[ Have a Reno with a towel around his neck and a loose top. on. ]
Hey Princess, on a scale of 1 to 'thank you Reno how can I ever repay you,' how much do you like partaking of a little eye candy?
[ He sounded so pleased with himself, even going so far as to pitch up his voice an poorly mimic Aerith's. It wasn't Zack, but a little window shopping never hurt to take the mind off of things. ]
[ A little laugh bubbled from his throat as he headed for an elevator to level four. ]
Good. So. Baby boy's got a crush on Tifa. Can't say I blame him, he's got good taste. Back home she was..alright with us. I mean, we could at least go to the Seventh Heaven for drinks, but. Well. You know.
[ A small shrug. ]
I figure she's gonna need space, but you know what I gotta do.
[But maybe not boyfriends? Maybe? She makes a soft noise, watching Reno and the background. She does enjoy eye candy, always.]
You gotta wingman the heck out for him huh? I mean...I can't fault Rude for having a crush on her. She's beautiful, good in a fight...really considerate and connects with people around her...
[Only one small problem: Rude is a Turk, from Shinra.]
Did you want some advice on that, or just to let me know Tifa is gonna get flirted at? If...actually, does Rude know how to uh...flirt?
[ A question for the ages! Regardless, they were no less attached at the hip. ]
You got it. I got my work cut out for me, but I think I can manage.
[ He raised a finger and wagged it side to side. Judging by the idle grin still on his face, no offense was taken at all. It's an easy assumption to make. ]
Hey hey, he's a softie deep down, and great with the ladies. He just not big on small talk. But a little from column A, and a little from column B. I gotta lay the groundwork and actually get on her good side so if he ever does show up, he'll have a shot at it.
It's going to be a rough road, but if it makes the both of them happy...it could be worthwhile? But...there's a lot to work through first.
[She still grins on her end, not minding being corrected in the least. Rude is a sweet guy. Just...very quiet.]
Great with the ladies huh? It sounds like you're trying to get a good word in by yours truly.
[Which she could. But she won't. Reno has a long row to...work on. Cough.]
But it would be better if you did the hard work yourself. She is someone who believes in hard work and all that. That's how she got so strong. But what would work best...
Well...your best bet is to not seek her out. Let her find you. And...maybe it'd be best to have someone complain to her that you're here.
That's all you're getting from me with your eye candy.
[ He heaved with a dramatic sigh at the thought. ]
The way she was talkin'..looks like she doesn't know anything about Edge. She didn't mind me and Rude stoppin' by the Seventh Heaven every so often for drinks, and gave us benefit of the doubt.
[ His nose wrinkled with a pout. ]
Yeah, it's gonna be a bitch to do it all over again, and I'm guessing that's why Rude respects her so much. I'm giving her space for now, but I'm gonna have to make a move eventually. It's just gonna be rough.
[ He rubbed the back of his neck as his head bowed a bit, eyes closing for a moment as he pursed his lips a bit in frustration. ]
I can't exactly go into details about a lot of things.
[ He wouldn't admit it, but letting them be angry at him was an apology from Reno. ]
You're talking to the Tifa here right? That might be why there's confusion! She's like- she's Tifa, but not our Tifa. She's...well, I died in that world too. I don't have all the details on how things are different.
So...don't worry about the details. By that I mean- you don't...have to give me details about things. Okay?
[ He blinked, expression going a little owlish at her sudden epiphany, but he settled back into himself and his lazy posture, letting his head loll to one side as he listened. ]
...Wait a minute. Roll that back for me, yo. I already know this place can pull people from different times, but what d'you mean that world? I won't give you details if you don't want 'em, but I'm gonna want a little clarification on that.
It doesn't happen a lot, but sometimes, we have people who are- almost the same world but not quite. Something made things different- like it's different technology, or the people are different- or just different choices.
I dunno if it'll be the same for Tifa, so it might be moot, but if you do tell her beforehand, just know they picked up their names from kids that died back in Nibelheim when the town first burned down.
[ Normally not anything he had any intention of going around and saying, and was of very little relevance in neigh any situation, but it seemed worth sharing here. ]
It's the least he can do. Angeal mentioned Sephiroth doesn't remember him, and Angeal's karma aside, if we're even on Sephiroth's radar then yeah, I'd guess it's for Cloud's sake.
[ Does he pity Angeal for that? Yes. But also is it justice? Close enough to count. ]
Tifa doesn't seem the type, and she's smart enough to suss out they're probably inmates, and have their strengths dampened, so..I don't see that bein' much of a problem unless they provoke her. Those two like to test and push boundaries, but not really provoke people.
