Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Guardian ❯ Chapter 20

“Guardian”

Chapter 20

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*Disclaimer: Final Fantasy and all characters therein 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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On Sunday, they sparred in the company gym as planned. Reno dutifully listened to Cloud's advice and adjusted his tactics as needed, but it wasn't the light-hearted exercise that it usually was. Both men were grim and moody as they worked out. Cloud's sour mood was caused by his own guilt and his frustration with Reno for his apparent inability to understand why he'd stopped him from murdering the abusive man. Reno was resentful, feeling like he'd been emotionally blackmailed into letting a wife-beater go free.

 

When they finished their routine, they showered and had lunch in the cafeteria. After that, Cloud needed to get away on his own for a while to think. He told Reno he was going to check around the local businesses for potential clients and the redhead didn't ask to go with. In truth, Cloud ended up driving Fenrir out of the city and hitting the open road. It helped to clear his head to be back in the familiar routine; just him and his motorcycle, free to roam. He stopped at a rest station several miles outside of Junon and called Tifa to check up on her and the kids.

 

“Hey, it's me.” Cloud's voice sounded dull to his own ears.

 

“I was starting to wonder if they were holding you hostage,” Tifa said teasingly. “How are things going, Cloud?”

 

He shrugged, though she couldn't see the motion. “Okay, I guess. I'm just out on the road having a break and I thought I'd see how you and the kids are doing.”

 

“We're fine,” Tifa replied. Concern was creeping into her voice. “Cloud, is everything okay? You sound a little blue.”

 

Cloud smiled a little. Tifa knew him too well. “It's nothing. Reno and I just had a little disagreement.” His small smile faded as he reminded himself that the “little disagreement” had a reasonable chance of destroying what he and Reno had built together. “Uh, I might be coming home sooner than I thought,” he added absently.

 

“What happened?” Tifa demanded.

 

Cloud sighed, knowing that she wouldn't stop pressing him until he told her everything. He explained the incident to her and described the way Reno acted afterwards. For a little while she didn't respond—probably because she was considering the information and working it over in her head. Finally, she spoke.

 

“Listen, I know I've always worried about the two of you getting too close, but I don't think you should let this drive you apart,” Tifa advised. “Every couple has a fight eventually. I mean, look at Cid and Shera! I've realized something lately, Cloud: as strange as your relationship with Reno is, I know you're crazy about each other. It's obvious to everybody, not just me. You need to try to talk to him…that's right…TALK. I know that's hard for you but if you don't say something he might get the idea that you don't care what happens. Show him he's worth the effort because if you don't and the two of you break things off, you're always going to wonder if there was something you could have done. At least this way, you'll know that you tried.”

 

Cloud nodded slowly and lowered his eyes. He plucked at a loose thread on his cargo pants as he mulled over how to start a conversation about the incident with Reno. “I know you're right,” he agreed softly. “I just wish I was better at this sort of thing. Too bad I can't borrow you to say everything I feel for me.”

 

Tifa chuckled. “I'm good at lecturing and I really don't think that would help right now. Just tell him the truth, chocobo head. If he's as into you as I think he is, he'll come around and meet you halfway.”

 

Cloud smiled again. “Chocobo head” used to be one of Zack's favorite nicknames for him and Tifa borrowed it on occasion when she thought he was being a ditz. “Okay, I'll try. Say hello to Denzel and Marlene for me, okay?”

 

“I will,” Tifa answered. “Good luck, Cloud.”

 

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

 

Cloud returned to Junon that evening and he called Reno to let him know he was finished with his business. The redhead was already at his apartment with some takeout for dinner. Cloud thought his voice sounded a little less stiff than before, but it could have been his imagination. When he arrived at Reno's apartment, they ate the meal of fish and chips that the Turk had brought home and Cloud noticed that his companion kept eyeing him thoughtfully. Neither of them talked about the incident but it was encouraging to Cloud that some of the anger appeared to be fading from Reno's vivid, blue-green eyes.

 

They slept separately again that night and both of them lay awake for a long time, staring up at the ceiling and working things over in their minds. If either of them could have known that the other was just as upset as he was, they might have relaxed a little and felt encouraged enough to talk about it. Unfortunately, Cloud was still mentally reviewing what he wanted to say and Reno was afraid that if he tried to explain his feelings, he'd end up yelling at the blonde and accomplishing nothing.

 

It wasn't until Monday when everyone returned to the office that both men finally got the helping hand they needed.

