Chapter Two

Her Blood Red Eye

A/N: Is it just me, or has my writing strengthened? I think I've definitely approved since I first posted this - five years ago! Crap, where has the time gone?

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy VII does not belong to me, I personally own Alia, any other OC's and this fanfiction. I hold no Copyright over any direct quotes used from FFVII, FFVII: Remake, or FFVII Advent Children.

~ oOo ~

"…understood." Having turned towards his partner, Rude replaced his phone, grasping the control handle of the Shinra helicopter we was piloting. "The Avalanche mission's been approved. We are to proceed as planned."

Groaning from his co-pilot seat, Reno merely sat, mind wandering from events earlier that morning. "This is bullshit, what the hell are they thinking?" Moving his glance to the night sky, Sector 7 sat below, its inhabitants unaware of the pain about to be dropped upon then.

Literally.

"'Threats to public order are to be summarily out down.' This is what we've always done," Rude quoted.

"Hmph," the redhead wouldn't glance over at his partner. "Summarily put down," he restated, reminding himself exactly what was required of him in being a Turk. Not quite sure what to say, Rude was at a loss, more so than usual. It seemed his partner was struggling with their assignment, and here he was, spitting out the textbook job requirement word from word of their contract. "Guess it's a little late to grow a conscious…meh." Leaning against his hands on the seats headrest, Reno tried to relax in bis seat. Knowing there wasn't much he could do; orders were orders, and he had to follow them.

Maneuvering the chopper closer to the Sector 7 pillar, Rude respected his partner's apparent need for silence, except, he ignored it, sensing they should hold a conversation before their duties became the focus of their attention. "Reno." Voice blunt, the typical stoic man cared for the redhead. Not answering, the bald male called him again. "What's got you so quiet tonight. Is it that girl you mentioned earlier?"

Fiery ponytail whipping over his shoulders, Reno twisted his neck towards Rude. "Wha' the hell?! Why're you asking something like that now?"

"You haven't been yourself since returning from your visit with Aerith. I assumed it was about the girl. Usually when you meet someone you don't shut up about them."

"Tch, yeah whatever." Arms crossed, Reno knew full well his partner was right. He had stayed in Sector 5 longer than he should have, actually enjoying his conversation with Alia. It wasn't a long conversation, though it didn't have to be. The woman transfixed the redhead, and her patch-covered face was the only image conjuring within his sight. She was illusive; he could hear her voice, the sweetest laughter, hell, her bold attitude was electrifying and he craved more.

"It was just this one time you saw her, right? What was so special."

"What wasn't special? That's what needs to be asked." Huffing, Reno knew he was getting heated for no apparent reason. Rude hadn't done anything, it was all on himself. "She…" Growling, Reno slung his head back against the seat, anger boiling his veins. "Fucking shit man, she was…she was perfect."

Eyebrows burrowing up into his shaved head, Rude had never heard his partner-turned-friend speak in such a matter regarding a woman. Typically it was always about their sexual escapades and how he probably wouldn't see that particular woman again, deciding to move on to another. Blinking, Rude thought back to the confrontation with Aerith this afternoon, having battled her new blonde boy toy. Not just those two as Reno had described his encounter, there was Aerith, the blonde, and a third - a woman.

"Reno…" Knowing he should ask, Rude spared a peek across the chopper. "This woman, was she…?"

"Rude!"

Snapping head forward, the bald man realized his partner's cry. They had reached the pillar, only to be welcomed by a sea of bullets. Nearly rolling the chopper away from the metal storm, he angled the beast forward, having to retain order to fulfill their unforeseen assignment to eliminate an entire population of Midgar, only to wipe out the terrorist organization, Avalanche. Maintaining their advantage against the firearms, Rude halted the chopper in place, maneuvering it's gatling gun to attack, to unleash its own firestorm of hell. It hadn't been long into the fight when the radio static ignited, Tseng appearing back at Headquarters to provide the necessary code needed to finish their unethical plan.

"Reno, Rude, do you copy."

"Copy," Reno gritted his teeth.

"Good, here is what you'll need. Plate separation code is…" Both Turks focused, memorizing the numerical code for the central computer. "Got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, of course I do! We can drop the damn thing whenever…it's just that…" Rude continued to edge the chopper closer, firing bullets one after another. Pissed they weren't pushing the sector citizens further so they could complete their assignment, Reno leaned over in his chair, anger rolling off of him to Rude, though not from his partner's actions. "You got a death wish or something? Because I sure as shit don't!"

"Reno, what's happening? Do we have a problem?"

Swallowing, the redhead fought in lying to his supervisor, caught between his oral compass and his duty to Shinra. "Not really. Small arms fire from some local boys trying to defend the pillar."

"More would-be heroes, huh? Sending reinforcements. The more players that take the stage, the better."

Acknowledging his supervisor's words, Reno still didn't want to accept it. "So that's what we are, huh?"

Deciding to not reply, Tseng merely said, "Contact me when the mission is complete," his voice causing static to echo, leaving the radio to fall silent.

Silence fell upon the Turks, numbing their senses to death they were about to bring. Floating near the stairwell halfway to the pillars peak, they had finally extinguished the last firearms, leaving them an open opportunity to dock up top. Taking the lever, Rude began to rise, Reno's arm halting his movement as he noticed another soldier running up the stairs. Blinding the man with the choppers spotlight, he now froze, hiding his sight from the white light.

"Testing, testing…" Over the speaker, Reno spoke loud and clear, using this chance to exclaim their plan across the sector it was the terrorists plan to blow up the pillar, not Shira's. "Attention Avalanche scum! We know all about your evil plans to destroy the pillar. But the Turks - ahem! But Shinra - that's us - won't let you get away with it! So go crawl back into whatever hole you crawled out of, or something!" Pausing, he then added, "That oughta do it, right?"

Speaker turned off, Rude didn't move, focused on the individual about to be filled with bullets. "Eh, good enough."

Grinning all the same, Reno seemed pleased; that is, until his vision caught sight of the male. "Wait, I know you…" Spiky blonde hair, massive sword, SOLDIER attire; it was him. "Mister 'First Class'." Surprised to see him once more, Reno chuckled, not knowing he would have a second chance to demonstrate his clean up duty. Taking hold of the artillery, he aimed the gun directly at Cloud. "First-class asshole. Gotcha now!"