[ But the resemblance to Sephiroth still had him a little concerned. He broke from his chain of thought as Aerith chimed in, brows knitting with a solemn little hum of acknowledgement that rumbled in his throat. ]
I dunno if he does--probably not? Hell, we only found out cause of Evan and Kyrie.
[ A small sigh through his nose. ]
Yeah, they do. Weird as fuck, but if you guys ain't throwin' a fit over it, I'm not gonna get involved. [ He put his hand atop her head and ruffled her hair a little bit. More like just scratched a little lightly at her scalp since he didn't want to ruin her hair. ] Buuuut we did promise a certain someone that we'd look out for ya, so like I said, I've got the spare pair of shades on standby.
And good. We got some of the details from Chief's report, and man..I wish we could've done a little somethin' for him, though. He deserved better than Lazard's bullshit, but we're glad he's got you. Pretty sure Angeal's waiting for me to get on his ass about it too, but y'know..place to change and recover, blah blah blah, so I gotta be a good boy.
And they're not infectious which is the biggest thing. Neither of them look for fights most of the time. Yazoo mostly...likes to do things for the thrill of it.
[Like jump off of too high cliffs.]
But I'm not going to throw a fit at him. I almost did. A couple of times.
[She smiled, not ducking away from the hand on her hair, though she did bat at him lightly.]
Oh! I'm gonna have to rebrand my hair, and you're going to have to help!
[Her laugh was light. Soft. There was so much to take on, for both of them.]
You don't have to you know. Look out for me, if you don't want to. Even if that someone can't...call you out on it.
And even...yeah. Yeah. Angeal...Zack...all of them deserved better Reno.
They were just used up and buried like they were shameful embarrassments. They weren't.
They deserved better. And...maybe you should get on Angeal. He needs someone to call him out.
Yeah, I was wondering about that, but there's not really a lifestream here that I know of, but good to know. It still kinda pisses me off to look at them, but they listen pretty well so far, and I can already hear the look Chief would give me if I said anything.
[ Yazoo had good taste then. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug! Reno loved to partake, himself. ]
What--fine, but if you start trying to steal my hair ties, we'll have something to fight about.
[ There was a brief flash of a playful grin that melted into something more attentive at first, but then, for a moment, it softened before he hid it behind the way he looked off to the side. ]
I know.
[ A beat, but after a moment's pause: ]
Veld and Tseng..they built a good department, and that included you two. We've always thought of you guys as part of us, despite..y'know. Things being the way they had to.
[ He shook his head a bit, then looked back at the camera. ]
Veld treats all of us like his own flesh and blood--All of us look out for each other. Doesn't matter what happens, that's just what we do.
[ Another small sigh through his nose. ]
Yeah, I know. Watching Scarlet and Heidegger die the way they deserved won't ever be enough, either. But yeah, trust me. I've got Angeal's number, yo. I got Kadaj and Yazoo's too.
[It would have made her twitchy, especially with how the Lifestream was the living memory of the planet. The Barge, at least, doesn't talk to her unless she talks to it first.]
They're okay kids. They listen and- I'm kind of...replaced Jenova for them. So...it helped them.
Also, your hair ties don't suit my hair at all. Maybe I should give them to Tifa if she wants to put her hair up...
[The tease stared and faded. The both of them...honorary Turks huh. They did take good care of her- and she hoped Zack too where they could. He deserved better.]
You were always...so together. All of you. You had a purpose. It wasn't good always but...I could envy it, a little. If I thought about it.
I'm not sure what the three of them deserve now Reno. I mean...
I wasn't there. For any of what they did. So I don't know if I can...help you get their number. You know?
Thanks, but I dunno if I'd get it--I mean, Rufus had it, and the four of us never left his side and we never got it.
[ His brows knitted and he pulled a corner of his lips back into a thoughtful little scrunch that soured a bit at the news of the remnants. ]
Better than what was going on back home and at least they're doing better, but that's gotta be weird, yo. Do they call you mom?
[ A small chuckle at the tease, but it melted away to something a little softer. ]
I wouldn't blame you if you did. It's..somewhere to belong. Nothin' to explain to anyone, no judgment or hesitation. We all just get it, and that's not exactly easy or safe for you to come by. Plus I dunno if you'd wanna do some of the things we have to do. You're still welcome to, but I wouldn't be surprised if you still felt like you're outside looking in.
