,
"Reno… I'm a SOLDIER PREP. Cadet, we can't be 'off-duty'."
"Can too, I jus' did it! … So you comin' or not?"
Cloud fell silent, while it wasn't comfortable trying to breath with the sixteen year old sitting on him, Reno seemed to be keeping enough weight off the blonde that Cloud didn't feel crushed. "Where exactly are we going?" Cloud repeated, sighing in defeat.
"'tain't tellin'." The red-head snickered, "'sa secret."
"Reno… We… Oh forget it, get off and I'll get my stuff."
With a whoop the young Turk sprang from the bunk, ignoring the irritated remarks from the other Cadets still trying to sleep. As quickly as he could Cloud rose and grabbed his things, the backpack he'd packed for the 'sleepover' (which had apparently turned into an entire two day hangout session.) some extra clothing and both of his uniforms. … He didn't entirely trust Reno's assurances that he was dismissed from all responsibilities, so if someone came looking for him, he wanted to be ready.
Reno refused to let Cloud shower, dragging him away hastily chatting all the while about his apartment. Turks apparently had off-base lodging, two-room apartments in a Shinra owned building, and Reno was dying to show off his place to someone else. Cloud wasn't allowed to do anything until after they'd arrived and he'd been given the 'tour'. It wasn't a large place, it had a living room with adjoining kitchen area, two separate bedrooms, and one bathroom with a full size tub. Cloud was shown to what Reno adamantly referred to as "Cloud's room" and his belongings stashed in there. The blonde was more than a little startled to find that Reno had placed candidly taken photographs of Cloud himself and Zack Fair all over the room in cheap frames. At Reno's unrepentant grin, Cloud just had to laugh. Finally he was allowed to shower, in complete privacy and with as much hot water as he wanted. Both boys ended up dressed in casual wear, and with a broad smile Reno took Cloud and led the way into sector 6. Reno insisted on bringing a very large and heavy-looking trunk on the trip, insisting that Cloud help him carry it to their destination. As they reached the slums Cloud set the case down with a groan.
"Reno, this thing weighs a TON! Why are we lugging this thing around? And why are we even OUT here at Six in the Morning?"
"I told you, it's a secret!" Reno huffed, pausing to wipe the perspiration from his brow, and readjust the goggles on his head. Even when he was out of his Turk uniform Reno wore the goggles. Later in life the suit, regardless of how unkempt it looked, would be a mark of pride for the red-head. But at the tender age of 16, it was just an annoyance. Cloud just had to smile at the baggy pants and Shirt the youth sported now.
"It's a really heavy secret." Cloud added with a grin.
"C'mon! It's not much further…" Reno lugged the case with a huff, Cloud followed, ready for the trade off when the weight of the large piece of luggage became too much. After a while, Cloud had a suspicion as to their destination, there weren't very many things this far into Sector 6, and Cloud could only think of one where they might need a large heavy case that inspired random evil snickers from his partner.
"The Train Graveyard?" Cloud managed a gasp of surprise when they stepped in view of the area.
Reno grinned, "Yep! Heard of it have ya?"
"I did pass Geography Reno."
The red-head paused to give Cloud a strange look before continuing onward. He dragged the trunk to a huge expanse of discarded pipes and metal plating, setting the luggage down on one of the flatter surfaces before turning back to Cloud.
"This is the Turk's playground yo! If ever ya need ta unwind and jazz ya gotta come here!"
Now it was Cloud's turn to give a weird look. "Huh? How is this a 'playground'?"
Reno's grin turned suddenly impish. "This's how." And with a practiced flick of his hands he popped open the heavy case. Cloud's eyes widened, and he felt his mouth drop in astonishment. The massive Case they'd been lugging around all over Midgar was filled with military weapons.
"Is…. Is that…." Cloud had to swallow as his throat had suddenly gone dry, "Is that a ROCKET launcher?" Reno just snickered. Cloud walked slowly forward to examine the treasure trove. Sure enough, there was a rocket launcher (with five rockets) a couple of grenades, a 50 caliber sniper rifle, as well as an assortment of smaller arms. Where the heck had Reno GOTTEN these?