Down below, Alia left Tifa and Aerith to watch after Wedge, knowing she needed to run after her brother, refusing Cloud to face the enemy on his own. Thigh muscles forced to the extent, she rounded the corner, not quite sure what she was about to experience as she left her friends behind. One flight, two flights, soon she was reaching the halfway point to see a voice echo from a Shinra helicopter. Words flowed right into her ears, its topic not the issue, but the voice. Barely encountering the person this afternoon, she stored the memory deep into her heart, locking it away for safe keeping.

Allowing the words to sink in, her lip snarled, as she would not allow her brother to die. One step forward, the helicopter lowered its gun and began firing at someone running up the flight above her. Glimpsing through the metal steps over her head, she realized it was Cloud, avoiding each bullet as he reached someplace to guard himself.

"You ain't got nowhere to run!"

Rounding the corner, Alia screamed into the cool night air. "STOOOP!"

In the chopper, Reno caught the glimpse of ashy blonde hair from his peripherals, yet the gun in moved in her direction on its own accord, the assumption that it was another infiltrator. The rainstorm of bullets showered upon her beautiful form, Alia simply moved out of its way, thighs jumping in a circular motion, hovering above the ground as she landed on the ramp right below Cloud. Mako-infused eye and the patch had Reno hesitate, realizing he could've killed the woman penetrating his thoughts all day.

"Alia!" Choking on her name, the two stared through glass, a gun pointed directly at the woman, arms clenched in taut fists at her side.

"That's her? She's the one with the blonde SOLDIER from earlier!" Having his suspicions, Rude speculated the woman from his afternoon and the one from Reno's were the same individual. For her to be a member of the terrorist group and to have caught his partners attention left the bald man with a sickening feeling in his stomach; this would not bode well for either one.

"Don't hurt Cloud! Please don't hurt my brother!"

"ALIA!" Risking to expose himself, Cloud screamed at his sister. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Hands falling from the wheel, Reno froze on the spot, face contorted in pain upon realizing the girl he'd been fantasizing about the last several hours was one person he now was assigned to kill. Simultaneously, it clicked in Alia's brain the newest enemy added to her radar was the redheaded Turk. Complications were always to be assumed; ones like these, however, were variables the two wished weren't part of their reality.

"Brother…mister first-class is her…brother? Fucking SHIT!" Ignoring her, Reno blew the gun towards Cloud, releasing a new stream of bullets he barely dodged behind the thick canisters.

"PLEASE STOP IT!" Screaming more, Alia ran directly into the fire, somehow zigzagging quickly through each bullet, missing every single one. Reno and Rude watched in confusion, her lightning fast reflexes almost invisible to their eyes as she reached her brother with naught a scratch. Gripping her hand, Cloud forced her body into his, holding his sister tightly as they were nearly out of time for an escape.

"You could've killed yourself!" he scolded her.

"Probably," she gasped, peering around the corner to the chopper circling their location. "Regardless of why we're fighting, no one gets away with trying to kill my brother." Not even if it had been the man on her mind all day.

From that point on, Tifa eventually joined their side, busting through each pillar level until they reached the top, Barretts voice filtering their hearing as he was the sole individual keeping Shinra at bay from the main computer. Gun exploding bullets left and right, the four of them rolled across the metal landing, narrowly avoiding the Turks attempts to end their life. Having rolled off to the side, she heard Reno's speech as he jumped rom the chopper, landing directly on her brother as they slung their attacks at one another, neither landing a single blow. Moving to the pillar's control panel, Barrett screamed at the redhead, to which his response was cocky, the tone vibrating down the length of Alia's body.

Having entered the correct code, the panel's voice resounded over the drum of metal against metal, repeating the same phrase: "Plate separation authorized - awaiting confirmation."

As Rude blocked everyone's path to his partner, Alia was the only one who could reach the redhead to stop the immoral plans to kill thousands of people. Raising her scythe blades, she thrust down onto Reno, teeth biting her own cheeks, blood coating her tongue. If she had stumbled a second to late, the button would have been pushed, dropping the plate upon Sector 7; luckily, her attack landed the moment his finger brushed against the mechanism.

"No you don't!" Twirled around, Reno raised his extended EMR, their blades clashing as her feet touched the ground. Each held the attention of the other, sight wide with similar sensations coursing throughout their being; fear, frustration, regret, heartbreak.

Longing.

"…Reno?"

Her cry alone left the man faulty, fully aware his assignment was wrong while wanting to save only Alia. Weapons extended the very barrier between the two to separate their ethical sides, clearly signifying where their loyalty stood. "Alia, I…I'm sorry…"

From there it was an all out battle: the Turks versus Avalanche, one to destroy Sector 7 and one to save it.

The fight raged on, an endless battle of matched strength. Alia and the others assaulted Reno on the their level with Rude shooting at them from the safety of the chopper. Barrett inflicted enough damage on the beast to send it flying into the steel ground, only for the bald Turk to have escaped. And thus it continued. Neither one stopped; if an ally fell, the others were their to raise them up. Alia was set on healing her comrades, vision concentrated solely on the redhead, who had not once landed an attack on her. At one point, Rude meandered his way through her scythe blades, able to land two deadly blows, one against the cheek, the other into her back, rendering the woman incapacitated. World spinning, the blonde fell, body limp as she struggled to gain a decent breath.

It didn't matter as the final blow was soon delivered by Cloud.

Reno falling beside, he crawled to retrieved his EMR, Cloud lowered his massive weapon, its flat edge pressed right up to the Turk's nose. Following the metal upward, Reno peered at the man who could kill him, the mako glare from her brother tipped enough over the edge by the situation. "How do we stop it?"

Raising a hand for surrender, Reno's laugh was hallow, falling onto his back in his defeat. "Who knows." His statement, not a question as he spread out like an angel. Alia was able to crane her neck upwards, sharing a glance with Cloud just as Rude ran, beelining for the control panel. Without the strength to move, Alia crawled towards the redhead as the others were transfixed to stop the panel from exploding, she shakily traced a finger against the vibrant red tattoos upon his cheekbones. Risking everything, her hand fell against his chest, the familiar green light glowing from her palm, slowly wavering over the man's skin. It was tedious, her focus unable to carry on for the time needed to help the way she wanted.

He was suddenly awake.

"…why?" Voice coarse, Reno could only speak loud enough to hear over the evacuation sirens. "Why would you…?"

