Blame Game // Reno (EDITING)

― 04. welcome to shinra

   Eventually Reno was back by her side handing her a plate of food. Reno kept his free hand on the low of Melody's back as they headed up the stairs. It was no greater feet up here and then an odd colored dome peaked her curiosity in the center of the area. They were two of the only people up top asides from a man angrily speaking into his phone. She was seated at a table in the back corner out of any possible sightline and now she realized she would have to completely focus on her "bodyguard", or whatever he was.

   Reno began to dig into his sandwich without saying much, so Melody didn't have it in her to ask if she could get anything to drink. Much to her surprise, her pancakes were actually delicious and made her realize just how hungry she was. It probably had been close to a day since the last time she ate and it probably wasn't substantial knowing her. The anxiousness had erased all thoughts of eating and her health for the time being so she internally thanked Reno for having her come eat.

   After a few minutes Reno was done and looked at her with interest, "good?"

   "Yeah," she shot him as much of a smile as she could give. Placing down her fork she asked, "what's that?" and pointed to the blue glass dome.

   "Battle simulator, so not for you." he was clearly teasing and it almost made her let out a giggle, but her current state didn't allow for a reaction like that, "question, why did you accept the position the President offered you so quickly?"

   His question took her off guard but quickly back to being solemn as she was even still surprised she was vocally able to accept, "Don't exactly want to die... I don't know.. I know I had to, know that this is looking bad for me. Hard to believe all this I guess..."

   "I see." he swallowed hard, mind racing on what he could possibly do to get her mind off of things. She looks lost, confused, tired as she sat across from him. It was like she gained dark bags under her eyes over night. And for his sake he didn't want to just be sitting in silence all day, he liked being able to bother Rude.

   "Question for you then," she tried to regain herself to ask something she knew she needed to"... is there any way I can talk with my family? Let them know I'm okay." Melody was extremely concerned about how her father would take this. He felt like they took enough from him, he wouldn't want that for her (not like this).

   "Um, I'm not really the person to ask. I don't care if you do but I'd have to ask."

   That made her chest fill with frustration, but she knew it was not up to him, "my dad was a SOLDIER... he worked for Shinra once I don't..."

   "They'll let him know I'm sure. He hate Shinra like you do?"

   "Don't think I ever said I hate-"

   "Didn't have to. I pick up on things." he smirked at her as his eyes pierced through her soul as pieces of his hair fell into his face.

   Her breath felt like it had been snatched from her throat. Reno had somewhat of more feminine features but still so masculine, she was noticing, but it was what made him genuinely pretty- this type of beauty she couldn't quite place her finger on. Also the way his voice continued to ring in her ears. And that unbuttoned shirt showing the top of his pectorals and collarbone... This was cruel. She couldn't grow attached to the first person to be kind to her here, she couldn't be manipulated in that way.

   But something about him drew her in and it wasn't just his looks or unprofessional behavior for a Turk. It was like they were meant to meet.