7Disclaimer : I do not own FFVII, Crisis Core, Advent Children, or any of the characters that you recognise. As much as I love these guys, they belong to those other guys.
"I. Am. Exhausted. And sore. And exhausted."
Reno raised an eyebrow as Tifa dropped unceremoniously onto the bed beside him, her feet still hanging off the end. He gave her a rather unsympathetic pat on the head and she turned her head to give him a half-assed glare.
"You should hire more help."
"I'm aware of that, Captain Obvious." She groaned as she rolled over so that she was lying on her side, tucked herself in against Reno's side. He curled one arm under her head and started rubbing her back gently and she sighed softly. "It's just awkward. The nature of the business, I need it to be someone I can trust because of all the cash that changes hands. I also need someone who can keep up, we're so busy right now I don't have time to be fixing someone's mistakes." She closed her eyes and rested a hand on his chest, soothed by his fingers gently tracing her spine.
"Start them on a quiet day and build them up to weekends? You gotta do somethin', the bar is gettin' busier the bigger Reeve builds the city." Reno pointed out. Tifa let out another sigh.
"I know. And it's great that I'm so busy, but ugh. Another vacation sounds amazing right about now."
"Well, it's not gonna beat the last one. I mean, you came back from that holiday with the ultimate souvenir." Reno grinned down at her and she looked up at him, blinking blankly. Reno rolled his eyes. "Me, Teef. We met again when you took time off. Geez, you really ARE tired."
"Sorry." She yawned as if to reiterate her point. "Either that or your jokes are just really terrible."
"Well, that's a given, but you usually still catch them at least." Reno chuckled slightly as his hand moved up to gently stroke the back of her head, his fingers sliding through her hair. Tifa moaned softly and melted against him, earning a small grin from him.
"True. I'm afraid I'm not gonna be much use to you tonight, I so need sleep. And that feels sooo good I might just pass out right now." She mumbled against his chest, her eyes drifting shut as he played with her hair. Reno laughed softly and shook his head.
"It's fine. I have no plans tomorrow anyway so it's not like I shoulda been at home tonight. Here, if ya want to sleep, at least get into bed properly." He shifted slightly, pulling her with him and maneuvering them both so they were under the covers. Tifa gave him a sleepy grin as she settled back against him.
"Sorry, dad." She joked as she stuck her tongue out at him. Reno snorted in reply as he leaned over to his the switch on the lamp Tifa kept on the bedside cabinet at his side of the bed. As he settled back against, the pillow, Tifa curled an arm around his waist and he could hear her yawning again.
"Ya know, I could help out on the bar tomorrow if ya want? I know my way around the stock."
"Yeah, to drink it!" Tifa laughed as she sat up slightly to look at him, his turquoise eyes shining even in the dark room. He feigned offense.
"Why, Lockhart! Are you sayin' I have a drinkin' problem?"
"Yeah, not just that you have two hands and one mouth." She snorted, earning a bark of laughter from the redhead.
"I'm serious! I can work a bar. Help with drinks, flirt with the patrons for tips, and I get to accidentally bump into you on purpose when you're bendin' over to get stuff from the low fridges." Reno's lips curled into a lewd grin as Tifa hit him playfully in mock annoyance.
"Firstly, most of the patrons are older men and I'm pretty sure you're not their type. And also, is that meant to make me WANT to say yes?"
"Okay, maybe I was kiddin' about the second two. Maybe. But why not? I can't make it worse."
"Not sure about that." Tifa rolled her eyes as she settled back down against him with another yawn. "I'll think about it."
"Hey, the offer is there. I was just gonna hang out with Rude and Karisa anyway." Reno started playing with her hair again and he felt her soften against him again. He had noticed in the past that Tifa ran her fingers through his hair a lot and wondered if she enjoyed it in return as much as he did. The answer to that was a resounding yes.
"Thank you. It's very sweet of you." Tifa managed to thank him softly just before she drifted off to sleep, a small smile on her lips as his fingers gently coaxed her into a deep sleep.
"No way! The peanut butter goes on first, THEN the jam!"