"I don't know," the reply was honest. Raising her hand back to his cheek, she attempted to heal the gashes requiring the most attention; she was never given the chance. Grasping her already loose eyepatch, Reno tore the thin fabric off, knowing the truth behind their reality; he would most likely never see Alia again after this point. Desire controlled his movements as one shade held her case of mako, blue mixed with green in the center. The other?

Its color was blood red.

"Your eye, it's…beautiful." Frowning by his choice in words, Alia knew her face betrayed the emotions she should've felt, the heat smoldering amongst her skin. Copying what she'd done to him, Reno managed to raise a weak hand, knuckle brushing over her crimson skin as it rose higher to trace around her red eye. "Believe it, peaches…I think you're beautiful…"

Hand falling limp, Reno consciousness fell into a deep sleep, eyelids gently fluttering. Mouth agape, Alia gently shook the redhead, hoping he would stir and promptly explain what he meant. Peaches? Where the hell had that come from? Urging her brain to think, the quickened steps running called her attention, noticing Rude kneeling to retrieve his partner. As the man reached for Reno's EMR, Alia struck first, snatching the weapon as she curled into her body, wanting, no, needing to take this with her. Fiddling with the end of her jacket, she quickly detached the chocobo pendant from its position on a long chain, her shaky fingers handing the charm to the Turk.

"Give this to Reno, please!" She begged, not knowing if he would even grasp the pendant from her hand.

Even through his sunglasses, Alia could see the man peering through her; not at her, but through her."Why should I?"

"Because I'm taking his weapon! A-And in order for Reno to retrieve it, he has to find and give me back this pendant!"

"What're your intentions with my partner?" Rude was inquisitive. Not the time nor place to do so, he witnessed the tension, chemistry, whatever it could be described as; the man simply knew there was something he didn't understand between his Turk partner and the female Avalanche member.

"I'm honestly not sure…but I just know I need to see him again. Please?" Pleading, hand held as high her muscles would allow, Rude snatched the chocobo from her hand. Curious why he was to give his partner this item, Rude didn't question, Alia's earnest plea grasped his regard to honor her request. Clenching the fingers tightly to keep the pendant safe, he nodded once.

"I promise."

~ oOo ~

Alia's legs were beginning to cramp after sitting astride her bike for more than an hour; most likely she was tense from excitement in finally seeing her favorite redhead.

Having the last month spent without Reno, Alia assisted more with the delivery business, running in and around the city satisfying customer demands with their packages. A typical day started with her and Cloud roaming the city together, rarely would they separate unless it would help to end their day sooner. Today was the first time in a long while she was driving on her own and she was in love steering away from Edge towards the rocky foothills of the mountains. The further she drove from the city, the more greenery to enter her environment. Thick forests, flowers, the occasional wildlife, bright blue skies. Alia was living for the smell, how the wind gently kissed her face.

Sooner than predicted, she was upon Healen. The original purpose of the structure was to house individuals affected from the Geostigma outbreak the previous year, which then turned into a temporary Headquarters for the Turks and their President from the Shinra Electric Power Company. Though still in operation as a medical facility, Healen was now a long-term residence for those who could not obtain the appropriate care from the hospital in Edge. With the Geostigma attack in the past and now cured, the remaining members of the Shinra Company established a new HQ in Edge; again, only temporary until construction was complete on the building that's been in progress for the past year.

Cocking her head towards the metal sign indicating she was nearing the facility, she gunned the gas, pushing her bike up the remaining section of the drive. Glancing up towards the front windows, her eyes blinked several times, thinking she'd seen a figure through the glass as she had rounded the last curve in the road. Knowing it could've been anyone, Alia slowed her speed as she neared the ramp at the entrance. Tucking her glasses in their appropriate compartment, the woman stalled. Mind momentarily wondering, she couldn't help but look back on the last few years.

In the time she and Cloud entered Midgar nearly three years ago towards the end of their bodies recovering from mako poisoning, she was succumbed from memories of her and Avalanche desperately working to save the planet. Initially, she'd grown up praising the Shinra Company for its innovativeness, wanting nothing more than to become an employee and change the world. That is, until she, Cloud and Zack were tortured for four years under the menacing hands of Professor Hojo. Those feelings were of the past, now that she had Reno in her life and had befriended the other Turks and their President. If she hadn't entered a relationship with the infamous redhead, she wasn't sure where she would be now.

Besides, Reno was a man she should've never developed feelings for while fighting for the planet's life. He was the same man who was ordered to collapse the place onto Sector 7; he was the same man who had chased them as the enemy around the world; but…he was the one man who, after all their suffering, had won her heart. He had changed over the last few years; the difference visible to Alia and her Turk friends. Reno was still his goofy, lazy ass self; at his core, he was a loyal, hard worker with his own morals and ethics she greatly respected.

Memories were nice, but they were a curse if one tends to delve deep in the past. With a shake of her head, Alia turned off the engine, slowly maneuvering up the ramp to the front doors. Once she neared closer, her head popped up, having kept it cast down, still deep in thought; she reeled, having finally noticed the tall figure leaning against the railing. Backs towards her, she knew it was Reno; his red mane flowed down against his back like a whip of flame, the tousled, short strands atop his head wild and spiky. God how she loved his hair, always wanting to braid the long strands or run her fingers through its entirety.

Turning from the sound of her footsteps, facing Alia as she halted mid-step. Flaming hair billowed in the breeze, the afternoon sun highlighting the red cheekbone tattoos against his porcelain skin. Standing in her frozen spot, Alia merely stared at the man, unable to believe he was finally here in the flesh, her body deprived of his warmth. Heart screaming to move, her legs wouldn't listen. All it took was his voice.

"Alia," Reno breathed. The sound of her name off his lips was the kindle to her own fire. Bursting from her placement, she jumped into his waiting arms, her limbs wrapping tightly onto his neck, never letting go. Ashy blonde hair and red clashed as he twirled the woman around. Hands bruising her waist from his grip, Reno placed her down, lips crashing together into a searing kiss, finally reunited to consume each other. His larger hands found her cheek as hers gripped the lapel of his jacket, holding one another in a death grip. Moving as one, they gave zero fucks if others were watching through the window. Their friends knew these two had been away from each other's touch long enough to know they deserved several minutes of privacy.

Having only released her hold to suck in air, Alia couldn't look away from the majestic blue eyes he held. Unlike her one eye, which glowed from mako infusion, his were perfectly clear and simply mesmerizing.