[ It wasn't said in a condescending or pitiable manner. ]
Nah, I wouldn't ask you to when it's between me and them, anyway. Besides, like I said, Chief would bury my ass in paperwork if I tried, anyway.
[ Tseng knows Reno well enough that the redhead wouldn't be able to get away with shit if he were here. ]
I haven't seen it, so I can't guess. I know that...it was maybe cured by me, according to Vincent. That somehow, there was a cleansing rain.
[Which was...well. Something that she would do, more than a healing wind.]
They try not to, but yeah. Sometimes. Usually it's when they've gone under something really stressful and need the assurance. You're a lot more steady, and you hate paperwork more then people realize. I know someone here who would bury everyone in paperwork on board if they could.
[Which is a nightmare to her, really.]
And I know...maybe I would be the outsider. I was your princess for...how long? And here I am. I'm not your target anymore, but...what are we now, Reno?
Friends? Family? I don't have to be a fellow Turk, right? Even if it would be good for me?
We'd made a medicine that helped curb the symptoms, and we were handin' it out for free, but we couldn't cure it. Rufus found out it wasn't something you got like a cold..it's more. When you give up.
So, that was you?
[ A small huff of a laugh that bubbled from his chest, softly. ]
Should've known. The pool in the church had your name all over it.
[ But with a deep breath through his nose, following by wrinkling said nose at the thought. ]
Eugh..keep me away from 'em. I can't stand paperwork, it's mind numbing. But..you wouldn't be an outsider to us, nah. Hell, if you knew half the places everyone else came from, you'd fit right in.
[ But he figured it must be hard being the only one left. He couldn't imagine, but he tried not to be completely oblivious to her situation. ]
Mmm..I mean you'd have a spot if you wanted. Some aspects I wouldn't trade for the world, but part of your job would be hurtin' people that don't deserve it.
But..friends, family.
[ His voice lowered to something of a rumble. He drawled as well, struggling to push the words out. ]
I mean. I'd call you both. You and little bit...might as well be my kid sisters.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Video
Hey Princess, on a scale of 1 to 'thank you Reno how can I ever repay you,' how much do you like partaking of a little eye candy?
[ He sounded so pleased with himself, even going so far as to pitch up his voice an poorly mimic Aerith's. It wasn't Zack, but a little window shopping never hurt to take the mind off of things. ]
Re: Video
Reno, that's one big 'how can I repay you'. And a, 'thank you for the show'.
one day mobile will stop hitting me with weird autocorrects
It's about Rude, so I gotta know you can keep it.
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[She puts her hand on her cheek.]
I can keep it secret!
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[ A little laugh bubbled from his throat as he headed for an elevator to level four. ]
Good. So. Baby boy's got a crush on Tifa. Can't say I blame him, he's got good taste. Back home she was..alright with us. I mean, we could at least go to the Seventh Heaven for drinks, but. Well. You know.
[ A small shrug. ]
I figure she's gonna need space, but you know what I gotta do.
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[But maybe not boyfriends? Maybe? She makes a soft noise, watching Reno and the background. She does enjoy eye candy, always.]
You gotta wingman the heck out for him huh? I mean...I can't fault Rude for having a crush on her. She's beautiful, good in a fight...really considerate and connects with people around her...
[Only one small problem: Rude is a Turk, from Shinra.]
Did you want some advice on that, or just to let me know Tifa is gonna get flirted at? If...actually, does Rude know how to uh...flirt?
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You got it. I got my work cut out for me, but I think I can manage.
[ He raised a finger and wagged it side to side. Judging by the idle grin still on his face, no offense was taken at all. It's an easy assumption to make. ]
Hey hey, he's a softie deep down, and great with the ladies. He just not big on small talk. But a little from column A, and a little from column B. I gotta lay the groundwork and actually get on her good side so if he ever does show up, he'll have a shot at it.
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[She still grins on her end, not minding being corrected in the least. Rude is a sweet guy. Just...very quiet.]
Great with the ladies huh? It sounds like you're trying to get a good word in by yours truly.
[Which she could. But she won't. Reno has a long row to...work on. Cough.]
But it would be better if you did the hard work yourself. She is someone who believes in hard work and all that. That's how she got so strong. But what would work best...
Well...your best bet is to not seek her out. Let her find you. And...maybe it'd be best to have someone complain to her that you're here.
That's all you're getting from me with your eye candy.