"You're insane. It's clearly jam first."
"Nuh uh! Tifa, tell him!" Marlene turned to the brunette just as she walked in the kitchen door in the midst of the most important discussion of the week so far in the young girl's mind. Reno was leaning against the counter, her arms folded across his chest and his eyes glittering with mischief. Tifa had been surprised to wake up after the redhead for a change, and even more surprised that the resident 8-year-old had let her sleep in on a Saturday. Denzel sat at the table munching on his cereal, trying to hide his amusement at the childish argument. Cloud was the young boy's hero, and it resulted in him trying to emulate the blond's stoic façade often. But his age was winning out here, and generally Reno was able to bring out the more childish emotions in the 11-year-old.
"I dunno... Jam first can work sometimes..." Tifa tapped her chin with her finger, pretend to think long and hard about the clearly important opinion. Marlene's mouth hung open in surprise and she rounded on Reno, who gave her a shrug.
"Told ya. Peanut butter first is for weirdos." The redhead stuck his tongue out at the girl before he grinned and turned around to apply said spread to the pieces of toast on the counter. Marlene stomped her foot and folded her arms.
"You're both crazy! Tifa, you've spent too much time with Reno, he's turned you mad!"
"Well, you're not wrong there." The brunette gave Marlene as wink as she walked over to kiss Reno on the cheek and whisper a small 'thank you' in his ear for keeping the kids entertaining while she had a well needed lie in. Reno scoffed slightly as he finished with the toast and plated it up, carrying one of the plates over to the small table and putting it in front of the empty seat as Marlene slid into it across from Denzel.
"I think it's the other way around, Lockhart. You've got me practically fuckin' domesticated." The Turk turned back to his own plate on the counter just as Marlene gasped loudly for effect.
"Reno!" Tifa scolded as the Turk raised his sandwich to his mouth.
"Okay, maybe not THAT domesticated yet..."
"Ooooo, Reno, you said a bad word!" Marlene giggled as she took a bit out of her PBJ sandwich. Denzel tried to hide another smile behind his spoon as Reno rolled his eyes at Tifa.
"The stuff her dad comes out with and she catches me for that." The redhead mumbled as he took another bite of his sandwich. Tifa couldn't help but laugh as she poured herself a coffee.
"Not the point! Last thing we need is Barrett coming back to find out you've taught his daughter some choice curse words."
"Hell, he might be impressed, based on his own vocabulary." Reno suggested. Tifa shook her head and raised her mug to her mouth, taking a deep breath before she sipped at the warm liquid, sighing as it slid down her throat and warmed her from the inside. The four worked on their respective breakfasts in silence for a few moment before Reno finished his sandwich and put his plate back on the counter. He bumped Tifa's hip with his own and gave her a grin. "So... ya want the help of one expert and extremely good looking red-headed barman tonight?"
"Oh Reno, are you going to be working on the bar with us tonight?" Marlene beamed as she looked over at him. Tifa suspected the young girl had a little crush on the Turk, although god forbid Barrett figured that out. Reno beamed right back at her.
"If Tifa allows it, yeah! We'll be like the Dream Team." Reno walked over to stand behind Denzel, who had turned in his seat to look up at him.
"You can help me carry up the bottles, Reno." Denzel offered in his soft voice. Reno ruffled his hair, earning a small noise that was half annoyance and half amusement.
"Sure thing, short stuff. I'll help you guys with whatever you want."
"Will you help me with the cleaning, Reno?" Marlene was kneeling on her chair now and leaning across the table towards her, her brown eyes sparkling. Reno gave her a wink and the girl dipped her head to hide the pink blush on her cheeks.
"Sure thing. You'll keep me on the right track, right Marlene?"
"Right!" She giggled as she hopped off her chair and ran off to get changed out of her pyjamas. Denzel slid off his chair at a slower pace and put his empty bowl in the dishwater. He gave Reno a small smile before he ran off after Marlene. Reno turned to Tifa with a wide grin and saw her glaring at him with her arms folded under her bust.
"What?"
"You know what."
"I have no idea what yer talkin' about."
