Blame Game // Reno (EDITING)

― 02. new reality

In the room are many of the heads of Shinra; Hojo, Palmer, Scarlet, Heidegger, and all the Turks.

"You've caused us some big problems little girl." Scarlet hissed. It was no surprise the lady who acted perfect in front of the people was a royal bitch, "if you leaked absolutely anything, you're dead."

Melody was keeping her head down, she couldn't bear to look anyone in the eyes because in a way- looks could kill. Doing so seemed to give her the false sense of invisibility, as she was now a prisoner and could be killed at any second. There was no way out. She was certainly not fit to handle this high stress situation as she was starting to feel faint under the eyes of so many dangerous people. She was like a bull in a china shop.  Like the odd one out that everyone has to stare at. She was their newest issue that had to be handled.

"Now now," the President started, "Melody has actually done us a favor, made us aware of her and her skills. I am hoping she'll graciously take on the job I offer her." he smirked.

"Just kill her, who knows what's she knows." Palmer groaned.

"Quiet." he hissed, "look at me Miss Lee."

Hearing her name slip off his tongue in such a forceful way made her slowly bring her head up to meet his gaze. It was intense. Too much for her. She swallowed, "yes?"

"You're not dead because you're useful. Understand?" Melody nodded, "and I am offering you a job here at Shinra."

It was a cruel way of fate doing this to her. That the one thing she'd tried to avoid at all costs- had now backed her into a corner. Melody wanted to run she wanted to hide and take back everything that has happened or that she'd ever done. But as she sat at this large oval table with Shinra eyes on her she had to say-

"I accept." it was barely above a whisper. But the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop- so her words were almost deafening.

It hurt her to say those words, like she was being stabbed by knives. Her throat felt dry as a desert and her mouth had this foul taste in it. Every bone in her body had always stood against Shinra, that she simply imagined death feeling better than how she did now. A spiraling sensation as her body grew warm and the room spun took over- she had immediate disdain for herself. But she had to, to protect herself and the others she knew. If she followed their orders maybe they'd be content with her never naming anyone.

"Perfect!" the man of Shinra said with a sick smile, "I'm glad you have no reasons to argue."

At this point Melody's eyes glossed over and she began to zone out as the topic switched. She'd barely been in Shinra for an hour and she suddenly worked for them. She was what she hated now. Every ounce of her fight was drained without them needing to do any work. Her strong feelings and opinions tossed out the window because of fear and new hopelessness.

She wishes she'd been able to tune into the rest of the meeting but so many voices sounded in her ears she couldn't. Overstimulation and panic was debilitating for her in the moment. But she new she had to try, so she shook away her frozen self and was more conscious of what was going on.

"Tseng I understand you have something to say?" The president sounded.

"Yes," the first in command of the Turks adjusted his suit jacket before he spoke, "I have a proposal."

"Continue." the President said.

"To help alleviate any stress regarding Miss Lee," he looked at her making her look down instantly, "I want to you to allow her to be under our watch. She'll be our business, easy too since her room is on our floor."

The President nodded, wheels clearly turning in his big head, "I like the idea. How do you suppose to watch her? Until she can be broken down and trusted that is..."

"Reno will."

This made the red haired Turk shoot up from his lounged position on a leather couch. His eyes were wide with confusion with his mouth partially agape as to protest. But Rude shot him a look to stay silent. This even made Melody look over to the Turk who ate her lasagna earlier.

"Things have been dry for our non field members." Tseng continued looking to his second command, in a way begging him to behave, "so Reno can stay by her side, at all times as needed. They're similar in age and I know he'll make sure she's comfortable... and doing her job."

"Then it's settled," the President stood up slamming his hands onto the table, "this meeting has been successful. And in a few days time Miss Lee, we'll let you know what you're here for in due time. Let you adjust." he laughed in a cruel way, "see what our Turks can get out of you. I'm sure there's more to all this than just you."

The high up members of Shinra follow the President out. No one gave her another look as if she was truly that far below them, below their interest. To them she was probably nothing but a low criminal doing things for fun to inconvenience their rule. But they were the real criminals. If Melody had any strength in her she'd be clenching her fists and having something more to say- but that had never been the case. All the talk of showing the people who Shinra really was, how she was going to make a difference- she'd been fucking with herself that whole time. Would this be her life? Ordered around by people who only love death, power and money?

Melody was now alone in the room with Tseng, Reno, Rude and Elena. Everyone was fairly quiet until all the heads of Shinra are gone-

"Thanks for the fucking heads up Tseng!" Reno couldn't look away from Melody as he spoke, he was on his feet and on the defense. His chest was still tight from watching her pathetic form in the meeting wishing she hadn't decided to hack into their systems. One stupid mission to retrieve a girl was changing his entire job right in front of his eyes.

"Reno quiet. This is important and you aren't going to refuse a job right?"

He frowned immediately quieting and calming down as if he knew his boss immediately had a point he couldn't argue, "of course not..."

"Then consider yourself lucky you won't be sitting around bored or sent on trivial outings like the last few weeks. And maybe Rude will get some peace and quiet.."

"Yeah, suppose so." Reno shoved his hands into his pockets and looked to Melody grumbling. Right off the bat he supposes they'd get along, if someone can make lasagna as amazing as hers they must be alright. And Reno knew he couldn't be the cynical asshole he normally was to people, especially because she was a stunner, "hey again, long time no see huh?" an immediate change in behavior.

He shot her a wink and immediately liked seeing her blush in return even though her face was red from crying. Reno took his job with pride, he gas the skills that make him the best. So to have to watch this girl made him question some things but Tseng is right. This could be interesting. And as lazy as he could be at times, maybe this would be what would finally get him off his ass when it was over and have some more appreciation.

Walking over to Melody who was seated next to Elena and staring up at him.. he held out his hand, "ready to go?"

original- april 25 2020
edited- march 15 2022