Gazing into her wondrous orbs, Reno couldn't believe the woman he loved was here. Having not seen her in a few weeks other than the photo he kept in his wallet, it had killed the Turk knowing they were hundreds of miles apart, different continents and oceans separating them. Besides those which were framed in his apartment, the photo he kept on hand remained in his wallet. It was one he'd taken without her knowing, the late afternoon sun perfectly capturing her face, creating a natural glow upon her already perfect skin. She had been laughing at something he said, her eyes warm, sparkling from joy as she smiled, cheeks tinted orangish-pink, ever to remind him of his favorite fruit, the reason behind her beloved nickname.

Rubbing his thumb along her swollen lip, Reno smiled. No smirks, no grins; an actual smile she retrieved from the depths of a healed soul. "Hello peaches," he murmured, laying his lips lightly upon her forehead.

"Hello handsome," she replied, voice as silky as he'd remembered. Phone conversations here and there had done the man no justice. Leaning his forehead onto hers, they simply stood there, backing in the suns warmth. Peering upward, Alia brought to fingertips to his tattoos, lightly tracing the basic, yet alluring symbol. For whatever reason, it had become routine to trace the man's tattoos; it was her way of knowing he was real, and he was finally home.

Releasing a contented sigh, Reno stole another kiss from Alia's luscious lips, never able to get enough. I cannot get enough of her, his mind wandered. Cocking his head to the side, he asked, "Miss me?"

Copying the same move, the woman coyly smiled. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Mmm, someone's a little spitfire today, aren't we?" Stealing another kiss, Alia braced onto her tiptoes, tilting her head enough their tongues melted, consuming in a battle of remembrance, not dominance. Stepping down, Reno had to blink a few times as the woman acted like she'd done nothing wrong. "You know, we can always skip saying hi to everyone and head back to my place."

Her first response was to flick his arm. "Ugh! No way! I want to see everyone and check in on Elena." Holding the spot on his arm, Reno pretended it hurt as he pouted his lips. "Oi, you're such a baby."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Mm, I don't think so."

"Mm, I beg to differ, especially when you're around me."

Considering her words, the man shrugged, the locks of his long ponytail swishing back and forth. "Alright, ya got me! Bu' what can I say? You, Alia dear, are my weakness." Chuckling the way her lips curved upward, Reno ran his finger down the length of her cheek. "Why're you so beautiful?"

"Can't say," she replied, tilting her head to feel more of his finger. "Then again, my mom was beautiful too."

Unsure how to answer, Reno instead kissed the woman. They'd had conversations about Alia's parents before, how her father died when she and Cloud were very young - too young she barely remembered him - and how their mother past when Sephiroth destroyed Nibelheim. "C'mon," he nudged her chin. "Let's get you inside, the others were excited to hear you were coming by. The sooner we get you in, the sooner we can have some time to ourselves."

Taking her hand in his, Reno opened the front door of Healen for her, allowing Alia to enter first. Same as it had been since its construction, the front room contained a large desk, a sofa along the far wall with large floor to ceiling windows on the back side, allowing all to see the wondrous nature lurking beyond. Blinds fully open, the afternoon filtered through, casting a warm glow upon the floor. Surprisingly, no one was there, the room empty of other people. Glancing up, Alia quirked an eyebrow, having thought the others would've been waiting for her here. Shrugging his shoulders, Reno stepped off to the door leading to the main hallway, clicking a button upon the internal speaker, the static piercing through as he said, "Yo, where's everyone at? There's someone who wants to say hi." As the redhead reclaimed his position beside Alia, the door opened, Reno's partner walking out as he tugged on the sleeves of his uniform jacket.

"Rude!" Alia exclaimed happily, throwing her arms around the muscular man's waist.

Reno stood idly by, watching the scene before him unfold. The light blush growing in Rude's cheeks hastily disappeared the two partners made eye contact. Glad he was wearing those infamous sunglasses, Rude tussled the woman's hair, she shriek of surprise allowing the tall male to display a smile, a rarity for the quiet, deadly Turk.

"Didn't think you'd be here so early," Rude's gruff voice entered the woman's ears.

"I told Reno after twelve, didn't he tell you that?"

"He did, but the drive can take a bit longer sometimes."

"Not with my bike it can't. How's Elena? Reno said she was hurt when you were heading back this morning?"

"Nothing you can't bounce back from," Rude answered.

Peering back and forth between both males, Alia craned her neck to the door, leading somewhere to wherever her friend lay. "Am I allowed to go see her?"

"Of course you can Alia, there's no hindrance from her injury." Blonde hair, white suit and arms crossed over his chest, Rufus entered the room. Had it been three years ago, there was a high possibility Alia would've socked the Shinra President in the jaw for everything he'd caused to the planet, and herself.

But that was then, this was now.

Acknowledging the President, Alia held her hand out, waiting for him to take it. "Rufus, it's always a pleasure." Taking her hand, the woman used his leverage to pull him against her, trapping the man just as she'd done with Rude. Stiffening upon contact, Rufus stood, not sure what to do. "What? Afraid of a girl giving you a hug?"

"Not at all," his voice smooth, confident. Tightening an arm around her, Rufus stepped back. It was still strange, being in the same space with those who she considered evil not so long ago and yet here she was, holding civilized conversations with each. Everything had changed in such a short time from how Rufus believed his company should be run to now. There was progress with the newly established Shinra Company; from that alone, the woman knew the President was desiring to make amends regarding the travesty both he and his father brought unto their world. She saw the difference from then and now, firmly backing the man because he sincerely had a change of heart.

Boy did it take some time before she could be in his presence without wanting to hit him, that's for sure.

"It is good to see you, Alia. I trust you were able to survive without Reno for a months time?"

"Somehow," she mumbled, stepping backwards to Reno's side. "It was quieter than usual, but I lived, happy everyone's back safe in one piece. Except…for Elena?"

"She's in one piece, at least." A fourth voice entered their conversation, Alia having not heard the door open and close.

"Welcome back Tseng!" Jumping to his side as she did everyone else, Alia surprised the man with a quick side hug, bouncing back to Reno's side, right where she belonged.

"You are quite the hugger, aren't you, Alia?"

"You don't like the way I welcome you back? I could always bring cookies next time." From her peripheral, the woman could see Rude silently nodding, in agreement how cookies should be brought. "Heh, well alright, I guess you prefer cookies than my hugs.

