Author's Notes: For this, I have to lay the blame at Cendrillo's feet once again. After reading the first chapter of this story, she asked me about all the water in Reno's nightmares. I told her truthfully that it was a metaphore. Reno was drowning. However, I also told her that it wasn't exactly a metaphor because there probably could be some sort of a story behind the nightmares but I never imagined that I'd write it. Stupid of me, eh? So this one's for her.

Freedom

When I was eleven years old, a dealer locked me and my mom in a car and drove us into the ocean because my dad needed to be taught a lesson. He watched us go under. I remember him screaming but I couldn't hear him.

We were tied to our seats. I panicked. I don't know how I got out but I did. I tried to untie my mom's ropes but I couldn't. I remember… the glass cracked and then water rushed in. It… it filled up the car and I couldn't get the ropes undone. She… just looked at me.

I don't remember getting out. I just remember being in the ocean, alone. I wanted to go back to her but I was too scared of the water. I called her name over and over and over again but she never came.

They killed my dad too, eventually.

I wandered. The slums were a good place for someone like me. I was so angry. I joined Shinra because I wanted to get back at the bastards that had killed my parents and I knew I couldn't do it alone. I wanted to join the army but Shinra had a better idea for someone of my 'special talents'. I don't know what they saw in me. Tseng once told me it's something in the eyes.

I found the dealer a month later. He'd been in hiding for over a year after falling out with one of the larger cartels. He didn't even remember me but he begged for his life before the end.

I don't remember being angry… but there was a lot of blood.

You scare me 'Lena. I look at you… and I forget everything. I don't remember the names, the faces; it's just you. I've never been able to let it all go but sometimes, when I'm with you, I forget for a little while. It… terrifies me.

You don't know anything about me but I feel like you see me. It doesn't make any sense but I don't ever want to lose that feeling. Yeah, I'm scared 'Lena. I'm fucking running scared. But if it means I get to hold onto this a little bit longer then I will always fucking run to you.

I don't know how long we have left. It's all falling to pieces now. Soon there will be nothing left. But I will never leave you. I swear, I will never leave you. I have to tell you.

"'Lena…?"

You stir in my arms. You are very delicately, very intimately wrapped up around me. There's a warmth between us that I've never felt before and I don't ever want to lose it.

You open your eyes and suddenly my mouth goes dry. You're beautiful…

"…Yeah Reno?"

I think I'm smiling. Heh, I think I only ever really smile when I'm with you. There's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time…

Your smile widens and you kiss my lips softly. You bend forward and whisper something in my ear. My eyes widen and you giggle. I catch your lips with mine and then I'm losing myself again, losing myself in your lips, your smile, your eyes. I can still hear you laughing, laughing the entire time. It's a beautiful sound, a sound like freedom.

Elena…

I swear, I'll never let go.