Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ashen Skies ❯ Chapter 9

“Ashen Skies”

Chapter 9

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Warnings: Yaoi (graphic, beginning of chapter) Het (mild, end of chapter)

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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all related characters belong to Square-Enix. This fiction piece is strictly a non-profit exercise of creativity and entertainment for people (like me) who can't get enough of this world and the characters.*

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Angeal and Genesis were on their way out of the cafeteria to do their rounds when they ran into Zack. The younger officer had a concerned look on his face as he intercepted them.

 

“Hey guys, have you seen Cloud? I didn't notice him come back in last night and I haven't seen him all morning, either. I looked outside but he's not there, either.”

 

Genesis rolled his eyes in annoyance at Zack's protective attitude for the blond, but Angeal was more understanding about it. “I'm sure he's fine, Zack. I don't know him as well as you do but from what I understand, Cloud doesn't like to be around people. You'll probably find him cornered away somewhere out of sight, reading a book or something.”

 

Zack grimaced. “I've looked everywhere, though. Aerith is out looking for him too but we've checked all the nooks and crannies and even the bath-house. What about Seph…have you guys seen him this morning? Maybe he'll know where he is. I just want to make sure he's not laying somewhere having a relapse, you know?”

 

Genesis sighed. “Minerva, save me from these ninnies. All right, Zack. I'll go and check Sephiroth's nest for him and if I find him, I'll ask about Strife.” He turned to Angeal and muttered; “It looks like you'll have to start morning inspections without me, this time.”

 

Angeal was stoic about it. “It's probably best to find Strife than take the chance that he's wandering somewhere in a feverish delusion. I don't mind.”

 

Zack sighed with visible relief. “Thanks, man. I'm going to keep looking for him. Let me know if you find anything, okay?”

 

Genesis nodded and watched the black-haired fighter take off down the tunnel leading to the bathroom area. He almost said something snarky about Angeal and Zack's penchant for valiant lunacy but upon glancing at his taller companion, he thought better of it. Part of what attracted him to Angeal in the first place was the big Soldier's sense of honor and loyalty.

 

“Well then, I suppose I'm off to check on our falcon,” Genesis groused. “Try not to have too much fun kicking the troops into shape without me.”

 

“I'll try to restrain myself,” Angeal answered dryly.

 

~*********************************~

 

Genesis didn't truly begrudge Zack the easy bond of friendship he'd formed with the blond from Nibelheim or the strange girl from the hidden city, but it was becoming damned inconvenient to help the silly pup baby-sit both of them each day. He was beginning to feel like he'd been drafted into the nanny profession. He walked through the exit and spread his wing once he was outside. The snow was still falling but it wasn't heavy yet. His boots crunched in the white, chill substance as he got his bearings and took off. As he flew up to the location of Sephiroth's den, he pondered over his enhanced biology. Even if he was a monster, he was thankful for the alterations that allowed him to fly. The cold didn't bother him much and his eyes didn't tear up from the wind. An ordinary man would have a red nose and cheeks as well as blurred vision by now.

 

Genesis found the cave entrance and touched down on the ledge before pulling the layers of canvas and hides aside. The covering was caked with snow and chunks of it fell off as he opened it. He ducked in and called Sephiroth's name in a low voice. He didn't get an answer but he could see the orange-yellow glow of the lantern illuminating the walls so he entered the short tunnel and walked in. His guess was that Sephiroth was asleep because it wasn't like him to risk a fire by leaving his heat lantern burning without supervision.

 

Genesis neared the end of the tunnel and he could now see into the den. He stopped just before he reached the tunnel opening, because once he had an un-obscured view of Sephiroth's bedding he was struck dumb for a moment. The redhead blinked at the sight before him and his eyebrows went up.

 

There lay Sephiroth, partially reclined against the pillow-cushioned back wall. Cuddled up to him was Cloud Strife, his fluffy golden head resting contentedly against the General's bare chest. Even in his sleep, Sephiroth held the young man in a loose embrace and his wing was curved around the blond's back in a partial embrace, too. Both men were obviously naked, though Strife was covered from the waist up. Sephiroth must have kicked half of the blankets off of him during the night and his right leg was exposed and bent at the knee. The covers dipped down just enough on his right side to partially reveal his groin and he was still wearing his mid-thigh black boots.

 

“Oh snap,” Genesis breathed reflexively, his wits deserting him.

 

His faint exclamation of impressed surprise disturbed Sephiroth's sleep and the silver lashes fluttered as the General opened heavy-lidded eyes to stare at him. Genesis felt himself cringe involuntarily at the annoyed expression on Sephiroth's face and he put his hands out, palms up, in a placating gesture.

 

“Pardon me,” whispered the redhead. He backed away slowly with his palms still up. “I'll just…leave you to it, then.” He hastily made his exit and wondered if Sephiroth considered the implications of sleeping with a subordinate and a…minor? Strife certainly looked young.

 

~Not good. He's needed to get laid for a long time but he could have picked an older target.~

 

~****************************************~

 

Cloud stirred against Sephiroth's chest and lifted his head, looking around sleepily. “Did you hear something?”