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[ He heaved with a dramatic sigh at the thought. ]
The way she was talkin'..looks like she doesn't know anything about Edge. She didn't mind me and Rude stoppin' by the Seventh Heaven every so often for drinks, and gave us benefit of the doubt.
[ His nose wrinkled with a pout. ]
Yeah, it's gonna be a bitch to do it all over again, and I'm guessing that's why Rude respects her so much. I'm giving her space for now, but I'm gonna have to make a move eventually. It's just gonna be rough.
[ He rubbed the back of his neck as his head bowed a bit, eyes closing for a moment as he pursed his lips a bit in frustration. ]
I can't exactly go into details about a lot of things.
[ He wouldn't admit it, but letting them be angry at him was an apology from Reno. ]
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Oh! Oh, I think I know what's happening!
[She ends up slapping her fist against her palm.]
You're talking to the Tifa here right? That might be why there's confusion! She's like- she's Tifa, but not our Tifa. She's...well, I died in that world too. I don't have all the details on how things are different.
So...don't worry about the details. By that I mean- you don't...have to give me details about things. Okay?
Maybe I should talk to her.
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...Wait a minute. Roll that back for me, yo. I already know this place can pull people from different times, but what d'you mean that world? I won't give you details if you don't want 'em, but I'm gonna want a little clarification on that.
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It doesn't happen a lot, but sometimes, we have people who are- almost the same world but not quite. Something made things different- like it's different technology, or the people are different- or just different choices.
It's really weird.
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So like a multiverse for our world? And Tifa's from a different...
[ His head bobbed side to side as he looked for the right word. ]
Timeline? Does she know that?
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And...I'm pretty sure there's a lot she isn't telling me. It sounded like...she's still on the journey to stop Sephiroth.
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[ A small sigh through his nose. ]
That's gonna make it even more a pain in the ass if I don't even know what she's pissed at me for and plate drop's still that fresh on her mind.
How'd she take knowing Seph is here and finding out about the remnants?
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I didn't really get around to telling her about the kids. But Sephiroth...
As well as expected. I think the fact that he's an inmate, and we're wardens, is the only thing really keeping him safe.
Sephiroth avoids me, and likely is avoiding her too, for peace of mind on our parts. But...most likely for Cloud's sake.
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I dunno if it'll be the same for Tifa, so it might be moot, but if you do tell her beforehand, just know they picked up their names from kids that died back in Nibelheim when the town first burned down.
[ Normally not anything he had any intention of going around and saying, and was of very little relevance in neigh any situation, but it seemed worth sharing here. ]
It's the least he can do. Angeal mentioned Sephiroth doesn't remember him, and Angeal's karma aside, if we're even on Sephiroth's radar then yeah, I'd guess it's for Cloud's sake.
[ Does he pity Angeal for that? Yes. But also is it justice? Close enough to count. ]
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But we...oh. Oh no.
[Yeah, that...that's bad. That's really, really not good. They'll have to warn her about it before someone tells her.]
If Cloud doesn't know about it, you need to give her a heads up. Otherwise it...I don't know what'll happen.
[Break Tifa's heart, most likely. Those names...they could have come from friends. Siblings of friends.]
But...yeah. I think it's...Sephiroth lost any control over sanity. We know that. And...they both have a lot to work towards.
Angeal made Zack cry. So when we met...I threw crab apples at him.
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[ But the resemblance to Sephiroth still had him a little concerned. He broke from his chain of thought as Aerith chimed in, brows knitting with a solemn little hum of acknowledgement that rumbled in his throat. ]
I dunno if he does--probably not? Hell, we only found out cause of Evan and Kyrie.
[ A small sigh through his nose. ]
Yeah, they do. Weird as fuck, but if you guys ain't throwin' a fit over it, I'm not gonna get involved. [ He put his hand atop her head and ruffled her hair a little bit. More like just scratched a little lightly at her scalp since he didn't want to ruin her hair. ] Buuuut we did promise a certain someone that we'd look out for ya, so like I said, I've got the spare pair of shades on standby.
And good. We got some of the details from Chief's report, and man..I wish we could've done a little somethin' for him, though. He deserved better than Lazard's bullshit, but we're glad he's got you. Pretty sure Angeal's waiting for me to get on his ass about it too, but y'know..place to change and recover, blah blah blah, so I gotta be a good boy.
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[Like jump off of too high cliffs.]
But I'm not going to throw a fit at him. I almost did. A couple of times.
[She smiled, not ducking away from the hand on her hair, though she did bat at him lightly.]
Oh! I'm gonna have to rebrand my hair, and you're going to have to help!