 

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

 

“Sir, there's something I think you should see.”

 

Rufus sighed into the phone. “What is it, Tseng? Please tell me it's not another crisis. I was just beginning to wind down.”

 

“Nothing so dire,” the Wutaian assured him. “But it could have developed into one. I'm emailing a link to a public video site to you. It seems that Reno got up to some rather impulsive behavior over the weekend and several people caught the incident on video and uploaded it to this site.”

 

Rufus rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger as he held the phone in place with his shoulder and opened his laptop. “Does this impulsive behavior involve drunken behavior, nudity or violence?”

 

“Violence,” answered Tseng. “Not that such a thing is usually inappropriate for a Turk, but he seems to have forgotten that we're to keep it out of the public eye, for the sake of the reputation the company is trying to build.”

 

The laptop powered up and Rufus opened up the email Tseng had sent him. He clicked on the link and his browser opened the website page. Before the video even began to stream he understood what must have happened. The title of the video said it all.

 

“WIFE BEATER GETS OWNED BY A TURK!!!”

 

Rufus clicked on the play button and propped his elbow on the desk to rest his chin in his hand. “My guess is that some of Reno's more unsavory memories of his childhood have come back to haunt him,” he said into the phone as he waited for the clip to stream.

 

“In a bad way, sir,” Tseng agreed.

 

Rufus watched as the video began to play. It was amateur quality and the image wasn't exactly steady, but there was no mistaking Reno or Cloud Strife. Reno was just finishing up with beating the hell out of a man on the sidewalk and Cloud was crouched next to a woman with a bloodied mouth. As the beaten man slumped to the pavement, Reno pulled his gun on him and got ready to fire. Cloud immediately tried to reason with him to stop him and when it appeared he was going to fail, he began pleading softly instead. It seemed to get through to Reno because after a few moments hesitation, he put his gun away and knelt before his victim to say something to him that the audio didn't pick up. The clip ended after that.

 

Rufus glanced at the comments below the clip, smirking a little at the number of them stating that the redhead should have blown the fucker's brains out. He immediately realized what sort of impact this encounter could have had on his company's reputation and with that realization came awareness of how the incident might affect Reno and Cloud's relationship with one another.

 

“Well, this is a fine mess,” Rufus muttered. He debated over it for a moment, wondering how Reno felt about being guilt-tripped out of what he likely saw as administering well-deserved justice to an abusive man.

 

“Would you like me to take care of it, Rufus?” Tseng's intimate use of his given name was a soothing balm on nerves stretched taut.

 

Rufus considered the offer and shook his head. “No, I'll take this one. I'd like to check on our proverbial fox and wolf myself before I speak with him, but if I'm right then there are some things I believe Reno needs to hear from me.”

 

“Of course, Koibito,” Tseng responded approvingly. “Sometimes it takes the true master's hand, after all.”

 

Rufus snorted. “When it comes to Reno and Cloud, there is no true `master', but I'll settle for pretending otherwise.”

 

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

 

Rufus watched through the reinforced glass as Cloud and Reno sparred inside the gym. He could tell that his fox was angry and it seemed to him that Reno was barely holding himself back from turning the exercise into a real fight. He frowned, surprised by how much it bothered him. A few months ago he would have been pleased with the prospect of his fox's relationship with Strife coming to a halt, but now the possibility was more disturbing than anything else.

 

~Strife's managed to endear himself to me, just as he did with Reno. I'd thought I only entertained a curious infatuation with him, which should have ended as soon as I got my satisfaction. Now I'm not willing to let him go. It's really a pity I can't recruit him.~

 

Reno had an opening and Rufus tensed, sensing that the redhead was on the verge of taking it and decking Cloud good and proper. He saw the struggle in the Turk's pale features and having come to know Reno as well as he did, he guessed that he was thinking he'd be no better than the man he beat up yesterday if he struck his lover in anger. Reno chose not to take the opening but he called out abruptly and said he was finished sparring for the day. Poor Cloud looked confused and a little hurt as the Turk put his back to him and walked toward the door leading out of the gym.

 

Rufus looked at Cloud's pretty, expressive blue eyes and made him a silent promise. ~Don't start howling mournfully yet, wolf. This game isn't finished and I'm not a man that likes to lose. You'll have him back soon enough, if I do this correctly.~

 

As if he could hear the president's thoughts, Cloud became aware of him and his eyes met Rufus's through the glass. Rufus gave him a brief smile and a nod. Cloud cocked his head to the side in an inquisitive manner that reinforced Rufus's impression that he was very lupine in his mannerisms. Despite himself, the president smiled again and he almost chuckled fondly at the ridiculous innocence Cloud exuded. Strife really was too cute for his own good at times.