"Roping the kids into it so now I have to say yes to you working the bar? That's low even for you, Red." Tifa huffed as the redhead walked over to her and slid his arms around her waist, leaning back slightly so he could look her in the eyes.
"You were gonna say yes anyway, weren't you? The kids can only do so much even though they love helpin' out. I can help after they've gone to bed too. Come on, it'll be fun!" He grinned widely at her before he leaned forward and placed a kiss at each corner of her mouth. She squirmed slightly and turned her head as if she was was trying to avoid him, but he quickly caught her lips with his and pressed himself against her. It had been five months now since they had started their romance, but Tifa still couldn't help herself from melting into his arms when he kissed her like that. With a sigh of resignation, she slid her arms up his and curled them around his neck, leaning up on her tiptoes to deepen the kiss. She felt Reno grin slightly before he pulled her tightly against him. She was start to lose herself in the kiss when a small voice interrupted from the doorway.
"Um, Tifa?"
Tifa pulled out of Reno's arms quickly, her cheeks flushed with colour as she turned to observe Denzel. He was looking down at his feet as he scuffed his shoes against the wood floor. Reno, unabashed as always, gave the young boy a wide smile.
"What's up, short stuff?"
"Marlene wants to know if we can go get fresh flowers for the hanging baskets outside? She says the others have died and Aeris would be annoyed if people had to look at wilted flowers." The sandy haired boy looked up at them. Tifa tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smiled, but Reno noticed her shoulders stiffened slightly. It didn't matter how many years passed, Tifa still missed her friend terribly. Before she could answer, Reno stepped forward.
"Why don't I take you guys to the church and you can pick some fresh ones?" The redhead stopped in front of the boy and gave him a grin. Denzel's smile widened further than Reno had ever seen before.
"Will you? Marlene would love that. I'd like it too." The boy gave a nod and looked round Reno at Tifa, who gave him a small smile and nodded in return. Denzel gave her a thumbs up and ran off to tell Marlene the good news. Reno looked over his shoulder at Tifa with a small shrug and a mock salute before he headed off to get changed. Tifa wrapped her arms around her stomach, her own smile so wide that her cheeks almost hurt as a warm feeling spread through her chest despite the fact that she'd long finished her coffee.
Marlene had gotten used to having Reno around fairly quickly, probably on account of the fact that she was used to being around the bar and being able to handle strangers since she was very young. Denzel however had taken a little longer to adjust, and had been very quiet around the redhead at first. However, Reno's enthusiasm to life in general was infectious, and although he didn't push Denzel too much for conversation, his interactions with Marlene had slowly brought the young boy out of his shell. And even though he was still pretty withdrawn by most people's standards, Tifa knew that he had actually warmed to Reno a lot. It was something she was worried would never happen due to the boy's closeness with Cloud. But Cloud being Cloud, he had left Denzel to make up his own mind about the redhead, despite that fact that he was still a bit uncomfortable acting casually around the Turk himself. Although Marlene and Denzel weren't her children by blood, she was fiercely protective of them and they were a firm fixture in her life now and always. She couldn't help but be surprised how respectful Reno was of that, despite the fact she still had moments of doubt where whatever it was that they had was actually going. But surely he wouldn't be making so much effort if he didn't care about her?
Tifa rubbed her arms before she poured herself a second cup of coffee, a small smile still present on her lips. With Reno taking care of the kids, Tifa could enjoy her morning and relax until it was time to open the bar. She would have to let him know how grateful she was later on.
"Tifaaaaa! We're back!" Marlene skipped through the door of the bar, the basket in her arms laden with fresh lilies. Denzel and Reno followed behind the energetic girl, similar cargo in their hands. Tifa put away the last few clean glasses and rounded the bar to kneel in front of Marlene. She gave the girl a wide smile as she ran her fingers gently over the petals of a vibrant yellow flower.
