Summary: What REALLY happened when Cloud met Reno at Healen. :) Setting is AC.

Rated M for yaoi, lemons, language, and Reno!

Disclaimer: Square Enix owns all, I own nothing except for my ideas; this fic is written for fun, not profit. Lyrics quoted within are attributed to the artist.

There's a fragile tension,
That's keeping us going
It may not last forever,
But oh well it's blowing

There's something magical in the air
Something so tragic we had to care

There's a strange obsession,
That's drawing us nearer
We don't understand it
It never gets clearer

-Fragile Tension, Depeche Mode

The dust flew out behind Fenrir's wheels, as Cloud drove away from Edge. Away from Seventh Heaven, away from Tifa, away from…life. Cloud leaned into the handlebars and released the throttle, pushing the motorcycle to previously unforeseen speeds. It made him feel free, riding like this; as if he were riding away from his past, littered with ghosts.

So stupid of me to think this way, Cloud thought, suddenly feeling guilty for the sheer joy he was feeling in leaving his life behind, if only temporarily, for the duration of his motorcycle ride. I have responsibilities…it's not like I can just run away.

But I'm not capable of taking care of anyone anyway, am I? Not even myself, he thought, feeling disgusted with himself. Cloud's reverie was broken by his cellphone; he couldn't hear it ringing over the roar of Fenrir's engine, of course, but he'd set it to vibrate. Even though he never answered the damned thing, and always let his calls go straight to voice mail, it was still there.

It's a great and cowardly way to avoid everyone, isn't it, Cloud thought idly, as he came to a stop near a bluff on the outskirts of town, and engaged Fenrir's kickstand. Why do I even have a damned cell phone if I never answer it, he pondered as he fished it out of his pocket. "Probably another voice mail from Tifa," he muttered to himself. A quick review of the missed calls on Cloud's cell phone would reveal that most of the missed calls were indeed from Tifa.

Sighing, Cloud sat up on the bike as the engine idled, and scanned through his voicemail messages. The last missed call was from Tifa, as he'd suspected. He pressed the button to listen to the voicemail message, and put the phone to his ear.

"Cloud?" came Tifa's voice over the cell phone. "It's me. Where are you? Reno called here again looking for you…said it's urgent. Wants you to meet him today at Healen. Cloud, please call me, would you? I miss you…I want you home."

Cloud groaned and flipped the phone shut, pocketing it. Home. The word used to mean something to him; now, it just confused him. The home life that he and Tifa had built – really, the home that Tifa had built, and Cloud was just along for the ride – the former mercenary-turned-planet's- hero suddenly found it stifling. Tifa, two kids – the only thing missing was the cute little house with a white picket fence in front of it. And I'm not even sure I want any of it, Cloud thought guiltily. Not that Tifa ever asked me what I wanted…she only assumed. But does it even matter what *I* want? The kids depend on me…Denzel especially…

He shook his head and listened to the message again on his cell phone. "Reno," Cloud said aloud, his voice nearly startling himself in the stillness of the desert bluffs. "Reno…," he repeated. Cloud pondered his changed relationship with Reno and the Turks. No longer enemies, they slowly became friends; Cloud vacillated between wary and relaxed around Reno, as well as the other Turks. Knowing that they all still answered to Rufus Shinra was always in the back of Cloud's mind; the swordsman did not trust him whatsoever.

Reno, though – Reno was different. Cloud hadn't expected the redhead to be so damned friendly towards him, once their unspoken truce seemed to be realized. All those times we were on opposite sides, trying to kill each other, Cloud had thought, and we never did. Both of us were capable of obliterating the other, yet...we held back. I held back, I know I did…and I'm still not sure why. It was a thought that continued to plague Cloud; why hadn't he offed Reno? Why hadn't Reno offed him, when he had the chance?

Then, there had been that odd moment several weeks ago, when Cloud ran into Reno at a pub in Junon, of all places. Cloud had delivered a package up there, and decided to have a quick drink at the bar. Much to his surprise, he saw Reno sitting at the bar, well into his second glass of whiskey. He'd greeted Cloud warmly, as if they were old friends – but they weren't old friends, were they? Cloud didn't really have a category for what he and Reno were to each other, if he really thought about it.