 

Sephiroth took his eyes off the den entrance as the flap closed, blocking out the grey morning light. He stroked Cloud's shoulder and nuzzled his hair. “It was just a stray cardinal stopping outside to investigate. Go back to sleep.”

 

Cloud covered his mouth on a yawn and rested his cheek against the taller man's chest again. “I'm awake, now. I don't fall back asleep easily.”

 

“Is that so?” Sephiroth looked down at the soft, mussed blond hair and felt the stirrings of desire. He slid a hand under Cloud's chin and coaxed the blond to tilt his head back for a kiss. Cloud complied, gazing at Sephiroth with shy blue eyes as the General lowered his mouth to his and claimed his lips. “Tell me something,” Sephiroth murmured against the shapely lips after kissing them, “Have you always been a paradox?”

 

Cloud's brows furrowed in confusion. “I…I don't understand what you mean, Sir.”

 

“Call me Sephiroth when we aren't on duty,” insisted the General with a smirk. “What I mean, Cloud, is that you behave in such a shy manner until you're engaged in intimacy and then you turn into this passionate, pushy creature. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. I'm simply curious. Is this your nature, or is it just me?”

 

Cloud lowered his eyes bashfully and shrugged. “I've always been this way. I don't usually initiate things the way I did with you, but…I felt encouraged when you put your wing around me last night, so I took a chance.” He looked at him again hesitantly. “I know I'm weird.”

 

“Nonsense,” Sephiroth disagreed. He let his hand slide down from Cloud's chin to his throat and lower, leisurely stroking that tight-muscled, sweet frame with his fingertips and familiarizing himself further with it. “As I said; I have no complaints.” He didn't tell the blond out loud that his bashfulness was endearing and his contradictive passion made his blood burn. He was still getting to know Cloud Strife and even if he could bring himself to express his feelings verbally, they were still in the exploratory stage of the relationship.

 

He kissed him again and Cloud began to reciprocate with growing enthusiasm. Sephiroth ran his fingertips over the blond's chest and stomach in a teasing, sensual glide, steadily making his way lower as he courted him with lips and tongue. Cloud began to move restlessly against him with a different sort of tension as Sephiroth's touches and kisses visibly aroused him. Sephiroth traced the fine golden treasure trail that started below Cloud's navel and the blond kissed him harder and began to caress his chest eagerly.

 

“No, I certainly don't object to your passion, Strife,” Sephiroth purred as he broke the kiss. He moved the arm that was around Cloud's shoulder and slid his fingers through his hair in the back, tugging gently to coax his companion to tilt his head. Cloud complied and Sephiroth's eager lips caressed the smooth skin of his neck. He traced the blond's navel with his finger before stroking his hand down and gripping his stiffening cock. Cloud's breathy groan encouraged him and he began to stroke up and down the length at a leisurely pace, making the organ swell further.

 

Cloud's hands continued exploring his chest and abdomen until the blond was bold enough to fondle Sephiroth's erection. The silver warrior purred appreciatively against the throat he was kissing and he rocked his hips with encouragement. Their exploration of one another lasted until Sephiroth feared he would climax. He gently stopped his companion, wanting to have him again before returning him to the base to eat and bathe.

 

Cloud was breathless and flushed with desire by now so Sephiroth received no arguments from the blond when he told him that he wanted to be inside of him. He kissed him deeply and resumed stroking him off until Cloud moaned into his mouth and came in his hand. Sephiroth smiled at the blissful expression on his companion's face as he used Cloud's libation to lube them both up. This time, he guided the blond to straddle him and after taking a few moments to exercise his entrance, he encouraged him to take him inside at his own pace.

 

“Oh god,” Cloud moaned as he began to sink down on Sephiroth's rigid sex.

 

“Easy,” reminded Sephiroth, cupping the blond's hips to still them. He was briefly surprised by the gentleness of his own voice. “There's no hurry, Cloud.” He kissed the parted lips, tracing them with his tongue before pushing past them to explore the heated mouth. Cloud accepted the intrusion and sucked on his probing tongue lightly while carefully lifting up and easing back down again. His body accepted more of Sephiroth's length and he whimpered softly and embraced the General around the neck.

 

Sephiroth almost put a stop to it, getting the impression that his new lover was too sore from last evening to take him again so soon. After a moment, Cloud's distressed cries died down and he sighed as the resistance gave and he eased down the rest of the way onto Sephiroth's erection. His kisses grew in passion and he wrapped his legs around Sephiroth's waist.

 

Sephiroth stroked the blond's back and hips, holding still for him as he adjusted to the breach. He pulled his mouth away from Cloud's and looked into the heavy-lidded blue eyes. “Better now?”

 

Cloud nodded and he hesitantly began to rock in Sephiroth's lap, causing the member inside of him to slide forward and back. He licked his lips and sighed the taller man's name, bearing an expression of wonder and pleasure on his face. It was such an amazing sight that Sephiroth twitched inside of him as a result and he damned near came. Somehow he regained control over himself and he ran his hands over the blond's chest and murmured encouragement to him, thrusting gently beneath him at first until he was sure the soft cries weren't sounds of pain.