Clamping his arm across her back, Reno shrugged, weighing the two options as he could have both once they returned to Edge. "I mean…bring these guys cookies so you can leave all your hugs for me. Ow! What the hell's that for?" Having pinched his hand, Reno hissed, caressing the reddened skin as Alia smirked.

"God you're so selfish, wanting me all to yourself."

"…and your point is?"

Shaking her head, Alia ignored the redhead's comment by asking, "So, Elena? Which room is she in? Can I go see her now?"

"There's no need to ask." All three men stepping aside, Tseng held his hand out for her to enter the door. "Down the hall, last door on your right."

"Thank you." Tapping Reno's hand, he kissed the top of her head, watching as she quickly made way through the door, her soft footsteps decreasing their echo as she reached the appropriate room. Upon hearing the second door open and close, all four men released their collective sigh at the same moment.

Moving around the room, each male found their spot where they typically stood or sat when all were gathered. Rufus took hold of the chair behind the desk, Tseng stood beside the President, Reno claimed the couch as he lay down, feet sprawled over the cushioned edge as Rude leaned against the wall beside the door.

Ignoring the silence fallen over his coworkers and friends, Tseng acknowledged his Second-in-Command. "She looks good Reno. Has she been here long?"

"Nah, probably only five or ten minutes; we were outside for awhile."

Typing away at his computer, Rufus didn't need to glance at his men when speaking. "Did she ask anything regarding your return, or the mission?"

"Only thing so far is Elena and her injury. Knowing her though, she's curious."

"Alia is a very inquisitive person, certainly an undoing characteristic of hers." Typing away on his computer, Rufus shoved the keyboard away, lacing his fingers upon the wood of his desk. "In the meantime, you know she still needs to be kept in the dark. Until we know more of what's going on, she cannot - "

"Rufus," Reno interrupted, turning his head just slightly to peer at him square in the eye. "How long do you expect me to keep lying to her? Sooner or later, Alia will find out what we're hiding, and I'm afraid she'll discover everything on her own terms."

Sitting straighter in his chair, Rufus rubbed his temples, finger tips tapping away in nervousness. "I…am well aware of that, yes. For now, we cannot move forward in telling her unless we have a stronger grasp of the perpetrator." Returning his employees stare, Rufus added, "Listen. Say you did decide to come clean and lay all we have before her; all the missions I've sent you on these past months, the videos, emails…Wouldn't you want to tell her when you had concrete evidence who this person is that's after her? No, to keep Alia safe, we must remain silent."

"Of course, you've known that's been my answer from the beginning. But we could keep her safe no matter what! I'm safe to assume everyone here would give their life if it meant keeping Alia safe from whoever this asshole is." Peeking at his longtime partner, Rude nodded curtly, no persuasion needed regarding the redhead's words. Tseng pursed his lips when their glances connected, head barely moving in agreement. Reno knew his superior's actions; he wasn't disagreeing, he was astonished there was someone out there wanting to hurt Alia Strife.

"We're all in the same boat as you, Reno. I want to tell her everything. We need more evidence, at least a trail that'll lead us to this man."

Hand forming into a tightly wound fist, Reno soothed his breathing, casting his eyes away as he released his fingers. All the fury growing inside needed a release as he grew worried his emotions would override his sense of whatever logic he did hold. Inhaling deeply, he was slow to give a reply, mouth hanging ajar, deciding to close his lips instead.

Sighing to himself, the President ran a hand through his unruly hair. "Reno, listen. I understand your concerns, and believe me, we want nothing more than to come clean. Do you think we approve in keeping these secrets from her? Alia has done so much for us these last few years and this is how we repay her? We know she would want to be told what's really going on, but…this really is the best choice."

"The best choice is to keep her in the dark…fucking shit." Reno reiterated, mumbling to himself. "I still don't like it," his tone turned sharp.

"We're asking you to trust us, Reno." It was Tseng to speak this time.

"Tch, so by trusting you with this, there's the chance I could lose Alia's trust in me? All because we're withholding classified information how a psychotic fucker is after my girlfriend…and probably wants to kill her. Shit, we don't even know what the hell he wants with her anyway!"

Standing, Rufus moved around his desk, leaning against the edge. "We will find out why he's doing this. In the meantime, can I expect you'll hold up your facade?"

The red-haired Turk remained silent for a minute, nodding his after after a few seconds ticked by. "Yes sir, but only on one condition."

"And what would that be?"

Cross his arms behind his head, Reno stared upward at the ceiling. "If all this explodes in our faces and Alia does come to uncover all we've kept hidden, everyone in this room, including you, sir, are to come clean and give her the truth. We're all doing this to protect her, I get that, but this is also my relationship with her that's potentially on the line if she were to ever find out. From day one I've been against not wanting to tell her and I don't want her to think this was my plan." All three males stood quietly, darting glances back and forth as Reno spoke his condition. "Rufus, Tseng, Rude…I love that woman with all my heart." Teeth gritting one another, Reno was overcome with the love he unequivocally held for this one woman. "And I sure as hell will not let this fucking lie tear it down. So…is it a deal? Or not?"

The President could only watch his longtime employee and smile. Reno had certainly come a long way in the time Rufus had known the redhead, especially since Alia entered his life. She'd worked magic underneath the skin of the infamous Turk, leaving Rufus to hope they'd be able to find the man responsible in their hidden files. She and Reno deserve a future they deserve…one they've been fighting for since they met in the slums of Sector Five.

"Deal," the President replied quickly. Confirming with the other two Turks, he called their names. "All good Tseng, Rude?"

"Agreed."

"Understood."

"Then it's settled." Relaxing his form, Rufus dropped his arms, grasping the desks edging. "Once Reno and Alia leave, inform Elena what we have discussed here."

"Ye sir," they spoke simultaneously.

Knowing he could trust their words, Reno crossed his legs, heaving a tremendous sigh as he glanced at the door, wondering what the two girls were up to. "You act as if you've had a long day."

"We kinda have, sir."

"Hm, yes I guess you're right. Still, Alia's here, you should be smiling."

"Yeah, about that." Maneuvering his lithe frame until he was seated in a sitting position, Reno leaned forward, elbows position directly onto his knees. "How long do we have until we need to leave again?"

"That depends." Claiming his seat, Rufus scrolled through the computer screen displaying the endless line of emails. Scrolling past the ones he hadn't read, the President was glad to see he had no new messages from the one who'd been in contact with him. "For now, I'm giving everyone a few days off, unless we receive something else."