And then, Reno invited the quiet blond to sit with him - even offered to buy him a drink. It surprised Cloud how easily they slid into congeniality with each other. They traded barbs and war stories over their drinks, and finally parted at the end of the evening with a handshake that somehow morphed into a solid hug – mostly initiated by a slightly tipsy Reno. Oddly Cloud felt…comfortable with Reno. This, of course went against everything he felt, and everything he knew about Reno. By the time they'd said their good-byes that evening, Cloud had shrugged off those nagging doubts, and decided that perhaps this was merely the beginning of an unexpected friendship. Or something to that affect.

Cloud sighed and righted Fenrir, and attempted to collect his thoughts. Couldn't hurt to see what Reno wants, he mused. Maybe he's got work for me. Although the thought of working with the Turks – and by extension, Rufus Shinra – did not necessarily appeal to Cloud, he needed work. Strife Delivery Service was in a slow period, and Cloud had been looking for odd jobs anyway. He pulled up Fenrir's kickstand, and set out for Healen, wondering just what Reno had summoned him for.

Reno knew better than to hold his breath waiting for Cloud Strife to show up at Healen. He knew the man well enough to know that he couldn't be coerced into anything – particularly, anything associated with Shinra, Inc. Still, Cloud was good at what he did - Reno knew this very well. He wouldn't have even bothered reaching out to the stoic swordsman, if the Turks hadn't been in desperate need of Cloud's assistance. Reno sighed impatiently, and flung himself back on the couch where he'd been sitting. He stretched his lanky body out over the length of the couch, fully reclining, and putting his feet up on the arm. Folding his arms behind his head, he began to relax, and soon, he dozed off.

His catnap didn't last for long. Not ten minutes later, the low rumble of an engine quickly roused Reno from his slumber. The fuck is that? Reno thought briefly, in a sleep-drunk haze. He tensed, his hand intuitively finding his EMR in the semi-darkness. Could be Cloud, Reno thought, as the veil of sleep quickly fell from his eyes, which focused sharply on his surroundings. Or…it could not be Cloud, too. Whoever it is, I'm fucking ready, he thought, setting his jaw, and readying himself in a battle stance, one eye at the window, and the other trained at the door.

The sound of the engine was cut short, and moments later, Reno heard heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. He then turned his full attention toward the front door. Not exactly a stealthy intruder, if they're coming through the fucking front door, Reno thought quickly. He gripped the handle of his EMR, practically dancing on his toes, as his very skin prickled with adrenaline and anticipation.

Suddenly, the door opened – shit, thought I locked that, Reno thought briefly – and he charged forward, brandishing his EMR and emitting a battle cry. Metal met metal in a clanging gnash, as Reno's EMR slammed against Cloud's fusion sword. "Fuck!" Reno exclaimed, baring his teeth as he stared into unflinching Mako eyes. Cloud remained silent, staring Reno down for a few seconds, before lowering his sword.

Reno smirked at Cloud, and felt an inexplicable, impulsive urge to rush the normally unflappable blond, and throw him off balance. He charged again at Cloud, bellowing a mock battle cry as he wildly brandished his EMR. Cloud gave a half-smile and opened the front door, which Reno ran right through, not seeming to realize he'd been had until he was standing out on the steps. "Shit!" he yelped, as he scrambled for the door handle. Cloud grinned at Reno and slammed the door in his face, quickly locking it. He stood with his back to the door, his back shaking with silent laughter. It was all too easy, Cloud thought. So damned easy. And funny…

"Hey!" Reno exclaimed, knocking on the door. "I'm still out here, yo. Come on, Strife, let me in. I want to talk to you."

"So I figured, when I got your message," Cloud remarked, talking through the door. "What do you want, Reno?"

"Let me in, damn it," Reno pleaded. "And then I'll tell you."