"Whaddya wanna try out first?" Reno purred, patting the case smugly. Cloud slowly grinned,
"The rocket launcher."
The two of them spent the entire morning making holes in the 'dead' trains. In addition to mauling all the cans and bottles Reno had brought, and knocking over a few train cars with well-placed explosives. They were laughing heartily by the time they scampered away from the little war-zone. Cloud hadn't had that much fun in years! Next they proceeded on to Sector 5. True to his promise the Young Turk took Cloud to the Pizza place for lunch. They both ate pizza until they couldn't stomach anymore, and played the arcades and pinball, and even Air-hockey, until their fingers cramped up. The air had begun to chill with evening by the time the boys made their way to their "dinner" place. Reno picked a particular hot-dog stand that had an impressive view of the Midgar streets, it was from this vantage point the two boys engaged in the age-old teenage pass-time.
"That chick there is spicy-hot!" Reno snorted, gesturing to a small cluster of women.
Cloud glanced over and shrugged, "Nah… not my type."
"What about that one?" Reno pointed out a lithe blonde with short hair, "She's got sexy written all over!"
Cloud followed the red-head's gaze and sniggered, "She's a lesbian."
"What?" Reno whirled to gape, "Don' joke with me man! That ain't funny."
"Take a closer look! She's doing the same thing we are! Checking out the girls!"
Reno frowned, but after glancing over the girl in question he spat a curse, "All'a hot one's ain't interested in us sexy men."
Cloud just chuckled, slowly munching on his food while watching the crowds below in amusement,
"So Cloud," The red-headed Turk interrupted his musings,
"hmmmm?"
"What IS your type?"
One blonde eyebrow raised pointedly, "My type?"
"Yeah, y'know… your type, what kinda girl ya like?"
"Hmmmm…"
"C'mon man! We're partners! Partners ain't supposed ta have secrets an' stuff."
With a chuckle Cloud gave in, "I prefer long hair,"
"Like yours?" Reno chirped, eyeing the shoulder-length blonde locks,
"Nah, … I like it longer… like… mid-back at least… Waist length is even better."
"Tha's a lotta hair yo."
"Mmm-hmmm." Cloud returned, "I also like personality,"
Reno nodded, "got any details on that?"
"Someone who can handle themselves, a partner in a fight, self-assured…"
Reno snickered, "So I'm your type then right?"
Cloud's eyebrow slowly rose again, "No Reno. You're not."
They were both laughing again by the time they returned to Reno's apartment, it was getting dark, and after a very long day just hanging out between the two of them, they were both ready for some relaxation.
It quickly became apparent to Cloud that Reno had no intention of trying to sleep anytime soon. The boy brought out cards, movies, small games and puzzles, and all the snacks he had bought, though they'd spent the entire day out of doors eating as much as they could stomach. So Cloud leisurely built a few card-houses with the red-head, played a round or two of chess, and finally brought out his own "trump card".
"I told you I'd bring the drinks didn't I Reno?" Cloud had argued when Reno had tried to grab a soda from the fridge. In his backpack, Cloud had gotten a hold of a rather startling number of liquor bottles, all of different kinds. Reno's eyes bugged at the sight.
"WHOA! That ain't just beer yo! What IS all that?
Cloud grinned, "A good friend of mine taught me a few tricks." He ducked over to Reno's counter and set out his supplies, rolling his sleeves and assuming a straighter stance while his partner just watched in disbelief. In a flurry of practiced activity Cloud opened the various bottles, and measured portions of some of them out into a small glass he'd set aside for just that purpose, there was a certain flair one learned to add the motions, the mark of an expert as apposed to a pretender. With a flick of his wrist Cloud presented the small glass of pale blue liquid to his attentive audience. It took Reno several tries to remember how to speak.
"You… You can MIX?"
Cloud smirked, handing the concoction over, "This one's called 'Leviathan's Tear'."
