The Spice of Life [M]

"You. Reno needed to be rid of the weekend at the villa and it was less of a loss this way. Though it is likely that Lazard will require us to do a few hours of actual work for covering any suspicion as to both of us taking leave at the same time."

It was unusual for him to use his own leave time that he earned. Shinra had been the only thing he had ever known. With his mother dead in childbirth and no father to be spoken of, unaware of even where his hometown was, there had never been any reason. The last time had been at the urging of Genesis and Angeal to join them for a visit to their hometown. It had been an unusual experience but not fully unwelcome.

Zack's hand came in contact with his own and the thumb brushed along it. It was quiet enough not to draw attention though the soft contact was there. Lightly fingers brushed over the leg under his hand.

Reno shook his head silently at Tseng - getting him to relax and enjoy himself was harder than invading a hostile country and winning them over. Regardless he still loved him, and knew that given a little time he would ease up.

"They ought to get in now before I kidnap the system and use it all night," he joked, watching the first karaoke singers. "Any requests or am I going in blind, tonight?"

"I can't hear this song without mentally seeing Carlton dance... and today it's like someone shot him in the kneecap before playing it," Reno winced, pulling Tseng a little closer as thought it would shield him from the sound of the man's voice.

"Guilty of Love?" He quirked an eyebrow and then grinned. "They ought to have it, so if they do... your wish is my command."

He pulled Tseng into a kiss and then released him before standing on the seat and clambering into the next booth - which was still thankfully empty - and heading over to the machine to flick through the book quickly.

"Hmm, they do - thank goodness." He grinned again and leant against the wall, patiently waiting.

Reno gave a soft grumble as Tseng moved away from the table and went to the bar, though he was thankful there was still a good view of the stage from there (and vice versa).

He politely applauded the singers before him, relieved when he got to the microphone. He knew the song like the back of his hand and knew there would be little to no need to ever look at the screen.

He gave a smirk as the music began.

((Link and back-up link))

It had been a joke that Reno must have been related to the lead singer seeing as his mother was also a Coverdale, but it was an amusing trifle that could never and would never be proven. It made it no less true, however, that Reno had an easy command of the song, his voice pitch perfect as he took on the lead vocals with what appeared to be no discernible effort.

It took a good deal of effort not to smirk.