"That'll only lead us on anther wild goose chase."

Rufus grasped the bridge of his nose. "Most likely. Still, it's better than waiting to see if they'll strike."

Through his bosses words, Reno was taken back to the moment they'd received the first piece of communication demanding Alia be handed over, threatening that he would activate the Mako Reactors if they didn't comply. It was very blunt, straightforward, to which they all thought it was a joke; until they have received a second, having been more convincing than the original. Having first traversed to Fort Condor, the Turks were met with hostility from the inhabitants, those living there having assumed they were threatening their lives as they'd done before. When all confusion was cleared, the Turks explained their unexpected visit was to stop the culprit from extracting Mako.

From there, it was as Rufus stated - their lives have been enveloped in a wild goose chase.

One email then another, all from an untraceable address. First each contained a letter, stating the next reactor they would attack and when, always ending with a demand for the Turks to exchange Alia for the planets safety. Confused, presuming the demands were a bluff to cause problems between the people and the new image Shinra held, Rufus still wanted this individual to pay for threatening the planet, and Alia.

Everything started roughly one year prior. The lengthy emails came first, then after quelling issues with two reactors, their was silence for a month. That is, until Reno was the only individual to have received the next email; one which contained a recorded video of a male, having purposely blurred his face. Describing all he had planned if Alia was not handed over, everyone was left worried. Knowing they would never hand Alia to someone threatening the planet, everyone still wondered what would be the outcome if they didn't do anything to contain the matter? Also, why now? Three years after Meteor was destroyed seemed a bit odd, considering no one could formulate a correlation between igniting the reactors and Alia. It wasn't until the next video when Reno's fears for the woman became true and confirmed.

Fail to comply and I will personally see that she is corrupted in a way you couldn't possibly imagine.

Shaking his head to throw away such memories, Reno knew remembering what those emails contained would only send him spiraling down onto a dark path. It struck the man odd how he was the one to receive the videos, as the other emails had been sent to everyone's inbox. The months having past, Reno attempted to strip his mind of the videos content.

Corrupted.

Destroyed.

Remove from this earth.

The male in each recording seemed to only want Alia in order to remove her from this world. Why else would he use such language? Biting the inside of his cheek, Reno knew his mind was only driving in circles. Then, and now, he would never, ever let anyone lay a hair on Alia. She was his everything, as she was the only woman he'd met who mystified him from the beginning; being a enigma he couldn't figure out, yet so desperately wanted to.

He'd been caught off guard, finding Alia in the middle of a steel pile, having apparently fallen from the plate three-hundred meters high. Her sass, the instant need to heal him, the fact she remained to speak with him despite knowing he was a Turk. Then there was the whole patch covering her left eye, how she cleverly took his EMR whilst pleading Rude her pendant to give to him - a secretive technique to see the redhead once more.

Alia Strife was a conundrum which drove Reno crazy. She held her own secrets as he had his, except that didn't keep the two from finding each other during their journey across the world to stop Sephiroth.

"Reno." He looked back at boss, thankful to be pulled from his own mentality. "I swear to you, we will find these guys and ensure Alia's safety. We won't allow any harm to befall her. That I promise." The redheaded Turk could only chuckle at the words pouring from his boss's mouth. Starring up at the ceiling again, head leaning agains the couch cushion, he eventually closed his eyes and imagined Alia's arms wrapped around him. He wondered which part he was protecting the woman from: this man who demanded she be handed over, or from himself for lying this entire time.

"I'll hold you too that, sir."

~ oOo ~

"Come in."

Hearing her best friend's voice, Alia opened the door, allowing it to shut on its own as she surveyed the room. Elena was sitting in her bed, back up against the wall, her broken leg shielded by a cast while elevated by several pillows. Quickly making her way towards the bedside, Alia leaned forward, taking her friend into her arms.

"Goodness Elena, it's so good to see you!" Grabbing the only chair in the room, she dragged the contraption, sitting beside her friend so they could finally catch up after one month. "Reno told me what happened! Does it hurt? What'd the doctors say?

The once rookie of the team, Elena was still caught off guard by her friend's politeness, ever waiting the day when the previous member of AVALANCHE would tear down the blonde for all she had been a part of years ago. Three years had passed, leaving the Turk surprised how their friendship grew strong, any hate or ill feelings had vanished, the two quickly became thick as thieves. "Don't worry, I'll survive…somehow," she chuckled. "Well, the doctor believes I'll make a full recovery no problem."

"So…what happened?"

"What'd Reno tell you?"

"You were attacked by a monster this morning as you were leaving and broke your legging trying to exit the chopper."

"Ugh, well he's correct. Your man doesn't like to mince words." Glaring down at her arm, she rotated the limb by the elbow. "I don't even know how many stitches they laced into my arm. And then my leg…fuck, look for yourself."

Tossing the blanket aside, Alia couldn't resist in rolling her eyes by the color of her cast. "Really? They seriously were able to give you a pink cast?" Chuckling at her friend's enthusiastic nod, she tenderly ran a finger down the length, having stretched all the way from above the knee until it wrapped completely around the foot. "Damn, no kidding. You didn't just break you, you fucking broke your leg!"

"Yes ma'am, in three different spots." Elena hummed as her friend winced by that fact. "On the way back, Tseng was able to mend my arm until we came back here, but the moment we landed, I guess I got too excited to exit the chopper and just…fell?"

"In other words…your clumsiness got the best of you again, huh?"

Pouting, the blonde scoffed. "Tch, well when you say it like that…"

Dropping the blanket, Alia leaned back into the chair. Whisking hair away from her face, she studied her friend. "How long until you can be on your feet again?"

"That's the thing! The doctor said my arm should heal fine, probably a week before we takes the stitches out. As for my leg…I'm not sure. They're gonna keep an eye on it and will monitor the fractures with x-rays. They're worried if I move to soon it'll cause more damage and weaken the bone."

Wincing again, she hated the notion of broken bones. Lacerations, stab wounds, a nick here, a nick there she could handle; but suffering from a bone split in two? Nope, the mere thought forced the woman's skin to crawl. "Shouldn't they have materia here? It'll heal enough of the fracture if it's been leveled up some."

"They tried!" Tensing, Elena gasped, spare hand reaching towards her leg, body subconsciously wanting to move the limb, not realizing the idea was in poor taste, leaving the execution not possible. "All the Cure Materia they have stocked doesn't do a damn thing! They're thinking there must've been something in the monster's claws when it attacked me, leaving the materia ineffective. They're thinking it'll flush from my system in a couple days then they plan on trying again."