 

“You feel,” Sephiroth gasped, “perfect.”

 

Soon, they were moving their hips in synch and embracing one another. Sephiroth's wing wrapped around both of them and his lips sought out Cloud's as their coupling brought him closer to his peak. The blond quickly became erect again and his motions grew a bit clumsy and more desperate. Sephiroth gripped his hips again to guide his movements and help him find the best angle for pleasure. He knew they'd found it when Cloud's head fell back and a long, shaken cry burst from his mouth. Cloud embraced him and moaned in his ear as Sephiroth pumped his hips firmly, massaging the most sensitive spot inside of him.

 

It only took a few carefully aimed thrusts to make Cloud come and Sephiroth groaned the blond's name as his orgasmic spasms made his gripping heat clench around his cock. Two more thrusts and he was joining his smaller companion in the final bliss. Sephiroth rested his head on Cloud's shoulder and embraced him tightly as he filled him with his seed. Their mingled cries of pleasure died down and they caught their breath, clinging to one another with sated relief.

 

“I think I'll need to be more careful around you, Strife,” gasped Sephiroth when he had enough breath to speak again. “I could become entirely too addicted to doing this with you at every opportunity.”

 

Cloud nodded with agreement, still too winded himself to say anything.

 

~********************************~

 

Genesis met up with Zack, Angeal and Aerith in the den when he returned to the underground shelter and Zack immediately questioned him.

 

“Did you find either of them?”

 

Genesis glanced at Aerith and decided that tact was the best approach. “You can stop worrying.”

 

“Well, what does that mean?” Zack pushed when Genesis said nothing more.

 

The redhead sighed, trying to think of the best way to phrase it in front of Aerith. The girl was obviously green and Genesis' upbringing encouraged him to practice a little verbal restraint around young women, at least. “I think we can safely categorize our falcon's sanctuary as a `love nest', now. He's taken a liking to a certain canary.”

 

All three of them blinked at him. Zack scratched his head and spoke up again. “Uh, that's…great. Now say it like a normal person so I can understand what the hell you mean.”

 

Genesis pressed his lips together in frustration and reached out to cover Aerith's ears with his hands. “Sephiroth and Cloud fucked,” he informed the other two men succulently.

 

“You know, that really doesn't work,” Aerith informed him, blushing brightly. “I saw your lips move and I still heard everything.”

 

“Whoa,” Zack yelped. “Couldn't you have said it a little…er…nicer?”

 

Genesis took his hands off the young woman's ears and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingertips. “I tried, but someone didn't comprehend my subtlety.”

 

“That was…fast,” Angeal muttered uncomfortably.

 

Zack nodded, also in a state of awkwardness over the news. “I knew they had some pretty big sparks happening but I didn't expect Seph to be so…so…”

 

“Reckless?” supplied Genesis helpfully. “I agree he robbed that particular cradle very fast.”

 

Angeal frowned. “What are you implying?”

 

“Don't tell me the rest of you haven't noticed how young Strife looks,” scoffed Genesis.

 

Aerith bit her lip. “I…I don't think he's that young. He has to be at least my age.”

 

“And how old would that be?” queried Genesis with a sidelong look at Zack, who was suddenly going pale. Maybe Sephiroth wasn't the only one risking charges for sexing up a minor, here.

 

“I'm twenty-five,” she answered.

 

Genesis considered her doubtfully for a moment before shrugging. “I suppose you could pass for that age.” He smirked when Zack visibly relaxed a little. “You've been romancing her and yet you never bothered to find out if she was a legal adult? Shame, Zackary.”

 

Zack flushed as Aerith smiled at him. “Uh…I guess I figured she had to be at least eighteen. You're twenty-five? Really?” He looked her up and down and shook his head. “You're pretty young looking, sweetheart.”

 

“Well, if I look younger than I am don't you think Cloud might too?”

 

Angeal sighed. “Before we jump to conclusions, I think someone should just ask him.”

 

~**************************************~

 

“Hey Zack…er…what's going on?” Cloud was taken by surprise as his friend approached with Genesis as soon as he came out of the shower room. He was in the process of towel-drying his hair and Genesis grabbed his arm without warning and practically dragged him into a more secluded nook. The blond protested with a grunt of discomfort, still sore from his activities with Sephiroth.

 

“What the hell are you two doing?” Cloud snapped, losing his temper as the two officers backed him into a corner.

 

“Don't panic,” Zack soothed, “we just need to talk to you about something and we don't want people overhearing it, okay?”

 

Cloud stared at the brunet Soldier in utter confusion. “You could have just asked me to come somewhere private with you.” Miffed by the treatment, he glared meaningfully at Genesis, since the redhead was responsible for the manhandling.

 

“We have our reasons for haste,” Genesis told him coolly. “You've been a naughty little blond.”