 

Reno came through the door and spotted Rufus. He paused and wiped his sweating face with the towel he'd draped around his neck. “Hey boss,” he said uncomfortably. “How long have you been standing there?”

 

“Long enough,” Rufus answered in a stern tone. “When you've finished with your shower, I want you to come to my office.”

 

Reno looked puzzled and a little intimidated, but he didn't argue. “Sure thing, yo. I'll be up in a jiffy.”

 

Rufus nodded. “Good.”

 

He watched Reno walk away toward the men's showers and then he turned his attention back to Cloud—who was just walking through the gym doors. “Hello, Strife.” Rufus's tone was gentler with the fighter than it had been with Reno. He honestly felt sorry for him. “When you're finished cleaning up, why don't you take advantage of the company lounge? I've set up a pre-paid tab for you and you can order something from the deli and have a few drinks.”

 

Cloud stopped and gave him another curious, wolfish look. “It's a little early for drinking,” he began, but then he snapped his mouth shut and considered the offer. He shrugged. “I could make an exception today. Thanks, Rufus.”

 

“Of course,” Rufus said with smooth courtesy. ~Somehow I knew you would want a drink. Reno too, I'll bet. The tension is visible in both of you.~

 

“So,” Cloud said softly, averting his eyes in a bashful manner. “Are you going to be joining me there?”

 

Rufus blinked with momentary surprise, but it only lasted until he realized that Cloud was feeling a bit vulnerable and was in need of some friendly company. “Regrettably not. I have too much work to do, but I doubt you'll be drinking alone for long. Have a good afternoon, Cloud.”

 

With that said, Rufus gave him a smile and turned in the opposite direction, walking toward the elevators. He could feel those puzzled blue eyes resting on him and he chuckled silently. Maybe some day, he could have Cloud eating out of his hand. That sort of trust didn't seem as unreachable now as it did before.

 

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

 

Reno arrived in the president's office some twenty minutes later. His hair was freshly washed and styled, a little damp at the ends. Rufus could smell the strawberry scent of his shampoo and he breathed it in with appreciation as the redheaded Turk approached him. He stood up and gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk.

 

“Have a seat, Reno.” His tone was polite but he kept his eyes stern on his lover and subordinate.

 

Reno frowned a little and did as he was instructed, looking up at Rufus with curiosity similar to Cloud's, his fox-like demeanor cousin to Strife's wolfish behavior. Rufus paused for a moment as the thought that it would be a shame for the two of them to split up reinforced itself in his mind. They…fit…each other, different though they may be. He shook himself out of it and turned his laptop around to face Reno.

 

“The most interesting video clip was brought to my attention, this morning,” Rufus explained at Reno's questioning look. He clicked on the play button at the bottom of the displayed video window and he watched the Turk's face as it streamed for him. Reno watched the screen and his face drained of color. His lips pressed into a thin line and his blue-green eyes flicked from the screen to Rufus with dread.

 

“Uh, I can explain this, boss—” began the redhead.

 

“You don't need to,” Rufus said coolly as the clip finished playing. He closed the laptop and sat down behind his desk, eyeing his lover sternly. “I know all about what happened to your mother and what you did to the man who was abusing her. It was part of the reason we recruited you, after all.”

 

Reno went silent, his eyes darting about as he tried to remember his initiation into the Turks. It didn't really surprise him that Rufus knew about the awful memories he'd regained yesterday and the hint of compassion in his voice at the last sentence calmed the redhead somewhat. Rufus's next comment caused a warm ache to grow in his chest.

 

“I know you still miss your mother, even if you can't recall every memory of her. I admit, I still think about and miss my mother as well, from time to time.” Rufus sighed, his stern demeanor dissolving into one of patient, tired authority. “I understand why this incident occurred, Reno. I know that you have personal reasons to hate domestic abusers. You're aware, I'm sure, that this organization has little compunction about ridding the world of troublesome people. However, covert action is required of the Turks. We can't afford the publicity of public murder, fox.”

 

Reno's expression darkened bitterly and he shrugged. “I didn't kill him, boss. Strife stopped me.”

