Can't Stand It [Reno x Reader]

/Baby, I love you/
/I never want to let you go/
/The more I think about,/
/The more I want to let you know/
/That everything you do,/
/Is super duper cute/
/And I can't stand it./

They say that life is never fun without your dorky sidekick, but you, [y/n] [l/n] of the Turks, strongly disagree with such a notion. Life can get really weird and chaotic really fast with a dorky sidekick - and this fact has been hammered into your face about fifty times a day, granted your sidekick isn't too busy goofing off to stick by you. Even then, though, he manages to drag you into the messes that he makes.

"Reno!" You call out, looking around the abandoned streets as you brush off your pants. The two of you had been sent out upon hearing that there were "nasties" crawling about, and honestly, you are having such a bad time right now. "Reno, you get over here this minute!"

Yep. As fate would have it, you are the Turk that is unfortunate enough to get stuck with having Reno by your side whenever Rude is unavailable. Sometimes, missions with him can be a blast. But, in this case, he's a pain in your arse. First, the two of you accidentally blow up a building - the details of that to be explained later -, and now he's gone missing somewhere. Normally, he's more competent than this, but it feels like whenever you get your hopes up that he's going to actually do something worth telling Tseng about, he has to go and screw everything up.

"...Reno!" You scream out, a gust of wind blowing through your hair, as if to add a sort of dramatic effect.

Finally, after a minute of waiting, your ears open after hearing Reno's voice yelling from the back, "Polo!"

Turning around, you let out a sigh of exasperation and relief upon seeing him walking up, brushing off his suit as he gives you a mischievous grin. His face might be covered in dirt and whatever on earth else, but that doesn't stop him from acting like a complete imbecile.

"Hello, Clarice," He greets, throwing an arm around your shoulders, warranting a not-very-gentle elbow to the chest. "Ack! That hurts, yo!"

"You're so bothersome," You growl at him. "First you're by my side, and the next second, you're screwing up all over the place. Did you get launched out of another window, or were you trying to scare me?'

"Lighten up, yo, I was trying to find the Tonberry that we found in that building before we messed with the gas," Reno pouts.

"You messed with the gas, Reno," You correct. "Geez! How are you still a Turk - or even alive, for that matter?"

"Ouch," The redhead puts a hand over his heart, giving you an exaggerated pout. "Your words sting me, [y/n]."

"Good," You groan. "Let's just find those darn creatures and then head back to headquarters."

It's true, you can barely stand Reno, but as a fellow Turk, it's your responsibility to keep an eye on him, as it is his to keep one on you. You also have to admit that Reno is at least competent at his job, especially with a helicopter, and keeps his head screwed on tight when he needs to. In retrospect, you really need to give him more credit, even if he is a massive idiot twenty four seven.

Not only that, but Reno's needed your down-to-earth personality, as well as slightly hardheaded demeanor. It's kept him from losing his head half the time, and he finds himself either trying to make you laugh or actually taking the mission more seriously when he has you and not Rude. It's also the fact that he finds your inability to be extremely sentimental extremely adorable - this, however, you're unaware of - that keeps him sticking to you. But, you're just so... cold. When you first joined the Turks, he believed you incapable of any warmness or softness. Though, you've shown a soft side once or twice, rarely, if ever, around him.

Registering how far from him you had walked, Reno let out a noise, rushing up to get his arm back around you. Although you groan at his insufferable behavior, he continues to give you a sly grin. He means well, you're sure, but it's beyond incredible just how fast he can piss you off, even if unintentionally.

"Don't be so cold, yo," He drawls. "C'mon, all I want is to talk to ya."

"Reno, we're literally just looking to confirm monsters living here and going back. There is no way that we're gonna die here just from a harmless investigation," You inform him. "Now, please get your arm off me."

/I've been searching for/
/A girl that's just like you/
/Cause I know/
/That your heart is true/

"Not happening! You just want to stop with the physical contact so that you can get away from me," Reno grins at you. "Or is it that my good looks attract you, and you're just trying to make me jealous or something."

"I can guarantee that isn't even remotely my desire, Reno," You growl, but make no move to remove Reno's arm. At this point, you've indignantly accepted your fate as the two of you keep walking. It's very clear that you need to cut Reno some slack, but you just can't bring yourself to be merciful in your behavior towards him. After all, he's extremely annoying, and honestly very dumb. But, Rude has told you many times that he's never once failed a mission on purpose, and is beyond competent. So, you just go along with what's happening.

Glancing around, you let out a hum at what surrounds the two of you. The silence is deafening, even with the soft clicks of your shoes sounding. Not only that, but the air is almost unbearably heavy, and breathing is a near struggle. But, given you're all over the place for missions at times, this is almost nothing new. Even if music somehow started playing, like in some horror games you played in the past, the silence would still be impossible to break.

"It doesn't sound like any monsters live here, aside from Tonberries," You acknowledge, and Reno nods.