 

Cloud immediately blushed, guessing what he meant by that. “H-how did you—“

 

“Oh, I came looking for Sephiroth to ask if he knew where you were,” answered Genesis with an amused smirk. “Zackary was driving us all insane with worry for you. I'm sure you don't need a recap of what I saw when I poked my head into the falcon's nest.”

 

Cloud groaned and covered his face with his hands in mortification. “You saw…uh…”

 

“Relax, I didn't see the details,” Genesis informed. “Just enough to guess what the two of you were up to during your…disappearance.”

 

Cloud pulled his hands away and draped his towel around his shoulders, steeling himself against the embarrassment. He shouldn't be ashamed. In fact, he should be offended that they were butting into his private business. Unless…”Could we get into some kind of trouble for this? Is there a rule against it?”

 

Zack looked uncomfortable and he shifted on his feet. “Not unless you're as young as you look, buddy. Hey, there's no official rule that says Soldiers can't be together like that but…uh…”

 

“There's the matter of age of consent,” Genesis finished for him, studying Cloud with suspicious aqua eyes. “The world may be in a sorry state right now but the laws against statutory rape still apply.”

 

“We're just trying to look out for both of you,” Zack said softly. “I know you and Seph have some major chemistry happening but you've got to think about the trouble he could get into.”

 

Cloud's brows knitted severely. Neither of them were making any sense to him. “What's the age of consent in this part of the world…thirty?”

 

Zack and Genesis shared a confused glance. “Um…no. I don't know about Nibelheim but it's eighteen everywhere else.”

 

Cloud slowly began to smile at his friend, slightly baffled that Zack thought he was so young. “Zack,” he said patiently, “I'm twenty-four. I'll be twenty-five next month, in fact.”

 

Zack blinked.

 

Genesis frowned. “Bullshit.”

 

It was Cloud's turn to smirk. “It's true. Did you guys really think I was a minor?”

 

Zack's face took on a sheepish expression. “Well, I figured you were pretty young but Gen's the one that insisted you had to be under age, man.”

 

“I said he looks like jailbait,” corrected the redhead peevishly. “Hence the reason we came to speak with him, remember?” His eyes swept the blond again and he shook his head. “I can believe you're not a minor but there's no way in hell you're twenty-four.”

 

Cloud shrugged, uninterested in arguing with the redhead. “If you're that worried about it, look up my file. They keep records of all survivors and military personnel, don't they?” He smirked with amusement at Zack, forgiving the friendly Soldier for his confusion. “Thanks for the concern. I'm hungry.” With that said, he slipped by the two men and made his way to the cafeteria to get some breakfast.

 

Zack and Genesis stared after the blond. “He didn't cough once,” observed Zack with a puzzled frown. “Nibel residents must have a killer immune system. He was ready to cough up a lung yesterday.”

 

“Yes,” Genesis agreed. “It's…interesting. I'm not so certain it's coincidental, though. Hojo treated him, after all.”

 

“But Sephiroth checked all of his medical supplies,” Zack reminded. “He didn't find anything unusual.”

 

Genesis looked at him sidelong. “When it comes to Hojo, looks can be deceiving.”

 

Zack conceded the point with dread. “I hope you're wrong, man.”

 

~********************************~

 

The weekend arrived and Cloud returned to active duty eagerly. When he wasn't working, he was spending time with his friends and when he wasn't with them, he was with Sephiroth. He spent the nights in Sephiroth's secluded den and he didn't mind at all that he wasn't getting as much sleep as a result. He called Tifa at the beginning of the weekend to check up on her and tell her everything that had happened so far. Informing her that he was now in a relationship with Sephiroth was difficult. His face was pink by the time he finally got the words out and Tifa teased him, guessing that he was blushing without even needing to see his face.

 

“I'm happy for you,” she said in closing. “Surprised, but happy.”

 

Cloud smiled bashfully into the mouthpiece of the phone. “What about you? Is there someone you've got your eye on over there?”

 

Tifa didn't answer right away. “I really haven't been thinking of relationships, but someone seems to have their eye on me.”

 

“Yeah?” Cloud prompted. “Who?”

 

“Just a guy,” Tifa said evasively. “I'm trying not to encourage him too much. When I first met him I thought he was a real klootzak.”

 

Cloud's jaw dropped. “Must be pretty bad, for you to use a word like that.”

 

She chuckled. “Well, that's how angry he made me at first. He's not so bad, now.”

 

“So are you going to give this `klootzak' a chance?”

 

“I'm…not sure,” she said uncertainly. “I'm planning on coming to Modeoheim when they offer transport so I don't know if I should get too involved with him.”

 

“That might be a good idea,” agreed Cloud. “I'll call you next week, Tifa.”

 

“Okay. Congratulations on your promotion, Cloud. I knew you could do it.”