Reno took a hesitant sip, before his eyes widened in shock, "That's amazin' yo! Best stuff I've ever tasted!" Without another warning he tossed back the rest of the drink and half lunged over the table to hug Cloud, "You're the best partner EVER!"
Cloud laughed, removing the boy's arms, "Well Partner mine… what else would you like?"
For a while Reno ran through the lists of drinks he knew of, Cloud mixed up small samples of everything he had the ingredients for and let Reno taste. The small tray of fruits and olives were half-used before Cloud interrupted the red-head's next request.
"Try this one on for size!" Cloud flitted through his quickly depleting bottles, he knew this mix like the back of his hand, it had been very popular in his time. Topping it artfully with a cherry he handed it over, "It's called 'Heavenly Special'." Reno accepted the glass with curiosity, the drink was almost purple in color, and seemed to shimmer slightly, when Reno tipped it back, Cloud smiled, It had been Tifa's specialty.
"That's some tasty stuff yo." Reno's eyes were becoming a bit glassy, but as Cloud suspected the boy held his liquor well.
"Isn't it though?" Cloud chuckled, "Alright… this next one's a real doozy, don't take it lightly all right?"
Reno snorted, "I've been fine so far haven't I?"
Hook, line, and sinker… "I suppose…" Cloud mixed this one slowly, finally opening the smallest bottle on the table and pouring a few careful drops into the bottom of an even tinier glass he'd brought just for this drink. There was barely a teaspoon's worth of liquid inside when he finished, but Cloud gently handed it over to the Young Turk
"This one is called, 'Chaos' Rage'." Cloud murmured reverently, One of Reno's eyebrows shot up, but he took the small glass with a grin. At Cloud's nod of approval, the boy tossed that one back as well, after a second's pause he frowned,
"That weren't so bad, … what was-"
Cloud quickly held up a forestalling finger, "Wait for it… Wait… … wait… … …" Reno waited, tapping one finger on the table impatiently, "Now try to stand up." Cloud finished, Reno obliged,
"I don't see what th- WHOA!" Cloud hastily grabbed the front of the boy's shirt when Reno's legs buckled beneath him,
"Packs a heckuva punch doesn't it?" the blonde said with a grin.
"Great Shiva! That stuff was… just… Whoa!" Reno's eyes quickly became unfocused, and even as he continued to praise the drink his eyelids slowly shut, and within a few minutes he was snoring. Cloud watched him for several moments more, but knew the boy wouldn't move. The drink had been heavily diluted, but then… it had been designed for the Mako enhanced! With a soft chuckle at his own memories Cloud walked quickly to 'his own' room, retrieved his backpack, borrowed Reno's keys and let himself out of the Apartment. It was time to get down to business!
((Author's note: … This is the FIRST time I have ever felt the need to place an Author's Note in the middle of one of my stories, … who knows? I may end up needing another before this tale is done, but anyways here goes.
First off, I promised many of you the links to the various fan arts that have been completed for this story. I myself have drawn a couple, including a reference for what a SOLDIER Prep. outfit looks like, and the much requested "fox-Cloud, Puppy Zack" picture.
jianre-m [period] deviantart [period] com [slash] art [slash] SOLDIER-Prep-Cloud-112807914
jianre-m [period] deviantart [period] com [slash] art [slash] The-Fox-and-the-Hound-113213798
I was intending to draw Turk Cloud, and perhaps Reno as well, but the lovely Lizeth beat me to it, and hers look so wonderful I much prefer to leave it in her capable hands.
lizeth [period] deviantart [period] com [slash] art [slash] Something-Blue-Colored-113576059
(as you may have figured out, you need to replace the "." with a "." and the "[slash]" with a "/"… FF-dot-net has a horrible habit of killing URLs.)
Secondly, … to all of the unsigned Reviewers out there to whom I cannot respond directly, THANK YOU! I very much enjoy getting your reviews, ^_^ Thank you for taking the time, I wish I could answer all of them, but alas, I cannot, for you will not let me. Never-the-less I appreciate your comments.
Thank you everyone, and I hope you continue to enjoy this story! XD
-Illusor Meaneld, A.K.A. Jianre M.))