"They're beautiful! You really have been taking great care of them. Aeris would be so happy." The brunette tapped the smaller girl on the nose, making her giggle. After Aeris's flower bed had flooded with healing waters, Marlene had grown sad that he flowers no longer bloomed, so they had opened up another area of the floor of the church to reach the rich soil. Tifa had been worried that without Aeris and her magic hands, no new flowers would bloom in the old ruins, but Marlene had been determined. With Cloud's help, the girl had managed to sew some seeds and after a few months of hard work, some flowers had finally bloomed. Now, a year on, the flowers were positively breathtaking in the dullness that still loomed around Edge, and Marlene had insisted on hanging baskets of the vibrant flowers outside the bar to catch people's eyes. It certainly worked.
Getting to her feet, Tifa looked over at Reno and gave him a small smile. The redhead grinned in return.
"There really is an impressive amount of flowers in that old church. We didn't even bring half of them. Marlene thought it would be nice to have some around the apartment too." Reno informed her as he placed his basket into the table. Tifa nodded and looked down at Marlene.
"That's a wonderful idea. Why don't you take them upstairs and I'll go collect the baskets, then you can arrange them for me." Tifa tilted her head slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind Marlene's ear. The girl smiled widely and nodded before taking Denzel's hand and pulling him towards the stairs. The boy blushed but a small smile crept across his lips as he followed his friend's lead. Reno laughed and shook his head.
"She's a bossy little one. She had Denzel following her every command. Not that I think he minded, definite soft spot there." Reno grinned as her moved to give Tifa a small kiss hello. Tifa laughed and rested her hands on his chest.
"He'll be heartbroken when he realises Marlene has a little crush on you, then."
"Who can blame her. I am extremely cute." Reno gave her a wink before he picked the basket back up off the table and followed the two children upstairs. Tifa shook her head and grabbed a chair before taking it outside to stand on so she could reach the baskets. This little Saturday of domestic bliss was turning out to be one of her favourites. She was almost loathe to open the bar and spoil it.
"Oh gods." Tifa cursed under her breath as another bang on the bar let her know an already impatient customer was getting to the end of their tether. Since she'd opened, there had been a steady flow of customers, but nothing too horrendous. As soon as 7pm had hit, it was like a bus load of people had arrived at the bar and all of them wanted completely different orders. It was now 8pm and Reno had just left her to make sure the kids had headed upstairs and gotten ready for bed. It wasn't like him to get involved with them, but she figured this was part of the 'helping' he'd insisted on doing tonight. She quickly grabbed three bottles of beer from one of the low fridges and opened them before placing them down in front of the impatient woman at the end of the bar. The woman snorted and tossed down her Gil before she walked off with her drinks. Tifa let out a quiet sigh and moved to place the Gil in the register.
"Another busy one, Teef."
"You're not kidding, Marcus." Tifa beamed over her shoulder as the familiar voice of one of her favourite regulars called over to her. She set about pouring his usual pint of Guinness. Marcus leant forward on the bar and motioned to the space the woman had just vacated next to him.
"She's a pleasant one. I take it she's new and doesn't know you could kick her ass."
"There will be no ass kicking today, Marcus." Tifa laughed as she finished with his drink and set it in front of him. He wrapped his fingers round it with a smile.
"Yeah I know, Teef. Always the professional. Tab as usual, please."
"Sure thing. Just lemme know when you need a refill."
"You're the best, Tifa." Marcus gave her a wink as he slid off the stool to go join a table of his friends, just as Reno rejoined her behind the bar. He looked after Marcus before he turned back to her.
"Old friend?"
"One of my regulars. He's always polite and he always keeps an eye out for me, and he tips well too."
"Hmm. Sounds like Marcus has a little thing for you." Reno grinned as he took a swig of the open bottle of beer he'd stashed for himself under the bar. Tifa rolled her eyes and groaned.
"He doesn't have a thing for me. He's just a nice guy."
"Yeah, yeah. I believe ya, thousands wouldn't." Reno chuckled as he put his drink back out of sight and went to go serve a group of young girls who burst into giggles as soon as he approached them. Tifa bit her bottom lip as she watched him lean across the bar towards the girls on crossed arms and they all giggled again. She rolled her eyes again just as Reno called over to her. "Hey, Teef. Round of cocktails over here. They all want surprises. Whatever you recommend."
