Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own Shinra, the Turks, or anything to do with FF7. More like they own me… But I DO own my three original Turks. *nodnodnod*

Wasted

Lila

Prologue

"How did it happen, Rude?" Elena brushed her blond hair back from her face as she talked excitedly. "How did you become a Turk?"

Rude sighed inwardly and wished for the hundredth…no, the thousandth time that Reno was still here. The redheaded Turk had been given a week off to compensate for the wounds he'd received in the fight with AVALANCHE. Rude wasn't sure whether to curse him or envy him. Elena had been talking non-stop ever since she had found out she was promoted to Turk rank. Rude had been assigned, to his resigned displeasure, to give her a uniform and explain how the Turks worked.

He dreaded that part.

He walked quickly through the Shinra halls to the Turks HQ, Elena trotting to keep up with him. Even though he was indoors and the lighting was dim, he still kept his sunglasses on, as he always did. Elena had, among many other things, questioned him about that, but he didn't bother answering, same as he didn't bother replying to most of her questions. She didn't mind, apparently, turning to some new topic almost immediately.

"Well, aren't you going to answer me, Rude?" Elena giggled childishly. "You aren't listening, are you?" She blushed suddenly, her pale skin acquiring a faint rose color. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be talking so much. I'm just so excited! I can't believe I'm really a Turk!"

Rude felt sick. "……"

Elena fixed her hair self-consciously. "I just hope I can be professional enough." She smiled. "I've always wanted to be a Turk."

It was a good thing they had arrived to the steel door by this time. Rude couldn't take it anymore. Rather than say anything to Elena, he put out a hand to halt her and took out a keycard, which he inserted in the slot by the door. He didn't turn, but he could feel Elena's wide eyes watching.

The door slid open. Without a word Rude entered. Elena followed after him.

Whatever she expected the Turks staff room to be, it wasn't what she saw. A small black and white television occupied the far corner. Instead of antennae, it had a bent wire coat hanger. A beat-up plaid couch sagged in front of the TV, stuffing leaking out of its many holes. There was a loudspeaker on the opposite wall above a small refrigerator filled with beers. All in all, the entire room belayed such slovenly confusion that it almost seemed to portray a slackers' lounge. Elena stood stock-still, speechless.

Rude walked past her to the adjoining closet, where the uniforms were kept. He took the hanger of woman's uniforms and handed it to her. "Here. Find your size, then tell Tseng. He'll get more for you."

"Who's…Tseng?" she asked, clutching the hanger of uniforms.

Rude almost sighed aloud, but caught himself in time. It wasn't Elena's fault she was ignorant. "Leader of the Turks. He should bealong soon, after your first training session." He swallowed, throat suddenly parched and dry. "Until then, you have free time. Meet back here at fifteen hundred hours." As was Rude's style, he revealed only what was necessary and none of the details. Giving a somewhat awkward nod to Elena, he turned and started out the door. He was stopped, however, when she called him back, sounding hesitant and almost sheepish.

"Um…Rude?" Her eyes were downcast, and if she hadn't been holding onto the uniforms her hands would have been in her pockets. "What's…what's fifteen hundred hours?"

Rude only shook his head. "3 PM. Sharp."

She looked up, an embarrassed grin stealing across her face. It was only then Rude noticed how oddly pretty she was. "Thanks. Oh, and Rude," she added, just as he was heading back out the door. "Is it exciting, being a Turk? Real exciting?"

He just stared at her woodenly, not saying a word. Elena began to unconsciously fidget under the powerful gaze of those eyes she could feel, but not see behind his dark glasses. When he finally spoke, she jumped in alarm.

"Yeah," he said at last. "Real exciting."

With that, he turned and left the room.