"Looks like today we'll be clocking out early, yo," He says, giving off a grin.

/Baby, I love you/
/I never want to let you go/
/The more I think about,/
/The more I want to let you know/
/That everything you do,/
/Is super duper cute/
/And I can't stand it/

After searching the old city for anything other than Tonberries, you and Reno both come up short, and decide to head straight back to headquarters. Though you're sure it was disappointing to know nothing special was going on there, you're equally certain that it's pleasing that nobody's trying to make trouble there. Just heavy air and silence.

Because Rude had some stuff to do before he could leave, you were given the privilege of driving Reno home. Being the stupidhead he really is, his car got into a bit of a wreck and he needed it fixed. But, it'd take longer than the auto place expected, so his dependency on you and Rude needed to show. Though, when it's the three of you in the same car, some pretty interesting conversation comes up.

When it's just you and Reno, though... You can't describe the tension in the air - not in the very slightest. Sometimes, you want to speak, but you just don't know what to say. It's so strange; Reno is such an idiot, but he's so much more. You suppose that you'll admit that you find him somewhat... Intoxicating. Although he's a bit of a playboy and, dare you say, not very good at redeeming himself when he says the wrong things, you always find yourself nearby him, and vice versa.

"Yo, [y/n], your car's really sweet," Reno comments, looking over the recently cleaned leather seats and console. "Last time I rode in here, it didn't look so good."

"I just cleaned it," You tell him. "Thanks, though. A dusty car is an unhappy car."

"Cars don't have feelings, yo," Reno chuckles.

"Don't make me turn us around," You warn, shutting him up as you continue driving.

/Let's sell all our things/
/And run away/
/To sail the ocean blue/
/Then you'll know,/
/That my heart is true/

After nearly exploding in anger at the idiot drivers - thank goodness Reno isn't the one driving -, the two of you finally arrive at the destination. Parking in front of his house, you sit tight as he unbuckles, getting out and jogging up to his front door. With a soft yawn, you turn in your seat, watching him take out his keys to open up the door. Given Rude's advice to not take your eyes off of him until he's inside, it's in your best interest to make sure he gets in without problems.

Getting ready to start driving home, you jolt in your seat to hear Reno giving off frustrated yells. Looking back at him, you notice he's rubbing his hand and giving off a heated glare. Once you grab his attention, you make a gesture for him to come back over to you, which he does without the least bit of reluctance. Opening up the passenger window, you tilt your head at him.

"What's up, all of a sudden?" You ask, to which he grumbles a bit.

"My key snapped in half," Reno growls. "I'm just not having any luck today, [y/n]."

"Apparently," You jest, earning a pout. "Oh, come now, Reno. Tell you what, you can stay with me until you can get this issue resolved."

Visibly brightening at the thought of spending time with you at your home, Reno hops into the car without a second thought, smiling from ear to ear. After hearing the click of his seatbelt, you start driving home, unsure what to think. Reno's never been inside of your house, as much as people believe he has. It's not that you wouldn't mind him as a guest - far from it, actually -, it's just that you can't trust him to not break everything in sight.

"Oh yea, this'll be the first time I'll be visiting your house, huh?" Reno asks, tilting his head.

"Yep, it will be," You nod. "Also, you'd better not break anything."

"I won't," He promises.

/Baby, I love you/
/I never want to let you go/
/The more I think about,/
/The more I want to let you know/
/That everything you do,/
/Is super duper cute/
/And I can't stand it/

You have no idea how it's even remotely possible for the time to fly, especially with such horrible traffic, but now, here you are, shooting Rude a call after successfully getting to your house. Reno's in the other room - most likely messing with your bookshelves, judging from the paper sounds and his occasional thinking out loud. He's not the type to read for leisure, so you're really hoping you won't find a pile of books on the other side of the room when he's done.

"Hello?" Rude asks, and you grin.

"Hey, Rude," You greet.

"Oh, [y/n]. Sorry you had to get stuck with Reno today. Has he been a lot of trouble?" It's honestly touching. Rude may be stoic and a bit cold, but he cares for you like you're his little sister.

"No. As a matter of fact, he's here with me right now. His key snapped in half, and since the store's closed, we're gonna get him a new one tomorrow - and a new doorknob and everything, because that door is toast," You reply.

Rude laughs. "You two do that. Also, [y/n], just to let you know, you can call me anytime, and I can pick him up," He informs you. "I know you can handle him, but in case he gets to be too much..."

"We'll be fine," You assure him. "You just concentrate on relaxing and stuff, alright? I'll take care of him."

"I'm not a kid, yo," You ignore Reno's whining as you continue your phone call.

"Alright, if you're sure," Rude hums. "Have a good evening, [y/n]."

"You too, bud," You nod despite you not talking to him face to face. Hanging up, you yawn, stretching your arms over your head - just in time for Reno's arms to wind around your waist and tug you away from the phone.

"Reno, get off me, please," You command.

"It's getting cold in here, yo," Reno pouts. "You're really warm."