"Yeah, that's not all they want." Tifa mumbled under her breath as she set out four cocktail glasses and went to making four different drinks. She immediately chastised herself for jumping to the same conclusion Reno had done with Marcus. Maybe the girls were just being friendly. Reno suddenly appeared beside her, breaking her train of thought and grabbing the four drinks before placing a quick kiss on her cheek and throwing her a wink as he left with the drinks. Tifa blushed, still not used to public displays of affection, but she found herself feeling a little smug when she noticed the group of girls suddenly looked a little disappointed when Reno returned to them with their order. She snorted as one of them leaned across the bar and pulled her Gil out of her bra, slowly. Reno however simply took the cash with a grin and turned to get her change. Tifa shook her head, more at herself. She should have learned by now that although Reno had been with his fair share of partners in the past, when he was with someone he didn't let his loyalty wander. She smiled to herself and went to serve a group who had just arrived.
"Y'know, I still think ya should have just kicked her ass." Marcus laughed as Tifa slid his drink towards him. The impatient woman from earlier had grown more and more rude as the evening had gone on, and she even taken to flirting outrageously with Reno. Even going as far as to grab his ass as he walked past her to collect glasses. Reno being Reno had laughed it off and brushed the woman off with one of his witty one liners, but Tifa had actually seen red for a moment. It wasn't okay or anyone to grab her while she was working, therefore it wasn't okay for it to happen to Reno. That's what she convinced herself anyway. Tifa didn't like jealousy, but she couldn't help it when someone was grabbing at her man.
Yes, my man.
"It's fine. Some people just can't handle their liquor." Tifa grinned as she leant on the bar, tucking her hair behind her ear. Marcus nodded knowingly and took a sip of his drink.
"Speaking of liquor. A round of tequila, please Teef. And one for yourself."
"Oh come on! You know I don't like drinking when I'm working." She scolded although she was smiling. Marcus gave her an innocent shrug before he grinned widely.
"It's last orders, Tifa. And you deserve it after dealing with that horrid woman for how many hours?"
"Seven. And you're right." Tifa laughed as she lined up four shot glasses and poured tequila into them. She grabbed a salt shaker from behind the bar and four lime wedges. "Don't think this is going to be a nightly occurence every time someone rude comes in."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Marcus laughed as he licked his hand and poured some salt on. Tifa did the same and wrinkled her nose as she picked up the glass. Marcus clinked his with hers and they both licked their hands, downed their shots, and bit into their limes. Tifa gave a small shudder.
"Oh god. Bad memories." She coughed as Marcus laughed. He grabbed the other two drinks and went back to his table. Tifa washed her hands, shaking her head slightly.
"Shots on the job! Lockhart, I am shocked." Reno appeared beside her with a grin on his face. She rolled her eyes as he bumped her hip with his. "Looks like ol' Marcus wants to loosen you up some."
"Oh for Ifrit's sake, Reno. You aren't still going on about that, are you?"
"I'm just pointing out the obvious." The redhead shrugged as Tifa turned to wipe down the bar. She shook her head.
"I dunno where you get this from."
"Teef, you must be blind if you don't notice how guys in here look at you. They don't all come here for the whisky, let me tell ya." Reno slung an arm across her shoulders and she looked up at him questioningly. She noticed his eyes flicked over to where Marcus and his friends were sitting and realisation dawned on her.
"Reno, is this a hint of jealousy?" Tifa gave him a sideways glance, unable to stop the small smirk that creeped across her lips. Reno snorted and waved a hand dismissively.
"I don't do jealousy, babe. I just have eyes and I know guys."
"Tarring everyone with the same brush you yourself used to wield, eh?" Tifa couldn't help but giggle as she reached up to ring the bell to signify last orders were over. A chorus of groans came from the remaining patrons. Reno folded his arms and leaned against the back of the bar.
"You just give people too much credit. And don't give yourself enough either. There's not a man in here that wouldn't love to take you to bed."