"And what if the symptom doesn't leave and they can't use any materia to help?"

"From what the doctors have said, there's a possibility of surgery."

Mouth fallen open, Alia couldn't grasp her friends situation. "Wait, the materia they used, was it Mastered? Come on, we all know materia has the strongest potency when it's at max potential."

"They have some in stock, but no one here can use them efficiently. Not like you, Alia."

Covering her friends hand, Alia wished there was more she could do. "Oh sweetie, I really wish you don't have to undergo surgery. I'm very sorry this has happened to you."

Squeezing her friends hand, Elena smiled. "You are such a sweetheart, Alia. But I will be ok. Rufus is giving us a few days off to recuperate before we return to work, and since I've been instructed to remain here, Tseng'll be with me the whole time."

"He's giving you a few days off? Yes! Finally, some alone time with Reno!" Staring at one another, both girls laughed into the air.

Chest rising as she breathed in deeply, Elena was just as excited. "Tseng and I deserve it, but I think you and Reno need these days more than us. Here I am, always by my boyfriend's side, whereas you have to wait until Reno comes home from work or is granted a mini vacation."

Waving off her words, Alia wasn't on to dwindle on the cons for any situation. "It's not as bad as it seems. I kept myself busy this last month, helping out with the delivery business and the bar. I mean…" Crossing her arms, the woman would be lying to herself by saying she was fine with they way things were going. "…I wish we had more time together. The calls in the middle of the night, not coming home until later than expected, suddenly having to leave for a few days. Like this last month! You guys seriously had to be gone that long? And it wasn't even planned, Rufus suddenly called Reno and said he was leaving in a few days then POOF! One whole month gone."

"I know," Elena offered, knowing there wasn't much she could say. Any information past her lips would give Alia a pause for concern; that same concern was something the Turk was avoiding. Alia was too smart in her own right.

"What's with the abundance of assignments lately?" Pulled from her reverie, Elena shrugged, allowing herself to provide an answer while not providing a verbal response. "Is it just me, or is Rufus sending you guys off more frequently than in the past?"

Girl please stop asking these question! "There is. We're just trying to make sure the reactors aren't being tampered with. Since none are in use, they're all degrading at different rates, so each one has to be handled separately to ensure no civilians living close by won't suffer any casualties." She hated lying in such a manner to her best friend. There was nothing else she could do.

Grasping her chin in thought, the woman was quiet for a moment. "Hmm, alright I can see why it might take longer sometimes. Have you had any issues with people purposely tampering with the reactors?"

"No, at least, not until this last assignment. Thankfully it was just some kids, but we stayed longer to ensure our thoroughness in keeping the reactor safe from itself and the local community." Suddenly biting her lip, she released and uncomfortable whine.

Sensing her distress, Alia stood, glancing up and down her friend to see which injury it was. "Hey, what's wrong? Are the meds wearing off?" She nodded. "Want me to get Tseng or the doctor?"

"Nah. Could you help me though? I think I need to lay down for awhile."

"Of course!" Arm over her shoulder, Alia guided the Turk down the length of the bed, ensuring her leg was still elevated all the while her arm stayed secured in its sling. Adjusting the blanket and pillows, she moved strands of Elena's hair away, noticing how her eyes were dropping. "Want me to grab Tseng for you?"

"Nah, he'll pop in once you two leave. Speaking of which…I have absolutely no idea how this came to mind, but how're your friends doing? Do they know about you and Reno?"

Alia merely blinked, the question unpredicted as it was a topic she preferred to refrain from discussing. It wasn't the notion of her being ashamed in the relationship she shared with Reno. No, on the contrary, she was still amazed the spunky redhead wanted only her. However, Alia knew her friends wouldn't share the same sentiment. Hell, when they were struggling to save the planet, only Cloud knew of the moment's she shared with Reno along the way, sparing a few minutes, or even a glance each time they ran into the Turks.

A shit-fit would most definitely arise amongst her close friends if they discovered her relationship with the Turk. Not only because who Reno was; their anger would include what he had done in the past and the fact she kept it a secret.

Or…had she?

The woman knew it wasn't the best decision to keep them in the dark; the truth always came out in the end. Regarding this particular matter, she didn't purposely keep it hidden. She'd never directly come clean to state the name of who she loved; on the other side, none of her friends seemed interested to ask. No one seemed to care why she would leave for several days (despite stating she would be with her friend in Kalm - who did, in fact, exist); no one wanted to know more about Alia and what she did during her spare time.

Alia…didn't seem to think her friends thought she was interesting enough to keep in their lives.

Her brother was a different story. Still a silent man, Cloud was the opposite with his twin sister than the others. Thick as thieves since they were young, they, for the most part, told each other everything. Her relationship was one which she assumed Cloud knew, refraining from mentioning anything until she wanted to speak on the matter. Her assumption was speculative as the man granted his sister the privacy she deserved, never to ask where she was going, who she was with or for how long. When their family was reduced to just them, it'd been that way since.

However, it was the little incidences here and there which grappled her attention. Rarely one to actually use his phone for communication, Alia knew something was up with her brother, as Cloud only sent text messages to his sister, and Tifa of course, but it was the contents when she was around Reno which peaked her curiosity.

Stay safe, make sure you're well protected.

Don't have too much fun.

Are you happy?

Tell Reno I said hi.

It was this message that pretty much confirmed her suspicions; either Cloud knew she and Reno were in a relationship, or thought they were simply friends. Either way, her brother knew she now held a connection with Shinra and the Turks. Whether one could call it an agreement or not, there seemed to be one set in placed between the Strife twins. If she was happy, Cloud respected and loved his sister to keep her secret safe, until she was ready to declare it on her own.

Fiddling her thumbs, Alia spoke honestly. "No, they don't."

"You plan on keeping this a secret from everybody?"

"Not intentionally. I mean, come on, you've listened to all the times I've complained how I feel. What's the point in telling them if they don't seem to care about me at all?"

"Hmm…" Curling tighter into her blanket, Elena had to wonder. "And Cloud?"

Alia smiled at her brother's name. "I'm pretty sure he knows, You gotta give my brother credit, he's smart, tends to notice things other people ignore. If he does know about me and Reno, I think he's waiting for me to say something, instead of dragging out a confession."

"Wow. At least your brother seems to have your back."