 

Rufus threaded his fingers together on top of his desk and nodded, his eyes narrowing on Reno. “Indeed he did…and you resent him for that, don't you?”

 

Reno shrugged again and averted his gaze.

 

“You should thank him,” Rufus finished sternly. “In stopping you from publicly murdering that man, Cloud saved you from some serious repercussions. Had you finished your intentions you would be sitting in jail now and the Turks would be discussing whether or not to put a mark on you. Tseng and I have a lot of power and influence, but we aren't miracle workers and certain protocols would have had to be recognized. At the very least you could have lost your rank, been beaten within an inch of your life and forced to do the lowest, most demeaning work that the lowest ranking Turks are assigned. You've never really seen the very bottom of the ladder, Reno. I assure you, it wouldn't be a pleasant way to spend the rest of your career.”

 

Reno was chilled by the president's words but his anger still burned hotly. “He had no right,” he growled.

 

“I disagree,” Rufus shot back with an angry look of his own. “As your lover, he had every right to protect you…even from yourself. You seem to have the notion that Strife acted purely on those scrupulous morals of his but from what I could see, there was much more to it than that.”

 

Rufus paused and ran his fingers through his sandy hair, sighing. He looked out the big window at the city spread out around them, his expression thoughtful. “Cloud is inherently good, Reno.” He looked back at the redhead and smirked dryly. “Not a bit like you and I. That's what drew you to him in the first place, however—as well as myself. While his looks are enough to make anyone's breath catch with lust, it's that damnable heroic streak that makes one desire more than a casual encounter. If he were any different, I doubt you would have grown so attached to him. Now you're punishing both him and yourself because you can't reconcile his nobility with your desire for vengeance. I can hardly believe I'm about to say this, but…”

 

Rufus paused and took a deep breath, knowing that he could influence Reno's relationship with Cloud to go either way in the next moments. “You need to forgive him. I don't know for certain that you never talked to him about what happened to your mother but I find it doubtful, given his reactions to your behavior in that clip. He probably still would have tried to stop you but if he knew what you went through, he might have been more understanding. He might have even understood if you chose to track the fellow down later and take care of him in a more private setting.”

 

Reno listened with a frown, hating to admit that the boss was right. He couldn't remember if he'd ever told Cloud about Nick either but like Rufus, he got the feeling he hadn't. “You really think he was doing it to protect me, Sir?”

 

“Undoubtedly,” Rufus assured with a nod. “I saw no compassion for that man in his expression. I only saw concern for you. There was a time not long ago when I would have relished the thought of your relationship with him ending, but I've come to see things in a different light, since then. Do you remember when your mother died, Reno?”

 

The Turk swallowed hard and nodded. “Vaguely. I remember she was in a lot of pain and there wasn't anything I could do for her, yo.”

 

“Do you remember Cloud being there with you?” Rufus persisted.

 

Reno stared at him with surprise and struggled to recall it. “I…I'm not sure,” he said faintly.

 

“He was.” Rufus smiled ruefully. “You told me about it later. You wouldn't let any of your coworkers stay with you at her side, not even Rude. You didn't want them to see how vulnerable you were. However, when Strife found out about it and showed up, you allowed him to stay and he was there with you to the end, giving you comfort that you wouldn't accept from anyone else. Does any of that sound familiar to you?”

 

An annoying lump formed in Reno's throat as Rufus's words dragged the memories to the surface. He remembered those strong arms holding him and those soft lips nuzzling his cheek and forehead while he wept. He and Cloud were still practically enemies back then, having only shared one brief encounter. He remembered how surprised and grateful he was for the blonde's company, and how easy it was to let himself go without worrying about how it made him look.

 

“I…remember now,” Reno whispered, lowering his eyes to hide the tears that were threatening to surface.

 

“He also stayed at your side the entire time you were comatose from the Mako poisoning,” Rufus informed him. “He fed you, bathed you and talked to you. We visited when we could but Cloud hardly left your side. The stubborn bastard wouldn't let me take you to a hospital—he insisted that there was nothing they could do for you that he couldn't and he didn't trust anyone to keep you safe and cared for…not even your own people.”

 

A hesitant smile found its way on Reno's lips. “Sounds like something Blondie would do.” His anger smoldered and died slowly, to be replaced with aching fondness for the fighter.