 

~***********************************~

 

Tifa sighed as she hung up with Cloud. Today was the day…Reno had kept his end of the bargain and it was time for her to see this outfit he wanted her to wear and decide whether to honor her part of their deal. He'd sworn it was nothing skimpy but Tifa had a feeling that his idea of “modest” wasn't the same as hers. She was supposed to put it on and meet him outside in the ruined village and she wasn't sure how she felt about being alone with him. She supposed she should at least look at the outfit he had tailored for her before making a decision.

 

Tifa went to the clothing supplier and approached one of the tailors warily. “Hello,” she greeted, “I was told that someone might have a set of clothing for me. Do you have anything waiting for Tifa Lockheart?”

 

The man checked a list tacked to the cavern wall and whistled softly as he searched for her name. “Ah, here we are,” he announced with a nod. “Yes Ma'am, we had some nice material brought to us for it, too. I'll just go and get it for you.”

 

Tifa waited with growing unease as the man searched through the folded articles of clothing stacked in the wooden cubby shelves. He found what he was looking for and carried it over to her with a smile. “Here you are. There's a pair of shoes to go with it, too. It's kind of dressy for this place, but I reckon the fellow that placed the order has a special occasion in mind, eh?”

 

Tifa took the folded garments from him and bit her lip uncertainly as she examined the white dress pumps on the top of the pile in her arms. “Maybe. May I use one of the dressing rooms, please?”

 

“Help yourself, Miss.”

 

Tifa went into one of the changing cubbies and secured the curtain shut before undressing. Her ambiguity began to fade as she separated the different pieces of the outfit and studied them. It didn't look bad at all. The outfit was composed of a soft, white cotton blouse, a knee-length brown skirt and a light dress jacket that matched the skirt. It was a conservative yet attractive ensemble, feminine without being revealing. If anything, it reminded her of the kind of clothing a teacher or librarian would wear. There was even a light slip with it to go beneath the skirt.

 

~I'm…surprised, I admit. This is nothing like what I was afraid I'd find. Maybe he really can be sincere when it counts.~

 

She put the slip on first and as she reached for the blouse, a note fell out of it. With a frown, she picked it up and recognized Reno's handwriting.

 

“Wear your hair up, will ya?”

 

Tifa looked at her reflection in the cracked mirror and considered the request. She supposed it was reasonable and she often twisted her hair into a bun anyway when she worked out or the day grew hot. As she continued dressing, she found another little surprise in the breast pocket of the jacket. With a frown, she pulled out the little case she found and opened it to find a pair of small, wire-rimmed glasses with oval frames. She held them up and peered through them curiously. If they were prescription glasses, they were too weak to make a difference. Assuming they were just misplaced by one of the tailors, she replaced them in the case and finished dressing.

 

On her way out, she showed the tailor the pair of glasses she'd found in her suit and asked him if he knew who they belonged to. He shook his head and hollered to one of his fellow shop workers, who shrugged helplessly when he asked her about it. She asked the other workers there and none of them recognized the glasses or knew anyone who'd misplaced a pair, so Tifa shrugged and pocketed them, deciding she'd turn them in to the Lost and Found later on.

 

~*************************************~

 

Reno finished his cigarette and stubbed it out on the ground before dropping the butt in a little container he kept on him. He glanced behind him at the main entry to the ruins, wondering if he was going to be stood up. Maybe something didn't fit right and she chickened out? He checked with the shop to make sure they had her measurements but they could have screwed up and gotten her bust size mixed up with another woman's. Maybe she just didn't want to be alone with him.

 

~Come on, girl…give a guy a break, will ya? I've done everything you asked and I've never tried this damn hard before to get on a chick's good side.~

 

He sighed and looked at the horizon. The sun was beginning to set. Reno guessed that if she didn't show up by the time it went down he might as well call it a day and cut his losses. He'd hate to do it because he'd finally started getting some smiles from her and he thought he was on the right track, but he was sure he was already looking desperate and that just wasn't cool.

 

He was so deep in his train of thought that he almost didn't hear her coming up behind him. He picked up the sound of her footsteps at the last minute and he gave a little start as she spoke.

 

“It's a very nice outfit,” Tifa said softly.

 

Reno stared at her, scanning her from her head to toe. She'd fashioned her thick, dark hair into a simple, stylish twist and pinned it up, leaving some pieces free to frame her face. The dress suit hugged her feminine curves in all the right places, without being too tight. She had a gorgeous pair of calves and he appreciated the sight of them even as he longed to see the full length of her legs.

 

“Well, look at you,” Reno said with a crooked smile, doing his best to keep his gaze from being predatory on her. He had no idea how he was supposed to admire a woman's beauty without eye-humping her so he just forced himself to look her in the eye and be content with studying her curves from his peripheral vision. He took a few steps closer but consciously avoided invading her personal space.

 

“Remember the touching rule,” Tifa reminded him, hinting that he didn't succeed in keeping his gaze polite on her.

 

Reno put his hands behind his back obligingly. “A promise is a promise. You can even cuff me if ya like, yo.”

 

Tifa lifted a dark eyebrow. “I'm sure you'd enjoy that.”

 

Reno laughed, though in truth her comment made his groin stir warningly. “So, what about the glasses? You didn't like `em?”