Cloud paused, then unlocked the door and opened it, as the Turk came tumbling through – staggering, and nearly falling. Reno caught his balance, and glared at Cloud. "That wasn't fucking funny, yo," he groused.

The dam broke, and Cloud could hold back his laughter no longer. "Yeah it was," he replied, laughing uproariously. Reno raised an eyebrow; Cloud Strife was rarely known to crack a smile, never mind fucking laugh – it was quite a sight to behold. And he's laughing at my expense, Reno thought ruefully.

Cloud kept heaving with choking laughter, and wiped tears from his eyes. "I'm sorry, Reno," he managed to gasp. "I…haven't laughed like that in a long time." Reno couldn't help but smile at the reaction he'd evoked in Cloud. "I could tell that," he replied. "Glad I could provide you with some entertainment, yo."

"Sorry," Cloud repeated, still grinning. "Anyway," he continued, attempting to collect himself. "Why'd you call me here, Reno?"

"Yeah, that," Reno muttered, rolling his eyes. "Let me fill you in. Have a seat," he said, gesturing toward the couch. Cloud nodded, and took a seat, with Reno following suit.

"So," Reno said, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, as he looked Cloud in the eye. "It's like this. There's this gang of…hell, I don't know what you'd call them, really. Like…Sephiroth clones, or something. Only, not exact copies."

"Failed clones, then?" Cloud inquired, suddenly interested.

"Not really sure what they fuck they are," Reno replied, shrugging his shoulders. "They could be. All I know is, their…leader, for lack of a better word, is this guy Kadaj. And he's been riding the president's ass about the whereabouts of Jenova."

"Oh shit," Cloud groaned. "If those guys have anything to do with Sephiroth – anything at all – if they get to Jenova it'll be…"

"I know," Reno interjected, sighing. "The end of the world. All over again."

"Well, that all sounds bad," Cloud said, leaning back on the couch. "Why do you need me, though?"

"Tseng and I figured, given your connection to Sephiroth…maybe you'd have some insight on this," Reno replied, sitting upright. He suddenly felt hyperaware of Cloud's close proximity – and his warmth. Their legs were practically touching each other, for Gaia's sake. "Fucking warm in here, yo," Reno muttered, feeling his face flush, and praying that Cloud didn't notice.

"Yeah, it is," Cloud murmured in reply. His bare arm was pressed up against Reno's arm, still encased in his suit jacket. How did we end up sitting this damned close to each other in the first place? Cloud wondered idly.

"You know, Cloud," Reno remarked, grinning as he glanced sideways at Cloud. "I don't think I've ever heard you laugh that hard, like…ever."

"Yeah," Cloud replied, smiling at Reno. He tilted his head back, letting it rest against the sofa. "Like I said…it's been a while since I've laughed like that."

"I'm glad I brought a smile to your face," Reno said, turning his body slightly so he was facing Cloud. "It was nice to see you smile, yo. You should do it more often."

"I should," Cloud admitted. Haven't felt like smiling much at all these days, he mused. Really…the only times I've done so lately, are when I'm around Reno. The realization hit Cloud like a ton of bricks, and a blush crept rapidly up his neck, and into his face. He liked Reno. In that way.

Shit, Cloud thought, suddenly feeling as if every inch of his skin was on fire. Well…this'll make things awkward.

"Reno, I—" Cloud stammered nervously.

"Cloud, I need to—" Reno blurted at almost the same moment, licking his lips. He leaned slightly forward, unconsciously placing his hand on Cloud's knee. The owner of the knee stared down at Reno's hand, and looked up at Reno, locking eyes with him.

"Shit," Reno breathed. "What…what the fuck is happening between us, Cloud?"

"I don't know," Cloud whispered, leaning into Reno. "But, I'm tired of fighting it, whatever it is." He reached his hand out and gently stroked Reno's cheek, then drew him in for a gentle kiss. Reno's lips were unexpectedly soft, and yielding. And then…suddenly they weren't, as Reno returned the kiss, his hand wandering into Cloud's blond spikes. He curled his legs up underneath him, and pulled Cloud tightly to his chest. They didn't stop kissing - couldn't stop, really, if either of them paused to think about it, but that wasn't about to happen. Cloud ran his hands up and down the lanky redhead's back, kissing him passionately. Reno slowly lay back on the couch, pulling Cloud down with him. This felt good, and it felt real, Cloud's solid warmth pressed down on top on him. He hooked one of his long legs around Cloud's muscular thigh, grinding up into him.