 

Rufus smiled faintly at him. “I want you to take these things into consideration before you decide how you want to deal with this situation. Rival though I once was to him for your affections, even I've come to admit that Strife becoming a permanent part of your life has been good for you. If it weren't for him, we might never have found you after you fell into the Mako stream. The very thing that poisoned you also sustained you while you were missing, but eventually you would have wasted away and died without anyone reaching you, if it weren't for Cloud's stubborn persistence. The man loves you and I know you well enough to feel confident that you love him too.”

 

“What about you, boss?” Reno asked huskily, his emotions warring with his teasing tone. His eyes searched Rufus's and a trembling mischievous smile curved his lips.

 

Rufus moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue and hesitated. He'd never said the words, though he was sure he'd shown Reno more than once how he felt about him. Reno waited and Rufus struggled with his stiff sense of dignity, knowing that even though the other man was teasing him, it was past time for him to hear it said.

 

“I've loved you for almost as long as I've known you, Reno,” the president whispered, his eyes fixed on his subordinate's. He was surprised at how easily it came out and he continued; “I think I fell in love with you before we even had sex for the first time. Because of that, I can empathize with Strife and I think it would be a terrible shame for you to lose someone who cares for you that much.”

 

Reno couldn't hide his amazement. Somehow he knew that Rufus had never actually said he loved him before and he knew how hard it was for the man to come out and say it. He hadn't actually expected him to, in fact. “Really?” he asked stupidly.

 

Rufus huffed a soft laugh and nodded. “Do you honestly think I'd have said it if it weren't the truth?”

 

“I guess not,” Reno agreed with a little smirk. “I love ya too, Rufus.”

 

“I know you do, Fox.” Rufus caressed him with his eyes. He sobered and brought the subject back to his original intent. “Now, resuming the unresolved matter between you and Strife…I can have that wife beater taken care of, if it will help you. You could take care of him yourself if you wish…so long as it's done discreetly. His wife will be safe and Cloud needn't even know. It's your decision, Reno.”

 

Reno bit his lip and debated inwardly over the offer. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. “Nah, I'd still know and I sort of promised Cloud. As far as he's concerned I won't kill the guy unless he goes after his wife again and I feel like I've gotta keep to that. Just…will ya have him watched? If he so much as breathes on her again all bets are off, but until then I've got this freakin' obligation to leave him alone, yo.”

 

Rufus nodded. “Of course. I'd advise you not to hold yourself to any promises that might cause resentment toward Strife, however. I understand your loyalty to him and I even admire it, but if you think you can't let it go without jeopardizing your feelings, you should act.”

 

“As long as I know the fucker can't get at her again I'll be fine,” Reno assured him. “I get what you said about Cloud. I think I can get over it.”

 

“Good,” Rufus said pleasantly. “Now go and find our golden wolf in the lounge and talk to him about your past…if only so that he can have a better understanding of your feelings. Go and lick your wounds together, Fox.”

 

“You've gotta cut it out with the animal metaphors, boss,” Reno snorted. “Are ya running a company or a zoo, here?”

 

“Sometimes it feels like a bit of both,” Rufus admitted with a candid smirk.

 

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

 

Reno ordered a tropical mixed drink and scanned the lounge for a familiar head of golden hair. He spotted Cloud at a table in one of the back corners, drinking a beer and picking absently at the fries on his plate. It looked like he hadn't even touched his sandwich and from Reno's point of view he could see the frown on those tempting lips. Strife was in full brood mode.

 

~Shit, look what I did to ya, baby. I hate seeing you that blue.~

 

Reno approached the table stealthily and he wasn't surprised that he was able to sneak up on Cloud without the blonde sensing him coming. If the expression on Strife's youthful features was any indication, he was so deep in thought that he wouldn't have even noticed if Reno approached wearing a neon sign. The Turk sat down across from him and Cloud finally looked up. The sapphire eyes regarded him warily as Reno took a swallow of his drink and set it down. Reno started to open his mouth, only to have Cloud beat him to it.

 

“I didn't ask you to stop for his sake,” blurted the fighter in a rush. He pressed his lips together and stared at Reno, seemingly willing him with his eyes to understand.

 

The near desperation on that handsome face and in the tone of that voice was oddly endearing to Reno and he smiled in spite of himself. “I know, man.”

 

Cloud looked to be at a loss, obviously surprised by the redhead's easy acceptance of his statement. He sipped his beer and kept his eyes on Reno, visibly struggling to say more. Reno decided to take pity on him, understanding that Cloud Strife wasn't a talker.