"...Thank you?" You're unsure of how to take such a statement. Glancing at the clock, you note how late it's already gotten. "I'll get you a pillow and blanket so that you can sleep on the couch."

Carefully, you break away from Reno to head to the closet. After nearly knocking over the towels and sheets, you find a blanket big enough to cover the redhead Turk's body. Sighing in relief, you make a quick trip to the couch to put it there. Yawning again, you lumber into your bedroom. As your quirkiness would have it, you sleep with five pillows; you wouldn't mind letting Reno use one.

"Couch is ready," You call to Reno, noting his second disappearing act.

/You, you got me where you want me/
/Cause I'll do anything to please you/
/Just to make it through/
/Another year/

Heading back to your room, you adjust the blankets and comforter before closing the door and locking it. Yawning once more, you shed your Turk clothes and throw on a gown, crawling into bed after unlocking the door. Turning out the light, you curl up under your blankets. Even if you hadn't eaten since you and Reno came home from the mission, that'd just give you all the more reason to cook something really good in the morning.

creak

It's too dark to see anything, but you won't make a single mistake about your door opening. Either it's Reno seeing if you're asleep, or he's going to do the cruelest thing in the world: prank you. Even if he is trying to be funny, you're going to leap right out of bed and give him the biggest butt-kicking of his life if he ends up scaring you. But, you keep quiet, on the off chance he's just checking on you.

There's a soft shuffling sound, but then you can feel the bed go down with Reno's weight as he slides in behind you, nuzzling into your back a little. Turning a bit, you're met with sleepy blue eyes and a soft smile. All you're able to do is give the guy a few grumbles before you turn over completely, curling up into him and finally losing yourself, feeling his arms surround you almost protectively.

/You, I saw you across the room/
/And I knew that this was gonna/
/Blossom into something beautiful./
/You're beautiful./

Morning comes in almost a blink, and you open your eyes to Reno's serene face as he breathes deeply in his slumber. When he's awake, he's handsome, you'll admit, but like this, vulnerable yet peaceful... He's so precious. It's almost like you're not looking at the infuriating Turk that usually fell over after trying to make a sharp turn in a hallway that's tiles got a fresh waxing. Instead, you're looking at nothing less than possibly the best angel to descend from heaven.

Smiling softly at the adorable sight, you slide out of his arms, a soft, unconscious whine sounding from him afterwards, and slide on some socks to navigate the tiled kitchen without turning your feet to ice. Stretching out, you head and open up the pantry, taking out the bag of coffee and placing it next to the machine. Taking out the pitcher, you fill it up to the highest line, dumping it into where the water is meant to go in the machine. Filling up the filter, you place it in, put the pitcher back in place, and press 'start'.

Returning to the pantry, you find the premade pancake mix on the top shelf, carefully getting it down, putting it onto the counter before kneeling to get a glass bowl to pour it in. It's a rather tedious action to take, considering that, being an intelligent, organized individual, you've got smaller bowls in one big bowl, and you need to get the big bowl out to get the one you want.

How nice.

Standing up correctly, you put the large bowl on the counter, reading the instructions on the bag of pancake mix carefully. Getting out a scooper, you put in the recommended amount for about ten to fifteen pancakes, putting the bag away afterwards.

"You're up early," You jolt and spin around quickly, meeting Reno's gaze as he comes in, rubbing his face with both hands, just clad in pants and a shirt. His hair is a bit disheveled, but he looks alright otherwise. It's almost like he fell back asleep and ended up getting really twitchy during his dreams.

"Reno, it's ten in the morning," You point out, gesturing to the clock on the oven. "I'd say you're just late."

"Touche," The redhead chuckles, stepping to stand next to you as you mix water into the pancake mix. "What'cha making over here, sunshine?"

"Pancakes. There's also coffee almost ready," You answer.

"Sounds great, yo," Reno rests his chin on the top of your head - a feat that's not even impressive, given he's bigger than you, no questions asked. "Are we just gonna stay in today?"

"Seems like the plan, until Tseng calls to tell us that we have work to do," You answer. "The Turks never rest, not even on Saturdays."

Reno sighs through his nose, but proceeds to give you a hug from his position behind you. This time, you don't protest a thing, or try to fight him off. He hasn't had any coffee, so irritating him will definitely not end well. Everyone knows that if you mess with a Turk, drunk or sober; awake or sleepwalking; you're screwed.

"You're cute when you're not mad at me, you know that?" He asks.

"Thank you, Reno," You say with a nod. "...You know something? You're cute, too."

/Baby, I love you/
/I never want to let you go/
/The more I think about,/
/The more I want to let you know/
/That everything you do,/
/Is super duper cute/
/And I can't stand it/

/Baby, I love you/
/I never want to let you go/
/The more I think about,/
/The more I want to let you know/
/That everything you do,/
/Is super duper cute/
/And I can't stand it/
/And I can't stand it/
/No I can't stand it/