 

“The glasses?” She repeated, automatically reaching into her jacket pocket. She opened the case and pulled the glasses out. “I don't wear glasses.”

 

“They're just for fashion,” Reno explained with a wink. “Kind of like jewelry. I had the lenses replaced with non-prescription ones for ya.”

 

“Oh,” she said with a little smile. “I wouldn't have thought of that.” She put them on and gave him an uncertain look. “How do they look?”

 

Reno appreciated the sight a little too much and he subtly shifted to conceal the way his body was reacting to the completed look. “Perfect. You've got nothing to worry about if you ever do need glasses, Doll.”

 

She graced him with another little smile and gazed at the sunset. “I admit, I expected the worst when I went to pick up the outfit.”

 

Reno came up beside her and when she glanced at him, he held his hands out with an engaging smile. “No touching. I just want to watch the sunset with ya.” When she relaxed, he moved in behind her and let his gaze travel down her body. He admired the curve of her hips and the shape of her ass briefly before leaning closer and speaking into her ear. “See? I can behave.” He smiled when gave a little shiver in response to his breath caressing her ear.

 

“So Tifa,” he murmured, “If I was allowed to touch you, would ya let me put my arms around you, like this?” He encircled her with his arms from behind but he stopped the embrace a bare inch from actually touching her. Even if he wasn't used to “good girls”, Reno knew women's bodies. The tension he sensed within her now was entirely different from the wary tension of before, he was certain of it.

 

“Maybe,” she whispered.

 

Reno brought his mouth a little closer to her ear and ran his hands over her shoulders and arms without actually touching them. “How about this? Maybe I could give you a massage.” He moved his mouth again, so that it was a hair's breath away from her neck. “Maybe I could give you a few kisses, too. Think you might like that, Tifa?”

 

“I…I might,” she said with faltering resistance.

 

He knew his cajoling was doing the trick when she tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck further to him. He glanced at her and saw that her eyes were closed and he decided it was time to test the “no touching” rule a little more. He brushed his lips against the soft skin of her neck and when she didn't pull away, he kissed the spot. She made a little sound of desire in her throat and he pressed his body against hers, still refraining from touching her with his hands. He continued kissing her neck, practicing seduction skills he'd learned early in life. He gradually increased his ardor and just when he sensed it was safe to start using his hands, Reno's mouth ran away with him.

 

“God, you're sexy,” he purred, “the only thing missing now is a library.”

 

Tifa suddenly stiffened and looked over her shoulder at him with wide brown eyes. Before Reno could even begin to try and explain his comment, she grabbed hold of his right arm and the next thing he knew, she flipped him right over her back and onto his. She'd pulled off the move so smoothly and quickly he hardly registered what was happening before he was flat on his back with her right foot planted on his chest. The heel of the pump dug into his chest just enough to be uncomfortable.

 

Reno's goggles skittered across the hard-packed ground and he stared up at her in shock. Even in his bewilderment, he admired the smooth leg that hovered over him. “What the hell—“

 

“Let me make one thing clear,” Tifa interrupted, “I'm not a pushover, Reno. I'm not here to fulfill some fantasy you have about sex with librarians.”

 

“Now hold it a minute,” Reno sputtered, “I didn't lay a finger on you, Toots.”

 

“I'm sure you were about to,” argued the barmaid. “You just gave away your real motive before you got the chance!”

 

Reno sighed. “Can you at least hear me out? If ya don't like what I've got to say, then I'll leave you alone. What do you say?”

 

She considered him for a moment and he had a sinking feeling she was just going to wash her hands of him and be done with it. He felt unreasonable relief when she took her foot off of his chest and offered a hand to him.

 

“Did I hurt you?” she asked him grudgingly as he took her hand and grunted while he got to his feet.

 

Reno chuckled and brushed his clothes off. “Nah, you just stunned me.” He gave her a thoughtful look. “That was a damned good move you pulled off. I've got a feeling if ya wanted to hurt me you really could have.”

 

She shrugged. “Yes, I could have. I just wanted to make a point, though.”

 

He gave her an admiring look. “If you decide to stick around after I explain things to ya, I think I'd like to hear more about where you learned your moves.”

 

“We'll see,” she said calmly. She took off the glasses and replaced them in the case. “Now talk. Was this outfit just part of some smut magazine fantasy you had?”

 

“No,” Reno said honestly, shaking his head. “But I'll admit I had a librarian look in mind when I told the tailors what I wanted. I figured the look would be hot on you but I didn't plan this just so I could try to jump your bones.” He made a sweeping gesture. “We're out in the open. If I planned to get lucky tonight, don't you think I'd have asked you to meet me somewhere more private?”

 

“Not if you already knew I'd refuse,” reasoned Tifa.

 

Reno picked his goggles up off the ground and wiped them off before placing them back on his head. “Okay, ya got me there. For all you know, I picked outside to meet up because I knew you wouldn't want to be alone in a building with me. For all you know, I was trying to seduce ya so that you'd agree to go someplace private with me and I could have my way with you. I can't say I blame ya for speculating but lemme ask you something. Did I go back on my promise?”