 

“My real Dad died when I was just a little kid,” Reno began. “Ma had a tough time trying to raise me on her own and after a while she started seeing this butcher. He moved in and started getting abusive with her.”

 

Cloud gazed at him with sympathetic eyes. “I wondered, but you never told me about this before so I wasn't sure.”

 

Reno sighed and nodded. “Figured as much. Anyhow, it started off as him being kind of overbearing and jealous but eventually he started smacking her around…me too. He threatened to kill both of us more than once. When I was about fourteen I came home one day and he'd laid into her again. Ma had a broken arm and he was getting ready to beat on her some more when I walked through the door. I did the only thing I could…I beat the fucker to death with a pipe. He would have killed her sooner or later, ya see…me too, probably.”

 

Cloud looked horrified. “Reno, I'm sorry. I knew it was something bad, but this…I can't imagine what it must have been like.”

 

Reno shrugged. “I just did what I had to do, to protect my Ma. I went to juvie after that since I was a minor and they couldn't prove it wasn't self-defense. When I got out, I started my own mechanic business and one day Rufus broke down outside of my shop. That's how I met him.”

 

Cloud smiled faintly. “He told me about that. You made a pretty big impression on him when he saw you.”

 

“Yeah?” Reno smiled crookedly. “I can't remember who came onto who first. So he really did like me right away, eh?”

 

“It's hard not to,” Cloud confessed, and he blushed.

 

Reno chuckled and reached out to squeeze the blonde's hand. “Thanks, Blondie. So, are we good now?”

 

Cloud nodded, relief softening his blue eyes. “I was always `good' with you. I just suck at saying things right. You aren't mad at me anymore?”

 

“No, you cute dingbat,” Reno chuckled. “Can't stay mad at ya for trying to take care of me. It took a lecture from Rufus to snap me out of it, but I wasn't really being fair with you. All I was thinking about were my feelings, man.”

 

“Rufus lectured you?” Cloud's eyebrows drifted upward with surprise. “Seriously? I'd have thought he'd be happy to see us break up.”

 

“Nah,” Reno shook his head and took another drink. “I told ya he likes you, Cloud. When are you gonna start believing me, huh?”

 

Cloud still looked bewildered. “I guess now would be a good time. I'm still so used to being at odds with him.”

 

Reno snatched a fry off of the blonde's plate and ate it. “So,” he said after swallowing, “what made you speak your mind in such a rush, Strife? If I know you something had to provoke ya to do it. You would have kept your mouth shut forever, otherwise.” He took another drink and regarded his companion with twinkling, bright eyes.

 

“Tifa lectured me,” Cloud mumbled.

 

Reno coughed on his drink and hastily swallowed. “Yo, we must be pretty damn good together if people are that worried about keeping us together. I didn't think Tifa approved of me.”

 

“She didn't, at first,” Cloud smiled. “I guess she saw past that though. She told me if I never said anything it would look like I didn't care. I rehearsed what I wanted to say all night long last night. It didn't come out the way I wanted.”

 

“Hey, you said something and that's what counts,” Reno shrugged. “Cheers, hot stuff.”

 

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

 

When they finished in the lounge they decided to go home to Reno's apartment. Both men had make-up sex on their minds and both were eager to enjoy one another's bodies. Just when they were getting ready to walk through the doors leading to the parking garage, Cloud's cellphone rang. He groaned and answered it without checking the ID.

 

“Cloud? It's Tseng. Would you mind coming to my office for a moment? I was cleaning it out and I found something that I think you should have.”

 

Cloud frowned. “What do you mean?”

 

“I'd rather show you,” Tseng answered. “Please, it will only take a moment. I know that you and Reno probably have plans but this is rather important.”

 

Cloud sighed. “Okay, I'll be up in a couple of minutes. See you then.” He ended the call and replaced his cell as he looked at Reno. “Tseng wants to show me something.”

 

“Probably his wang,” Reno joked with a wink.

 

Cloud chuckled and shook his head. “No, gutter-mind. It sounded pretty serious. Do you want to wait here or come with?”

 

“I'll come with ya,” Reno said.

 

Together, they turned around and went back to the elevators. Cloud grimaced as they stepped inside and he blew a soft breath. Reno noticed and the redhead gave him a peculiar look.

 

“I don't like closed-in spaces,” Cloud explained with a faint smile. “I can handle it for a while but too much exposure starts making me jumpy.”

 

“Makes sense,” Reno said, his aqua eyes sweeping the blonde's form. A slow, sensual grin curved his lips. “Want me to distract you `till we reach our floor?”