"Well, even if that was the case, which it's not, there's only room in my bed for one. And I currently have a liking for a certain redhead." She assured him as she started loading the dishwasher. Reno gave her a grin before he headed to round up the empties from the tables. Tifa got up from what she was doing to find Marcus at the bar, wallet in hand.
"Another weekend almost over. I swear they go past quicker every time. You changing the clocks on us?"
"I swear I'm not." Tifa laughed as she rung up his tab before handing him the receipt. He glanced at the piece of paper before he fished out some notes from his wallet.
"Maybe it was the new guy then."
"Reno? Unlikely. He's a night owl and would rather the evenings ran later." Tifa smiled as she scooped up the Gil and put it into the till before she turned to hand Marcus his change. As always, he waved it off. And as always, Tifa gave him a small nod of gratitude.
"Methinks he would happily change the clock if it meant more time with you to himself, if you don't mind me saying." Marcus tucked his wallet away and smiled. Tifa felt her cheeks warming.
"I, uh..."
"You don't have to explain, Teef. It's good that you finally have someone who appreciates you. Nice to finally put a face to the person who's been making you so happy for the last few months."
"Did I hear my name a minute ago? What have I done wrong now?" Reno piled the empty glasses onto the bar and grinned as Tifa and Marcus turned to face him. Marcus gave him a small nod.
"Just saying how lucky you are to have Tifa. She's an incredible girl."
"Ya don't hafta tell me. I'm well aware." Reno moved to stand beside Tifa and hung an arm loosely around her shoulders. His grin was still present but Tifa couldn't help but notice his posture seemed a little stiff and there was a slight warning edge to his tone. Marcus nodded again and turned to leave.
"Glad to hear it. Well, night, Teef. Til next time." The man gave the pair a small wave and followed his friends out the door, leaving the bar empty. Reno wrinkled his nose slightly and turned his head to look at Tifa, confused by the strange expression she had on her face.
"...what?"
"Reno, you're jealous! I can't believe it but you actually feel threatened!" Tifa couldn't help but giggle behind her hand. Reno rolled his eyes so hard it could practically be heard.
"You are delusional. I was simply being friendly."
"Oooooooo Red doesn't like competition." Tifa teased him in a sing song voice, moving to put the rest of the glasses in the dishwasher. Reno gave a sigh of exasperation and rounded the bar to start wiping down the tables.
"Like that guy would be competition. We're complete opposites, if you wanted to be with a guy like him you would be already. He's a dime a dozen."
"Yeah, yeah. I think it's very cute that you're jealous." Tifa grinned as she finished cleaning up behind the bar and headed to help Reno with the tables. Reno rolled his eyes again.
"Cute? I don't think I'm capable of being 'cute'."
"Sure you are. Like when you cuddle into me and let me play with your hair on a Sunday morning. Or when you help the kids with breakfast." Tifa put the last chair up top of it's respective table and moved behind Reno, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Or when you take care of me when I'm tired. Or when you buy me my favourite beer when you know I've had a long day. Or when you kiss each corner of my mouth that way that you do." She pressed a kiss between his shoulder blades as she rested her forehead against his back. She felt him slid one hand over hers.
"Hmph. That's just being a nice person, mostly." Reno mumbled, glad that Tifa was behind him and therefore couldn't see the blush in his cheeks as she pointed out all the little habits he had picked up thanks to her. Now that she had pointed them out, Reno suddenly felt very vulnerable. She gently swayed her hips behind him, her hold on him meaning he swayed slightly too.
"Maybe it is. But I love that you do them for me." Tifa said softly before he felt her stiffen behind him. He chanced a glance over his shoulder but she had buried her face into his tshirt so he couldn't see her. It was the first time the L Word had been uttered between them, and it has obviously slipped out by accident judging by her reaction. He couldn't help the grin that appeared then, suddenly feeling like he wasn't the vulnerable one anymore.
"Sorry what was that, Teef? Didn't quite catch that." Reno trailed off as he made to turn around. Tifa let out a small squeak and let him go hurriedly, tucking away the loose strand of hair that was continually falling over her shoulder as she looked at the floor bashfully.
