Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ Hazard Pay ❯ Chapter 16 ( Chapter 16 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

After the hastily devoured meal, who knew Vincent was so damn good in the kitchen, Rude grabbed Reno by the scruff of the neck. With a firm grip on a red ponytail, Rude led his partner away muttering about weapons and explosives. Reno cast a last pitiful, forlorn glance back at the table, leading Cloud to believe that much more was going to be happening. The entreaty in those sad eyes had Cloud half rising from his chair until it dawned on him that it was partially an act. No matter what trouble the Turk had stirred up Reno really had nothing to fear from his partner.

Cloud settled back in his chair with another cup of coffee and basked in the comfortable silence that was Vincent. Cloud had been relieved to see no condemnation in Vincent's eyes, just speculation and a quiet, warming concern. Vincent walked around the table and took Reno's seat to lay the palm of his slightly cool flesh hand over the shoulder wound exposed by Cloud's sleeveless top. He traced the thick pattern of scarring that would not be there if not for the tainted materia. Vincent felt a moment of sadness that he hadn't been able to spare his friend yet another ugly, tangible reminder of violence permanently etched in his flesh.

"How does it feel today, Cloud?" Vincent asked.

Cloud extended the arm and rotated the shoulder a few times experimentally. Stretching the arm backwards pulled at the scar tissue and made him wince.

"I still don't have full range of motion, but it will do," Cloud said.

"Be sure, Cloud. False bravado with this group will get you and maybe more than just you killed," Vincent warned.

Cloud flicked a glance towards the doorway Reno and Rude had gone through to get to their vehicles. He frowned thoughtfully and tapped his fingers against his lower lip. Cloud knew Vincent was watching him very carefully.

"It will do," Cloud said again. "Vincent, you haven't said or asked anything but you seem to know," Cloud tried to broach the subject circumspectly.

"It's not my business."

"But I still respect your wisdom and opinion," Cloud persisted.

Vincent sighed. It was moments like these that forced him to remember how very young Cloud still was despite all that he had done and been subjected to. In that particular area, his heart, was Cloud most vulnerable. It had already been torn asunder twice. Vincent didn't want to consider what a third time might do to his young friend.

"Is this something you truly want or is it just a way to forget past hurts?" Vincent finally asked.

"Maybe Reno was just an annoyance in the beginning, and I'm still angry that he lied to me," Cloud said slowly then sighed. "But yes, I think I want this. He doesn't treat me like I have to stand on this tall pedestal and he makes me feel wanted and desired."

Cloud blushed. He really hadn't meant to admit to that last part, but Vincent just nodded in understanding.

"He has made you smile again," Vincent said. "A real smile, one that can also be seen in your eyes."

Cloud thought about all the times Reno had said or done something outrageous over the past few weeks to try and provoke a response from him. He let his lips curl upwards faintly and shook his head wryly.

"I guess he has."

"He will be good to you," Vincent said, and Cloud had to duck his head. He wondered if Vincent knew how protective he sounded.

"Vincent," Cloud began hesitantly. "Are you really...?"

Vincent smiled enigmatically and didn't allow Cloud to finish.

"Yes, and it is good for both of us. Although if Reno ever refers to me as 'Turkish Delight' again I just may shoot him." Vincent lifted an eyebrow. "Not fatally, of course. Just enough to teach him a lesson in discretion, but then again, Rude may have matters well in hand by now."

Cloud felt the faintest trickle of alarm. Reno certainly was suicidal at times. The two men walked outside to find Rude organizing some supplies in the trunk of his car while Reno sat on the ground rubbing his jaw. Cloud crouched in front of him and pulled down his hand to examine the darkening bruise.

"Idiot," Cloud chided. "You always have to push people's buttons, don't you?"

Reno leaned into Cloud's touch and pushed his tongue against his teeth to make sure none were loose. He was damn glad Rude had pulled his punch. His partner could have easily broken his jaw and shattered all his teeth if he had wanted to do some real damage. He wouldn't be teasing Rude about his relationship with Vincent anytime in the near future, that was if they survived the day. Although he didn't need the help, Reno let Cloud pull him to his feet and pouted lightly.

"Kiss it and make it better?" Reno asked pitifully. "It might even bring us luck, you know."

Cloud snorted a laugh at Reno's antics and turned his head to give his lover a scorching, devouring kiss. Even as it made his jaw ache, Reno closed his eyes and luxuriated in the slick, silky feel of Cloud's tongue gliding against his own and the urgent press of lips. All thoughts of battle leaked from Reno's brain to be replaced by the idea of throwing Cloud over his shoulder and barricading them in his room for the rest of the day. A discreet cough brought them back from the passionate haze.

"Another time, boys," Rude said and pulled on his leather gloves with an expression of anticipation.

Reno licked his lips, winked, and said, "If that's how you make things better, I'll have to see about managing a groin pull or something today."

Cloud whapped him in the back of the head and turned on his heel to gear up in his room. Rude looked at his partner over his sunglasses.

"Reno, you trying for a matching mark on the other side of your jaw?"

"Naw," Reno scoffed. "I'm just getting him wound up. Cloud will fight even harder today just so he can get me back later."

"Idiot," Rude echoed Cloud and exchanged a faint smile with his own lover. They were both looking forward to a little mayhem today and the adrenalin rush and release that came later.