Don't Play with Fire (Turks FF7)

21) Rescuing Avalanche

My daily routine starts as usual. I drag myself out of bed, pull myself into a clean uniform, tie hanging as always, and grab a banana off the counter. Halfway through my breakfast, I step into my shoes and throw the peel away. Then I brush my teeth and leave the apartment, half asleep as I climb the stairs. Rude's just stepping out of the elevator, shades concealing his eyes.

"Morning, Rudie," I greet with a yawn. Another night of nightmares. He nods once in my direction. "Where's Reno?"

"Sick."

"Or is he just tired?" I raise an eyebrow. Rude shakes his head. "Rufus isn't gonna be happy."

"He'll need to get over it then."

"I'm getting over what?" I jump, turning to see Rufus looking over at us with a raised eyebrow.

"Reno's out today or something," I shrug. Cool blue eyes study me for a few moments before they turn to Rude.

"He's coming in or his pay gets cut in half for a month." Then President Shinra walks into his office, not to be bothered a moment longer.

"Want me to get him?" I look over at Mr. Tall and Bald. He shrugs. "Look, I know you're mad at me or something, but do you at least know what's wrong?"

"No."

"You suck, Rude," I huff, accidentally knocking into him when I walk by. I ride the elevator down, walking right into the unlocked apartment. "Reno! Get your butt out of bed!"

Receiving no reply, I walk down the hall and open his door, rolling my eyes when I see that he's pulled the covers up over his head. "Re!" A muffle moan comes from beneath the pile of linens. "Cmon moron, Rufus says he's cutting your pay if you don't get up there." A hand emerges from the pile, a single finger raised before he pulls it back in. Sighing, I stand and walk toward the bed. "I didn't want to do this to you, Reno."

"Mm."

"Okay.." I rip the blankets off, tossing them into the hallway. He groans, curling up with his pillow in only his underwear. "Get up."

"Don't wanna."

"Reno, I swear, I'm gonna come beat your #&@ with my EM..."

"Ugh.." He slides out of bed and walks to the bathroom, spilling his guts out into the toilet. Ew. My nose crinkles and I wait awkwardly for him to get out of there. He gives me his signature grin upon leaving, but that doesn't change the fact that he's shivering like he's naked in Icicle Inn and not even dressed for work. I hate my life, I complain to myself as I fish through his closet for him while he brushes his teeth. He's lucky he's got me.

I somehow manage to find a clean uniform (really, it's a miracle), minus the tie because he never wears it.

"Here, Butthole. Put this on."

"You come up with such charming names, ya know that?" He huffs, pulling his pants on first. "What's Rufus want anyway? I feel like @&+%."

"You look like it too, no offense," I frown, taking note of the dark circles around his eyes and the paleness of his skin. Or maybe he's always pale, how would I know? I don't generally pay attention to that kind of thing.

"None taken. How's that thing wih Reeve goin'?" Oh you know, I basically told him to betray Shinra and practically get himself killed to help Avalanche.

"Good," I shrug. "He's not as bad as I thought he would be."

"Really?" Reno smirks. I roll my eyes, throwing one of his shoes at him.