"S-sorry. I.. Um... I'm gonna check on the kids." Tifa stumbled over her words as she about turned and practically sprinted towards the stairs. Reno grinned wider then, trying to ignore the way his stomach fluttered slightly. He headed over to lock the door of the bar before he followed the panicked brunette up the stairs.
When he made it upstairs, he found Tifa sitting on the kitchen counter with a mug of coffee in her hands. It was no doubt decaf at this time of night, but he was still puzzled by her reaction downstairs. She lifted her head to look at him before she quickly averted her eyes back to her mug. Reno wandered over to the fridge and helped himself to a beer before he sat down on one of the chairs at the small table. They both sipped in silence for a few minutes before Reno put his bottle down on the table and turned in the chair to face Tifa's direction.
"So... Wanna tell me what happened there?"
"...nothing."
"Really? That why ya ran off to 'check on the kids' at 1am?" Reno made quotation marks with his fingers. Tifa dipped her head a little lower and lifted her mug to her lips.
"I just... I was scared. That I had scared you off. With the jealousy comments and then the..."
"Love thing?" Reno finished for her and Tifa spluttered slightly before she nodded. Reno chuckled softly before he got up and moved to stand in front of her, settling himself between her knees as he placed his hands either sides of her hips on the counter. "You were worried you scared me off but you're the one who made a run for it?" He pointed out. Tifa looked up at him through strands of her hair, her bottom lip between her teeth. Reno let out a small groan. Regardless of the situation, his body reacted in only one way when she looked up at him like that. He curled one finger under her chin and lifted her head to place a small kiss on either side of her mouth before he pressed his lips against hers softly. He silently cursed himself for the little affectionate gesture that she had pointed out earlier, but quickly dismissed his annoyance when she sighed softly against his lips as he pulled back.
"Sorry. This is all kinda new to me."
"And it isn't to me?" Reno raised an eyebrow questioningly as he put his hand back down on the counter at her side and Tifa gave him a small smile.
"I suppose."
"Teef, as long as you're bein' honest with me, I'm never gonna be annoyed at that. And I ain't gonna go runnin' off at a bit of mocking. Hell, I probably deserve it now and again." He gave her a grin and she laughed softly. "Besides, I definitely deserve it if it's kinda true."
"So you were jealous?" Tifa's eyes sparkled with amusement as she set her mug aside and linked her hands with his. Reno gave her a lopsided smile.
"Maybe a little. But only because I'm gettin' used to you bein' my girl and want more people to know it."
"Marcus knows it. He noticed right away. Said he'd even noticed I'd been happier lately since you've been around." She lifted his hand to her lips, his fingers still entwined with hers, and kissed the back of his hand gently. She heard Reno's breath hitch slightly as she kissed each one of his fingers in turn, her lips soft against his calloused fingertips.
"I suppose bein' with you hasn't been too much of a drag for me either." The redhead chuckled as she held his hand against her cheek.
"Not a drag. Lucky me. You really know how to make a girl feel special."
"Yeah, well, if I admitted I loved you, you'd probably run out the window." Reno mumbled softly, his eyes on hers as her grip on his hands tightened to an almost painful level. Wide chocolate orbs stared into half shut turquoise ones.
"You... What?"
"Come on Lockhart, don't do that thing where ya pretend ya didn't hear so I have to repeat myself." Reno's one sided grin returned as she him simply stared at him, unblinking.
"Are you serious?"
"Probably as serious as I ever have been." Reno's expression suddenly turned almost solemn. Tifa searched his eyes for a few more moments for any traces of mocking. When she didn't find any, she released a breath she didn't know she was holding and she suddenly found herself feeling lightheaded.
Reno remained perfectly still, unsure how Tifa was feeling. He had gone out on a limb and he seriously hoped she would say something soon so he didn't feel like a total idiot. He was used to saying he loved people when it came to his fellow Turks. Their closeness made it easy for him to care about them because he knew they'd always have his back. This was different though, and it scared the hell out of him. Especially now, when she was just staring at him and not speaking. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, his heart suddenly pounding in his chest. Maybe she ran away earlier because she regretted what she said. That would make him feel really stupid right about now. He steeled himself for the worst and opened his eyes slowly.