[Her laugh was light. Soft. There was so much to take on, for both of them.]
You don't have to you know. Look out for me, if you don't want to. Even if that someone can't...call you out on it.
And even...yeah. Yeah. Angeal...Zack...all of them deserved better Reno.
They were just used up and buried like they were shameful embarrassments. They weren't.
They deserved better. And...maybe you should get on Angeal. He needs someone to call him out.
I can't. Not properly.
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[ Yazoo had good taste then. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug! Reno loved to partake, himself. ]
What--fine, but if you start trying to steal my hair ties, we'll have something to fight about.
[ There was a brief flash of a playful grin that melted into something more attentive at first, but then, for a moment, it softened before he hid it behind the way he looked off to the side. ]
I know.
[ A beat, but after a moment's pause: ]
Veld and Tseng..they built a good department, and that included you two. We've always thought of you guys as part of us, despite..y'know. Things being the way they had to.
[ He shook his head a bit, then looked back at the camera. ]
Veld treats all of us like his own flesh and blood--All of us look out for each other. Doesn't matter what happens, that's just what we do.
[ Another small sigh through his nose. ]
Yeah, I know. Watching Scarlet and Heidegger die the way they deserved won't ever be enough, either. But yeah, trust me. I've got Angeal's number, yo. I got Kadaj and Yazoo's too.
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[It would have made her twitchy, especially with how the Lifestream was the living memory of the planet. The Barge, at least, doesn't talk to her unless she talks to it first.]
They're okay kids. They listen and- I'm kind of...replaced Jenova for them. So...it helped them.
Also, your hair ties don't suit my hair at all. Maybe I should give them to Tifa if she wants to put her hair up...
[The tease stared and faded. The both of them...honorary Turks huh. They did take good care of her- and she hoped Zack too where they could. He deserved better.]
You were always...so together. All of you. You had a purpose. It wasn't good always but...I could envy it, a little. If I thought about it.
I'm not sure what the three of them deserve now Reno. I mean...
I wasn't there. For any of what they did. So I don't know if I can...help you get their number. You know?
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[ His brows knitted and he pulled a corner of his lips back into a thoughtful little scrunch that soured a bit at the news of the remnants. ]
Better than what was going on back home and at least they're doing better, but that's gotta be weird, yo. Do they call you mom?
[ A small chuckle at the tease, but it melted away to something a little softer. ]
I wouldn't blame you if you did. It's..somewhere to belong. Nothin' to explain to anyone, no judgment or hesitation. We all just get it, and that's not exactly easy or safe for you to come by. Plus I dunno if you'd wanna do some of the things we have to do. You're still welcome to, but I wouldn't be surprised if you still felt like you're outside looking in.
[ It wasn't said in a condescending or pitiable manner. ]
Nah, I wouldn't ask you to when it's between me and them, anyway. Besides, like I said, Chief would bury my ass in paperwork if I tried, anyway.
[ Tseng knows Reno well enough that the redhead wouldn't be able to get away with shit if he were here. ]
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[Which was...well. Something that she would do, more than a healing wind.]
They try not to, but yeah. Sometimes. Usually it's when they've gone under something really stressful and need the assurance. You're a lot more steady, and you hate paperwork more then people realize. I know someone here who would bury everyone in paperwork on board if they could.
[Which is a nightmare to her, really.]
And I know...maybe I would be the outsider. I was your princess for...how long? And here I am. I'm not your target anymore, but...what are we now, Reno?
Friends? Family? I don't have to be a fellow Turk, right? Even if it would be good for me?
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So, that was you?
[ A small huff of a laugh that bubbled from his chest, softly. ]
Should've known. The pool in the church had your name all over it.
[ But with a deep breath through his nose, following by wrinkling said nose at the thought. ]
Eugh..keep me away from 'em. I can't stand paperwork, it's mind numbing. But..you wouldn't be an outsider to us, nah. Hell, if you knew half the places everyone else came from, you'd fit right in.
[ But he figured it must be hard being the only one left. He couldn't imagine, but he tried not to be completely oblivious to her situation. ]
Mmm..I mean you'd have a spot if you wanted. Some aspects I wouldn't trade for the world, but part of your job would be hurtin' people that don't deserve it.
But..friends, family.
[ His voice lowered to something of a rumble. He drawled as well, struggling to push the words out. ]
I mean. I'd call you both. You and little bit...might as well be my kid sisters.
[ Gun notwithstanding, in Elena's case. ]
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