 

“Well, no,” she admitted. “Except for when you kissed me on the neck.”

 

Reno snapped his fingers. “Ah-ha! But you never said `no kissing', did ya? Where were my hands, Tifa?”

 

“Kissing is touching,” she sputtered.

 

He shook his head and grinned slyly. “Nope. You ain't getting off that easy. I've got a good memory and the agreement was for me to keep my hands to myself.” He winked at her when she began to smile in spite of herself. “Go on, tell me I'm wrong.”

 

“Fine,” she grumbled, bowing her head in an attempt to hide the smile on her face. “I should have covered lips, too.”

 

“You could have told me to stop,” he murmured. He nudged her with his elbow and when she clucked her tongue at him, he held his hands up. “I didn't use my hands just now, either.”

 

She shook her head and tried to look exasperated. “Using technicalities doesn't change the fact that your hands were hovering.”

 

He nodded. “I'll be straight with ya. I was hoping you'd warm up to me enough not to care if I started using my hands. Still doesn't mean I was going to try and get up your skirt tonight.”

 

She gazed into his eyes thoughtfully. “Maybe if you'd just been honest with me to begin with, we wouldn't need to be having this talk right now.”

 

He put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “Maybe. Thing is, the last time I told you exactly what was on my mind I was drunk and I pissed you off. I don't know how to just say what I'm thinking without offending a lady like you.”

 

She smiled. “Why don't you try it now? Just tell me what's on your mind right this minute.”

 

He blew a sigh. “Okay, but just remember, you asked for it.”

 

“I'm prepared, this time,” she assured him dryly.

 

Reno looked her in the eye and spoke candidly. “I'm gonna have a four-day boner over you flipping me on my back like that. That was hot.”

 

“Reno!” Tifa sputtered his name in a scandalized tone.

 

“See?” he said. “I warned ya!”

 

To his surprise, she dissolved into soft laughter. “You're a pervert,” she said between chuckles.

 

“Hey, show me a straight guy that wouldn't get turned on if a sexy woman flipped him onto his back,” he defended with a smirk. “At least this time you're laughing at me. I was bracing for a smack in the face.”

 

Her laughter faded but her smile remained and it seemed genuine. “This is different. You're actually trying instead of running off at the mouth for shock value.”

 

He returned her smile. “So, are you gonna stick around now or did I blow it?” He tried to sound confident but his smile faltered just a little as he finished the question.

 

She stared at him searchingly for a moment before answering. “I think I can stick around for a little while.” She then surprised him again by reaching for his hands and holding them in her smaller ones.

 

Reno's heart thudded painfully in his chest and his mouth went suddenly dry. The simple gesture was the closest she'd ever come to making a move on him and he was floored by how strongly it affected him. “So uh…where did ya learn moves like that?” he asked.

 

“I had a trainer,” answered the barmaid. “Father wanted me to know how to defend myself and there was a martial arts master named Zangan living in town, so Papa organized lessons for me.”

 

Reno nodded. “You've got the moves to be a Turk, if you're ever interested.”

 

Tifa looked a little uncomfortable at the offer. “No offense, but I don't think I have the temperament to be a Turk.”

 

Reno smirked. “Meaning you've heard a few things about us, yo.”

 

She shrugged. “The world is a different place now. I'm sure your organization has changed to reflect that. I just mean I'm not the corporate type.”

 

“Guess that's fair,” Reno concurred. “So, have ya talked to your buddy in Modeoheim this week? What's his name, Cow? Clod?”

 

She blinked. “It's Cloud.”

 

He clucked his tongue. “Riiight, Cloud. Sorry Toots…I knew it started with a `C' but I couldn't remember how you pronounced it.”

 

She smiled. “It's okay. I spoke with him before I changed to meet up with you, actually. He's joined the Modeoheim military forces and he's been promoted to Private.”

 

“Cool. So were you two ever sweethearts?” Reno felt a brief stab of jealousy at the thought. In a couple of weeks it would be time to transport civilians between bases again to reunite those separated from loved ones and if Tifa's blond boy didn't decide to join her in Cosmo Canyon, she'd probably go to him instead.

 

“No,” she answered with a shake of her head. “When we were younger I thought we might be some day but we're just close friends.”

 

“What stopped you from bumping it up a notch?”

 

Tifa smirked. “Well, first I found out that he doesn't prefer women. By then, he felt more like a brother to me anyhow so I didn't mind.”

 

Reno's eyebrows went up and he felt a sense of relief. “So he's…like, one of those guys, eh?”

 

“Is something wrong with that?” Tifa tensed a little and started to pull her hands out of his.

 

Reno shook his head. “Naw, I'm just glad I don't have to compete with him.” He winced, wishing he hadn't said that out loud.

 

Tifa relaxed and looked at him in a way that gave him the feeling she was inwardly debating something. Just as he was about to ask what was on her mind, she closed the distance between their faces and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. She smiled as he blinked at her and she gently disengaged her hands from his.

