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Post by Taya on Jan 11, 2008 9:11:45 GMT
18. Angel Reno had decided to wait until after the holidays before he started his investigation about Cloud and the mysterious email. So, Reno kissed his sleeping lover's hair and left her a note. Teef, Got business. See you in a few days I'll bring you back something pretty. Maybe a key. Heh heh. (Yes, I wrote my laugh.) I guess you'll have to get dressed today, sorry. I promise you won't have to keep those clothes on long. RenoHe knew most of the Avalanche team members still only tolerated him for Tifa's sake. So asking most of them questions were out. But he went through the list none the less. Mainly, because he knew he couldn't ask Tifa. "Hmm, Barret? Nah, that one-armed freak would shoot first and ask questions later. Yuffie. too hyper and I'd like to keep all of my materia. Highwind? No, no, and no. Nobody should like tea that much. Valentine? too much of a loner, plus he might drink my blood. that leaves the cat, who might be some help, and Reeve." It was later that evening, that Reeve found himself seated facing his old co-worker at the Turtle's Paradise having drinks like they used to do. "Well, what is it?" the former Shin-ra executive asked. "How much do you know about Cloud's disappearance and his where abouts now?" Reno asked for once being serious and skipping the small talk. Reeve looked stunned for a moment. Of all the questions or favors he had expected tonight, that was not it. "Look, Reno, you should really be asking Tifa this..." "I can't." Reno snapped. Reeve studied Reno for a moment. the red head who normally cracked jokes, hit on women and kept his cool was on edge about this subject. The Turk ran his hand through the front part of his hair haggardly. "Maybe Red would be..." Reeve started. "Reeve, Strife is back and he's watching Tifa. And trust me he doesn't like what he sees. I don't have time to get someone else to trust me. And before you ask, no. Tifa doesn't know. She also doesn't know that I'm trying to put a stop to it. I have to protect her, but I don't know whats been going on. Thats why I need you to tell me. So that i know if I'm going up against a sane man or something else." Reno's face would change from pain, to protective, to anger throughout his speech. Now this man, who he only knew to care about himself or his team, looked desperate. "Reeve, man, please. She's my angel." "I'll help." He said as he nodded at the man who seemed suddenly a stranger to him.
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Post by Taya on Jan 11, 2008 19:39:48 GMT
6. Flight Tifa read the note on her bedside table and smiled. But as she re-read the note, she couldn't help but feel that cold lump sitting at the bottom of her stomach. It was a feeling she knew only too well. Too many notes, too many weeks spent waiting, too many broken promises. The memories and the feelings that went with them suddenly overwhelmed Tifa. Leaning against the wall for support, the teary eyed bar owner slid to the floor as the images took flight in front of her mind's eye. It had been cold, rainy, and almost a year since the curing of the Geostigma disease. Cloud's promise of staying together as a family was teetering on its last leg. Barret finally had a stable life in which he could raise Marlene himself. She had left during the happy times, at the beginning of the promise. It had appeared that even with this set back, Cloud and Denzel had gotten closer. Even Tifa and Cloud had. It was then that Tifa had foolishly let herself believe that Cloud had finally forgiven himself and that she could trust and count on him again. After their first night of love making, well their first since that night on the rock before the final battle with Sephiroth, Denzel was adopted. Without that third presence, Tifa could feel Cloud closing up again. It was no longer a "family", but a "relationship" that he had to deal with. Tifa began to blame herself now when Cloud disappeared for weeks at a time after sharing her bed. He knew it too, but could never find the words to explain how he felt. Which once again, made him want to run and not see Tifa in the pain he caused her. Finally on that cold and rainy day, Tifa sat as she did now, crying with a note clutched in her hand. While her dreams had taken flight, as had her love, the scribbled words replayed in her head. Dear Tifa, I'm sorry. Its not you, its me. If i didn't know you were there, i don't know what I'd do. Because i need you, Teef. You are the only person who knows me and I need that. I'll be back when I can and i need to see you again, for I fear you are the only thing standing between me and utter chaos. Cloud StrifeTifa looked at Reno's note once more. As the silent tears ran down her face,, she noticed the difference. Reno had said when he would be back. With a sigh, Tifa closed her eyes and felt safer. She grinned as she felt lips kissing away her tears. A hand covered her eyes as she tried to open them. But Tifa got the hint and let him place a blindfold over her eyes. "Reno, you came back earl..." Tifa was cut off by a voice shushing her. It also tuted her when she tried to reach for him. He helped her change her nightgown into clothes and at every protest, he put a single finger on her lips. then she'd smile and nod. the rest of the prep time passed in silence and soon he even had a bag packed and ready for her. He helped her into a buggy and they took their flight.
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