[FF7] The Crow and Tattoo

Reno pairing

"Everyone knows that unrequited love is common in Tactics, but Reno is an exception, because an idiot can't see a thing. At least, that's what you used to think."

What does Reno remind you of?

First, let's rule out dogs. A proper puppy wags its tail at people and spreads positive energy. Reno, by comparison, is far too unruly.

You knock his hand off your shoulder and think without changing expression.

He isn't like a cat, either. Cats are aloof and mysterious. They wouldn't chatter away like he does every day, while somehow always knowing exactly where the line is, stopping just before you lose your temper and obediently staying by your side.

You could call him an idiot, but sometimes his knack for reading a situation is astonishingly good.

But call him clever, and sometimes he acts as if he can't read the room. You can't tell whether he's really clueless or just pretending.

You look at Reno as he sidles back up to walk beside you. You'd just told him to stay away, and now he's casually leaning close again, one arm around your shoulder as he pulls out his phone and calls Rude to send him on a mission in another sector.

Rude's voice comes from the other end of the phone, hesitant and unsure, but Reno keeps interrupting him until he can't get a complete sentence out. In the end, Rude gives in.

"Let's go. I say it's about time we headed over too. Rude should be there soon." Reno hangs up, lets his hand slip from your shoulder to your waist, and gently rubs his cheek against yours.

His body heat transfers through the contact, and you feel your face starting to burn.

Good grief, doesn't he get hot?

You struggle to turn your head away, feeling like you've been caught up with some huge, red-haired corvid.

A loud corvid big shot who keeps testing everyone else's limits every day.

You give him a little push, but he doesn't budge, so you can only sigh. "It's so hot. Could you move away a little?"

"Hey, I say, how are you still not used to this?" He acts as if he didn't hear you and keeps edging closer, then mutters under his breath, "Funny how you never say that in winter."

He definitely meant for you to hear that.

You raise an eyebrow and give him a light punch, then say no more.

Noisy, constantly testing your limits, and occasionally picking a fight when he gets restless.

You look away, finally unable to stand his fluffy hair rubbing against your face. You turn your head and give him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Only then does Reno stop pestering you. Grinning, he pulls you even tighter into his arms.

He's hopeless, you think with a smile, the corners of your mouth lifting before you realize it.

A corvid, one hundred percent purebred.

Though sometimes he's a pain, corvids are exceptionally clever creatures, passionate and sincere, forever loyal to their companions and always giving their all for them.

* A short first-person romance story with a female protagonist. Don't read if it's not your thing.

* When will this idiot realize I like him? vs. Oh no, does she hate me?

* Reno's catchphrase "zoto" is translated here as "I say" or "I have to say."

* The later events are from the official spin-off novels On the Way to a Smile and The Kids Are Alright.

Be a brave little crow, fear no hardship. Let's start crow-fying Reno (lol).

Theme: Crow-fying is a beautiful thing