 

“I think I'm going to have an early night,” she told him as she backed away. “I really do like the clothes and the flowers you've given me.”

 

“Hold it,” Reno said, confused but hopeful, “So does this mean you're giving me a shot or what?”

 

She paused and chewed her bottom lip before nodded. “Yes. Goodnight, Reno.”

 

He felt his mouth curve into a satisfied, crooked smile as he watched her go. He could still feel those lips against his skin and he forced himself to calm down before going back inside himself. He came across his partner on his way to the den and he patted Rude smartly on the shoulder and laughed with exuberance. The bigger man raised a pierced brow at him.

 

“What, did you just get laid or something?”

 

Reno shook his head, practically giddy. “Nope. I got a kiss on the cheek, yo.”

 

“Doesn't take much to excite you these days, Red.”

 

~*******************************************~

 

Tifa lay down and gazed at the flowers sitting in the vase on her bedside table. The older ones were beginning to wilt. Soon she'd have to throw them out. She sighed, thinking it was a shame. Her thoughts went to the way Reno's breath had felt against her ear, which led to thoughts of how it felt when his lips caressed her neck and his body pressed up against hers from behind. She really wouldn't have stopped him if he'd tried to embrace her, if he hadn't given her the impression a moment later that he was playing out some kind of “naughty librarian” fantasy with her.

 

She regretted her reaction to the comment. She wasn't afraid to show her passion with a man she could trust but after flipping him on his back like that, she was sure that anything more than a kiss on the cheek would have sent mixed messages. She couldn't manhandle him for calling her sexy and then turn around and suck face with him.

 

~I could have handled that whole thing better. He just makes me so confused, sometimes. I don't know if I want to kiss him or run from him.~

 

Something told her that it was possible she wanted to run from him because she wanted to kiss him so bad. Was she just afraid to love anyone else? She'd lost everyone dear to her except Cloud and with his new career as a military agent, she could lose him soon too. Half of her wanted a chance at a romantic relationship with Reno but the other half was afraid of getting attached to him.

 

She sighed and closed her eyes, thinking of the feel of his mouth and his mischievous, crooked smiles.

 

~*************************************~

 

At the end of the weekend, Lazard called Sephiroth into his work area to discuss something. Guessing that it could be plans for another search and rescue operation or patrol, the General wasted no time in complying with the summons.

 

“You wanted to see me, Director?” Sephiroth frowned when he noticed that Hojo was in the room with Lazard and so was Reeve.

 

“Yes. Do you recall what you said to me when you returned from your last mission, concerning dwindling Soldier numbers?”

 

Sephiroth nodded mutely. Against his better judgment, he'd mentioned the possibility of starting the Mako treatment program again. He blamed Zack for the lapse. The observation that Cloud would stand a better chance at survival on the field if he were enhanced made perfect sense and despite his misgivings over letting Hojo treat Soldier recruits again, Sephiroth had found himself bringing the subject up while he gave the casualty report to Lazard.

 

Lazard glanced at his two companions before continuing. “After careful consideration, I've decided to reinstate the recruitment and Mako enhancement process. We've suffered too many casualties and Soldiers are our strongest fighters.”

 

“Understood,” Sephiroth said, “I trust proper security measures will be in place, as well as medical supervision?” He shot a cold, meaningful glance at Hojo but for some reason, the professor didn't appear smug or satisfied. If anything, he appeared to be angry about something.

 

“We're going to do things a bit differently, this time,” Lazard said. “Because of certain…mistakes in the past, Hojo won't be administering the Mako injections to recruits. Instead, he'll supervise while other doctors familiar enough with the procedure do it.”

 

Sephiroth's lips almost twitched into a smirk. No wonder Hojo looked angry. “Do these doctors know how to mix the formula correctly?”

 

“Not as well as I do,” Hojo insisted.

 

“The ones I've chosen for the job have assisted with the procedure before,” Lazard answered as if Hojo hadn't spoken at all. “As I said, the Professor will supervise until they've perfected their knowledge but he won't handling the mixture or injecting it himself. He's there to ensure the safety of the recipients until we can be sure the chosen medical team has the procedure perfected.”

 

Sephiroth caught a brief wink from Reeve and he realized the engineer must have played a role in the decision to take Mako infusion out of Hojo's hands. “When shall we begin recruiting?” asked the General.

 

“At the end of next week,” answered Lazard. “I would like to move faster but you and the other officers need to make lists of military personnel you think would be suitable, and then we have to run blood tests to be sure those candidates are suitable for Mako infusions.”

 

Hojo suddenly gave Sephiroth one of his oily smiles. “Well my boy, I know at least one of the men you'd recommend is suitable.”

 

Sephiroth kept his face as expressionless as marble but his blood boiled in response to Hojo's sly remark. He knew the man had already tested Cloud Strife's genetic coding but he still couldn't shake the feeling that he'd done something more than that while the blond was under his care.

 

~***********************************~

 

-To be continued