"Fuck, Reno," Cloud muttered, groaning at the sensation.

"Do you want to?" Reno whispered with a grin, breaking the kiss briefly to nuzzle Cloud's neck.

"Do I want to what?" Cloud asked stupidly, knowing damned well what Reno was getting at.

"Fuck," Reno replied bluntly, ghosting his hands up the inside of Cloud's shirt, fingers exploring both abs and chest, and traveling around to the back, stroking those lean muscles up and down . Gods, the man was so heated, felt like he was on fire.

"Do I want to fuck," Cloud repeated, grinning. "How romantic, Reno."

"You know me, yo," Reno replied, smirking. "I tell it like it is."

"Always do," Cloud murmured. He took a breath, and vainly attempted to collect his thoughts. Gazing down at the man splayed beneath him, Cloud couldn't help but stare. It was more obvious to him now, than ever, how damned sexy Reno was; those aquamarine eyes, half lidded with lust, the tempting curve of his bottom lip that made Cloud just want to suck on it. Not to mention, the way Reno carried himself; the way he entered a room, almost lazily to anyone who didn't have a clue, but truly, it was more erotic than anything else.

"You're beautiful," Cloud blurted, then blushed as he realized he'd voiced his thoughts out loud.

Reno grinned, clearly pleased. "Don't think anyone's ever used that word before to describe me," he commented. "Thank you."

"You are, Reno," Cloud whispered, nibbling on the Turk's ear. "I don't know what it is about you, but I…I just can't get enough of you."

"Gods, you are so fucking sexy, Cloud," Reno murmured, kissing the blond. "Do you have any idea what you do to me? Fuck, I want you, baby. I want you now."

The Turk stared up at Cloud, who was straddling him; Reno still felt as if some small part of this must be a dream. None of this could really be happening, could it? The Turks' second in command, making out on a couch with none other than Cloud Strife. Those Mako eyes of Cloud's had haunted Reno for years, since the first time he came face to face with him, back when they were enemies. That nest of blond spikes, and those pouty, kissable lips; those things, as well, had haunted Reno. He had it bad for the planet's hero. Really bad.

Reno nearly passed out when he realized Cloud's nimble fingers were now unbuckling his Turk uniform pants. Cloud then concentrated on the buttons of Reno's shirt, one by one. "Too many of them," Cloud muttered irritably. "Can't you wear fucking t-shirts, Reno?It'd be easier." Reno chuckled. "Would have worn one today, if I'd have known this was gonna happen."

"Yeah," Cloud breathed, pausing in his ministrations to kiss Reno again. He felt his heart thudding in his chest as he finally got the last damned button unbuttoned, exposing a lean muscled chest. Reno shrugged out of his shirt and jacket, letting both garments slide to the floor. He half sat up, pants undone, as he gripped Cloud by the shoulders and kissed him deeply. Reno made quick work of Cloud's sweater, unzipping it and ripping it off of him. Cloud groaned as he felt the sensation of Reno's chest pressed to his, flesh against flesh. His hand wandered down the back of Reno's pants, easing them off; the Turk kicked his boots off as his pants were removed. Reno lay back on the couch, stark naked, idly wondering if he had locked the door. Fuck it, he thought. Ain't stopping to check now. Pushing these thoughts aside, Reno shot his hand out to grab Cloud's crotch, stroking his hardness through the leather pants. Cloud gasped, arching his neck, then yelped as Reno shoved his hand inside. "Need these pants off," Reno muttered, as he unbuttoned them and carefully slid the tight leather down Cloud's muscular form.

"Gods, you have a fine ass," Reno murmured, as his hands roamed over that area. "Must be all that…riding on your motorcycle that you do." Cloud grinned, and kicked off his boots, then his pants. Both fully naked now, Cloud pressed down into Reno's warmth, feeling the Turk's erection poking into his.