 

Cloud shook his head. With his luck, the elevator would stop somewhere for someone else to get on and they'd end up giving someone an unwelcome show. “I'll be all right,” he said nervously. Reno was closing the short distance between them and backing him against the wall. “Hey, quit fooling around, Reno…this isn't exactly a private elevator.”

 

Reno chuckled and put his hands on the blonde's waist. “Don't be nervous, baby. I'm just gonna give ya something else to think about, besides how tight it is in here.” He pressed his lips against Cloud's softly protesting ones and licked them delicately with his tongue, teasing and cajoling. The fighter groaned softly and his tongue accepted the invitation and snaked out to thrust past Reno's parted lips. Reno moaned in response and pressed his body against Cloud's, savoring every hard line of it.

 

When he felt his lover's response to his kiss in the form of a steadily hardening bulge against his hip, he pressed harder against him and whimpered with need. He hadn't taken nearly as much advantage of having the blonde so available to him and he thoroughly regretted it now. Once Cloud was satisfied with his training, he'd have to return home and resume his own business. He wasn't going to be available to Reno's whims anymore and that was going to suck.

 

Thinking of how much he was going to be deprived of when the time came for Cloud to go home, Reno was sorely tempted to reach out and punch the stop button on the elevator and demand that Cloud fuck him right there. He remembered how forceful the blonde could be when roused to the right level of desire and he wanted to experience that at least once more before he went home.

 

“Wh-whoa…hold up,” Cloud gasped as Reno cupped him between the legs and started to rub the swelling bulge under his cargo pants. “We'll have the rest of the day for that!”

 

Reno groaned in frustration and broke the kiss, knowing they were going to hit their floor within moments. “Want you to fuck me hard, Blondie,” he purred wantonly before forcing himself to step away. Cloud was staring at him with hot, predatory blue eyes and he knew he would get what he wanted as soon as they got home.

 

“Just wait long enough for us to get back to the apartment,” Cloud murmured huskily as he raked his gaze over Reno's form. The Turk was breathing heavily and looking particularly lascivious. Cloud's eyes locked onto Reno's exposed throat and clavicle and he felt the urge to drool at the smooth V of chest revealed beneath it through the unbuttoned shirt. “You really bring out the beast in me sometimes,” he said truthfully.

 

“Like that's a bad thing?” replied the Turk with a suggestive wink. The elevator stopped and he sighed with frustration. “Hold that thought, Strife. When we get home I want you to make me scream.”

 

Cloud swallowed and quickly un-tucked his shirt, tugging it down over his pants to try and conceal the effect that Reno's smutty talk had on his body. “Count on it,” he said, his voice rough with lust. They walked out of the elevator and down the hallway to Tseng's office. When the secretary buzzed them in, they found the Wutaian standing by his window and staring out at the city pensively. He turned when they came in and he walked to his desk.

 

“Thank you for coming, Cloud.” He picked up a box resting on his desk that was roughly the size of a shoebox and he approached the blonde gravely. “I've been holding onto these for a very long time and with everything that's happened recently, I forgot that I had them. I believe that if anyone should have them, it's you.”

 

Cloud took the box from him and frowned with confusion. “Shoes?”

 

Tseng smiled gently. “No. Open it.”

 

Cloud exchanged a shrug with Reno and took the lid off of the box. His expression changed from mystification to dawning comprehension as he peered inside and found countless unopened letters, with the addresses written in familiar handwriting.

 

“These…these were from Aerith to…to…” he swallowed and stumbled over his words.

 

“To Zackary,” finished Tseng for him. “Yes. When the two of you went missing years ago, I made a promise to Aerith that I would get her letters to Zack for her if I ever managed to find him. She knew he wasn't dead you see, but like myself, she had no idea where he was. Unfortunately I never succeeded in keeping my promise. The mission to rescue you both failed and I couldn't bring myself to destroy the letters. You had a special bond with both of them and so when I found these locked away in a cabinet, I decided to give them to you.”

 

Cloud picked up the topmost letter and shifted his burden in his arms so that he could open it. His fingers were shaking as he carefully liberated the folded paper from the envelope and was hit with the familiar scent of flowers. He gulped and unfolded the paper, his eyes bright as he scanned over the text.