She was beaming by the comment. "I can always count on Cloud."

"The, you and Reno? What'll happen when - "

"Knock, knock! …eh, screw it." Door opening Reno Walked in, hand in one packet as he watched the two females. "I'll see myself in, thanks."

From behind Alia, Elena's voice muffled, releasing a heavy breath. "Girl ya see this crap? I've had to live with that cocky attitude for a whole month straight! Don't know how the hell you live with it."

"I'm not sure I could live without it anymore, to be honest." Snaking his arm around her waist, Reno kissed her simple curled hair, having dried from her ride over. "Let's face it, Reno wouldn't be himself if he wasn't cocky."

"Damn straight I wouldn't be." Squeezing his hand on Alia's hip, the male Turk glanced over his female partner. "How're ya doin'? Meds kicked in yet?"

"Better than you might think," though the rest of her sentence was cut off by a large yawn.

Standing on her tiptoes to reach his ear, Alia whispered, "She's quickly been getting tired."

"Heh, I can see that. By that, I think we should head home, she needs her rest."

"Poor things been through a lot today, huh?"

"You know I can hear you, right?"

"Of course we know." Leaning across her friend, their eyes met, both trying to muffle their giggling. "Elena, seriously, do you need anything? We'll go get you whatever you want."

Mouth agape, Elena was very aware her emotions would soon spill forth. Having been fortunate to even realize the person Alia was, she was more thankful of their friendship. It was moments like this the female Turk believed Alia's friends took the woman for granted; did they truly know the depth of Alia's heart? How far she would go for a complete stranger over herself? "Girly you are the sweetest!" If they don't appreciate all that she'll do, I will. "You don't have to go out of your way. Tseng, Rude and Rufus are here if I need anything, and the doctors are keeping a close eye on me."

"Remember, there's a difference between having to, and wanting to; I want to help you get better. So do not hesitate to call if there's something we can bring or you just want to talk. You've been gone a month, we have to catch up."

"I can promise that." She yawned again, Elena's head tilting off to the side as she easily drifted off to sleep. Stepping quietly out of the room, they gently closed the door, pausing as the mechanism clicked into place. Stepping forward to the front, Alia squeaked, her body being shoved into the wall, Reno's arms trapping her as they fell beside her head. Despite no mako coursing his veins, a soft glow emanated from the Turk's majestic blue orbs, the direct contact they shared sparked an electrical current down the woman's spine. Arching her back, breathy gasps were quick to be released form her lips, her redhead smirking devilishly, knowing he reaction all to well.

Lips mingled, moving in sync. Hands searched for purchase on whatever could be grabbed; hair, clothing, skin - there were no limits.

Not wanting to conclude their kiss, Reno forced his body to retreat, standing at full height he memorized the beauty she held. Like the pages of a book opened in the center for all to see, the redhead could easily read this woman; Alia was as mystifying as the day he met her, and yet, he could predict her reactions before the woman knew what was happening. Her breathing always increased just by staring down at her; chest rose and fell when no words were spoken; her pupils would dilate when she made contact with his lips.

Reno thought he knew the woman even when they first met. There was something about Alia that day in Sector 5; he didn't know what, but the redhead just knew. Whatever that knowing was, he had it, and held on since that fateful day.

Fingers running through her long tresses, Alia's face curled into his palm, loving how he still kept the fingerless gloves part of his Turk uniform. Eyelids blinking up at the man, Reno was speechless, as he always was in her presence, for more reasons than one initially thought. Her ashy blonde hair was perfection against creamy skin tone; the hourglass shape of her waist with a slight tautness of her hips due to years of perfecting her skills with a blade; perfectly plump lips; her sweet demeanor, yet her 'gave zero fucks' attitude when others were in trouble; and her eyes. Reno had fallen for those orbs when they first met in the rubble.

Then again, at that time, she still had one patch concealing her left, the other having exposed her mako-infused body.

When it was revealed her left eye was perfectly fine, it was the color that'd grasped his attention; a deep, blood red with the purest black of a pupil. The night her patch fell, Alia assumed Reno was disgusted with her recently deformed features; quite the contrary. The man was in complete awe of her difference; she was peculiar, unconventional, a rarity amongst the woman he'd known. That same night, when he and Rude caused the pillar to fall upon those in Sector 7, was the night he knew Alia Strife was a person he desired, in all shapes of the word. And judging by her actions in taking his EMR, the exchange was for Reno to be given her chocobo pendant, it seemed she desired to learn more of him as well.

There was just one thing he had yet to learn about his girlfriend, and that was why she seemed scared to pursue their intimacy further than making out on his couch.

Loving this woman regardless, he chastely kissed her lips once more, Alia following his mouth as he pulled away. Taking hold of her hand, Reno tugged towards the door. "Come on, let's get going. I've missed cuddling you in my bed."

"Mmm, that along with a nap sounds heavenly right now."

"Heh, well we can't do anything 'bout that if we linger." Stepping through the door, they noticed Tseng and Rude had finally taken a seat, one prim and proper while the other extended his legs. Three heads swiveled, watching how the couple maneuvered to the entrance.

"Are you two off then?" Glimpsing over the tup of his computer, Rufus paused his work to acknowledge them.

"Yes sir." Cocking his hip against the doorframe, Reno crossed his arms, staring at Alia as she peeked back, red tinting her cheeks.

Alia shook her head, knowing all too well the look the Turk was sending into her back. "Poor Elena needed her sleep, so yeah, we're gonna head out."

"Is she asleep now? Did she need anything?" Tseng's neutral voice contradicted her expression, the poor man obviously worried about the woman he was now in a relationship with.

"It seemed the medication was wearing off, but she didn't want anymore, then fell asleep as we were leaving."

"Good, thank you. I'll check on her in a bit, she needs her rest."

"That's what said. I told her that she can call me anytime if she needs anything, and that applies to you guys as well. Please, please don't hesitate if there's something we can do." Clasping her hands, Alia begged her friends to comply.

"Alia, you are a very selfless woman," Rufus commented. "We greatly appreciate your want to aid one of my employees."

"She's not just your employee, Rufus. She's my best friend." Having said that, the couple said their goodbyes, edging themselves out the door before they could be stopped. It had been a long four weeks for both parties, and the only thing the couple wanted to do was drive back to Reno's apartment and relax in each other's arms.

~ oOo ~

And there you have it. That flashback scene though? Damn, I am good!

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Chocobocolina!