"Normally I like a little foreplay, yo, but…" Reno remarked.

"Yeah," Cloud muttered. "Me too. I can't hold out, though, Reno…I want you now…"

"Then take me," Reno replied, opening his thighs wider as he grabbed Cloud's ass, pulling him into his pelvis. "Shit," Reno muttered suddenly. "Lube. We need some."

"Shit," Cloud echoed. "Have any? I don't."

"Jacket pocket," Reno grunted, as he felt the head of Cloud's cock teasing his balls. "On the floor." Cloud deftly reached up past Reno's head, and retrieved the jacket from where it had been tossed. He located the lube, and quickly slicked himself up with the substance, then plunged a digit into Reno's ass. Reno threw his head back, groaning, lifting his legs even further as Cloud inserted a second finger, then a third, moving them in and out slowly.

"Fuckin' torture, yo," Reno groaned. "Cloud, I want you inside me. Now."

Cloud grinned and kissed Reno as he withdrew his fingers, then positioned his cock near Reno's entrance. "I'm ready if you are," Cloud whispered, teasing the head in slowly.

"Fuck you, Strife. You know I'm ready," Reno replied, smirking and panting. He ground himself up into Cloud, as if to stress just how ready he was.

Without another word, Cloud thrust into Reno, crying out as he did so. It felt so good, being trapped in Reno's heat like this; Cloud thought he might come right then and there. "Oh fuck," Cloud muttered, thrusting in and out of Reno; slowly, to start, then increasing his tempo as he felt Reno relax beneath him. The Turk pulled Cloud into him, kissing him fervently. "More," Reno commanded, gasping. "Harder. Faster. I'm not a fucking porcelain doll, Cloud," he said, grinning. Cloud smiled back, and felt something come undone inside of him, as he slammed into Reno.

"Always suspected you liked it rough, Reno," Cloud muttered, shuddering as he felt himself approaching his release.

"You know it baby," Reno replied, snaking his hand down to his cock, as he began stroking himself. "Gods, Cloud, I'm close…so close…"

"I know," Cloud said robotically. "I know…" They came, almost simultaneously, Reno spilling into his hand clenched around his cock. Spent, Cloud fell on top of Reno, kissing him gently. "Holy shit, Reno," he whispered.

"Yeah," Reno replied, withdrawing his hand from his penis. "What the fuck did we just do?" he asked incredulously, sitting up.

"We had sex, Reno," Cloud answered, with a bemused grin.

"I know that," Reno said, smiling. "I mean…you and me….just….damn, Strife. Damn." Somehow, Cloud knew exactly what Reno meant.

"Right," the Turk continued, sitting up. "Let's um…get cleaned up. Got towels in the bathroom here."

Suddenly, there came a noise at the door. Cloud and Reno stared at each other, frozen, then turned their heads toward the door. Oh fuck! Reno thought. Guess I didn't lock the damned door….shit!

The door opened, and in came Rufus Shinra in a wheelchair, his head covered with a bizarre shroud, followed by Rude. Rude's gaze traveled across the room, and he smirked, ever so slightly, as he noticed Cloud and Reno, entangled on the couch. "Hmm," he grunted, not saying a word.

"Have we interrupted something?" Rufus asked innocently, smirking beneath his shroud. "So sorry. We'll…give you a few minutes to collect yourselves. Rude?"

"Yeah," Rude replied, backing Rufus's wheelchair through the door. "We'll…wait out here." With that, they left the room, shutting the door behind them.

"You didn't lock the door," Cloud commented, raising an eyebrow at Reno.

"Uh, no," Reno admitted, grinning. "Obviously. Fuck! Rufus is never going to let me live this down, yo."

Cloud laughed. He began to imagine the looks on everyone's faces once this bit of news got out. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing after all, he thought.

A/N: Oh, Reno. You really need to remember to lock the door! :)

Want more? I'm thinking of continuing this, and mirroring AC, but with a twist here or there.