 

“Dear Zack,

 

I haven't heard from you for a long time. I hope everything is okay?? The flowers are selling well. I think we did a great job putting together the cart. Yesterday, I—”

 

Cloud abruptly stopped reading, his throat closing up with bittersweet pain. He shook his head and folded the letter back up, gently tucking it back into its envelope. “I can't…read these. They're…they're private.” He put the letter back in the box and put the lid back on. He looked at Tseng with aching, lost eyes. “What should I do with these?”

 

“Whatever you feel is best,” Tseng suggested in a sympathetic tone. “They're no longer mine to keep.”

 

Cloud felt Reno's hand rest on his shoulder comfortingly but his mind was reeling too much to respond to it. “I think…I should send them to him,” he whispered.

 

Reno and Tseng exchanged puzzled frowns. “Uh, Cloud,” Reno began, trying to think of a gentle way to explain to the stricken blonde that it wasn't really possible to send mail to a ghost.

 

“I don't want to put them in the ground, so Zack's resting place is out,” Cloud went on absently, speaking more to himself than anyone else. An idea formulated and he nodded. “I know…I'll send them back to Aerith. She can give them to him herself.” He turned to Reno and the Turk was more than a little concerned with his pallor and the bright, feverish sapphire eyes. “Reno, do you mind if we finish your training later? I've got to go to the Forgotten City and send these to Aerith.”

 

“Sure, Cloud,” answered Reno automatically, at a complete loss for anything useful to say. “You sure you're up to traveling that far right now, though? Maybe you should give it a day or two and—”

 

“No,” Cloud interrupted with a shake of his head. “I've got to get going if I want to get there before the heavy snows start to fall. I'll be okay.” He gave Tseng a nod and thanked him before turning abruptly and exiting the office.

 

Reno looked from the door that Cloud had passed through to Tseng and back again, his expression uncommonly anxious. “I'm going with him,” he announced suddenly, his lips pressed into a grim line.

 

Tseng merely nodded. “Of course. Take a company helicopter, Reno. The journey will be much easier and quicker by air and I don't think that Strife is in the emotional condition to drive right now.”

 

Reno relaxed a little. “Thanks, boss. I'll call ya when we're finished.”

 

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

 

“Blondie! Yo, Strife…wait up!”

 

Cloud paused at the elevator doors and hastily wiped his eyes as his lover jogged down the hall to him. “I'm sorry Reno,” he said softly as the Turk made it to his side. “I know I promised to put your training above everything, but I have to take care of this.”

 

“Forget about that,” Reno insisted with a shake of his head. “I'm coming with ya, man.”

 

Cloud felt a hesitant throb of relief and he became aware that he didn't want to do this alone after all. He'd thought about calling up Tifa to see if she wanted to go with him—after all, both Aerith and Zack had been her friends as well—but he'd changed his mind immediately. He knew her well and he didn't want to put her through the emotional turmoil when she'd already paid her respects and moved on.

 

“You don't have to do that,” he said slowly, without any real conviction.

 

Reno lifted his shades and gazed at him with earnest, vivid eyes. “Hey, you were there for me when my Ma died. I kinda suck at giving comfort but all the same, I want to return the favor. You don't need to be alone right now babe and I don't care how tough you act about it.”

 

Cloud stared at him and the tears he'd tried to hold back welled in his eyes. He'd stayed at the hospital with Reno for that same reason, despite the redhead's protests. “Are you sure?”

 

Reno swallowed a lump in his throat, caused by the sight of those beautiful eyes tearing up. “I'm sure. Tseng already gave me permission to take a chopper to get you safely there and back, yo. We'll load Fenrir up and get going right away if ya want.” He saw the tension in the blonde's frame and he knew instinctively what he really needed. He hesitated for a minute, unfamiliar with the concept of simply hugging someone just to comfort them. “Aw hell…come here, Blondie.” He put his arms around the fighter's waist and squeezed him.

 

Cloud hastily transferred the precious box to one hand so that it wouldn't get crushed and he returned the embrace awkwardly, surprised by Reno's actions. It felt soothing and that made him ache even more. He hugged the other man's lithe frame more tightly and rested his chin on his shoulder as the tears steadily came and dripped down his cheeks. Reno rubbed his back and softly encouraged him to let it out. Now Cloud understood how Reno must have felt when he'd refused to leave him alone when his mother lay dying.

 

“Thanks,” Cloud murmured when his emotions settled down enough for him to speak. He pulled out of the embrace and sniffed, wiping his eyes again.

 

Reno smiled at him. “Let's get going, Blondie.”

 

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

 

-To be continued