Perfect timing, it appeared, as Tifa practically flung herself off the counter and into his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist as she pressed her lips against his tightly. Reno made a muffled sound of surprise as he wrapped his arms around her tightly as she let go of his hands to wrap her own arms around his neck. The grin on his face couldn't be held back as he kissed her in return, his eyes closing again as he did so. He lost track of how long they stood there in the kitchen, wrapped around each other and pressed tightly together. But when their lips did break sort, neither of them opened their eyes right away. Reno felt Tifa rest her forehead against his and he opened his eyes to see her watching him. His grin widened.
"So, um... No window leaping?"
"No window leaping." Tifa giggled in response, the mirth in her voice reflected in her eyes. Reno let out a sigh of relief and kissed her again, this time with a slow passionate rhythm rather than one of desperation. When they broke apart again, both of them were breathing a little heavier.
"I know this full thing is insane and most of your friends hate me and I'm always gonna be a pain in your ass. But I'm so glad I found you on that mountain that day." Reno pressed his lips to her ear as he spoke softly. He felt Tifa shiver as his lips brushed her earlobe. "And I plan to stick around as long as you don't get sick of me. Cause I kinda like ya."
"Well that's a relief. Cause I kinda like you too." Tifa giggled as Reno leaned back to look at her. She searched his eyes with hers again, unable to stop the stupidly large smile on her face. Reno let out a bark of laughter.
"Gods, you really are domesticatin' me. I gotta do or say somethin' filthy quick before ya think I'm goin' soft." The redhead gave her a slightly wicked grin as he shifted her more securely into his arms, his hands resting under her thighs as he turned to leave the kitchen. Tifa laughed as she clung to him.
"Trust you to spoil the moment!" She giggled as he opened the door to her bedroom and carried her in, kicking the door over behind him before he moved to sit on the bed, settling her on his lap.
"Hey, yer stuck with me now. You get one 'moment' a month and you'll suck it up." Reno teased as he slid his hands up to her waist, taking hold of the bottom of her vest top. Tifa rolled her eyes with a smile as he lifted her top off in one smooth motion and moved to kiss her bare shoulder.
"Okay. But before you do that..." Tifa took his head in her hands and looked him in the eye again. That familiar hunger in his eyes was visible even in the dull lamp light and she felt her body already responding to his touch as he slid his hands up over the curve of her hips to her waist. But she wanted to get this out before she gave in. "I meant what I said downstairs. I do love all the little things you do for me. And to me. That you trust me and respect my strength and still let yourself be vulnerable in front of me. I love that we've spent so much time together and you still make me laugh as often as you make me roll my eyes at you." She smiled as Reno laughed. "And I do love that you get a little bit protective of me. In short, despite everything and despite my own doubts in myself, I've fallen in love with you, Reno." Tifa finished quietly. Reno's hands had stilled, and even though he'd just expressed similar feelings, Tifa's heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it in the darkness. He looked at her now with an unreadable expression and Tifa found herself biting her bottom lip again.
"I don't think I've ever wanted to hear seven words so badly." Reno practically purred, lifting one hand to bury his fingers into her hair as he pulled her lips down to his. Tifa felt her blood practically singing in her veins and she pressed herself against him as tightly as she could, the butterlies in her stomach going crazy. The next few hours both rushed past and simultaneously felt like a lifetime, and by the time they fell asleep in each other's arms as the morning light started to creep through the curtains, Tifa felt fit to burst with sheer happiness and contentment. She curled against Reno's side, fitting as if the space was meant for her, her exhaustion emotional as well as physical this time compared to the previous night. The happiness she had felt all day Saturday was minuscule in comparison to this Sunday morning.
Yesterday she had simply been a happy girl dating someone who made her laugh. Now, she was in love.
AN : It started as a bit of comic relief and ended up very fluffy and sweet! Many thanks to Jasien for the idea for this chapter! This was so much fun to write, thank you for the suggestion! I'd love more ideas from you guys if there's anything you'd like me to write about! Hope you guys enjoy this update! :)
