plate_builder | [Open Post]

Rufus chuckles softly at Reeve sucking at his fingers, ignoring the almost jealous look from Reno, and the lack of reactions from Tseng and Rude. Elena herself doesn't hide the giggle she gives off.

Aside from that, Rufus and the Turks do seem to behave themselves at dinner; even Reno.

Reeve even behaves. Mostly. Well, he didn't mind that little display. Not that he really gets Reno's jealousy, even after all of this. And when it's done he nods his appreciation to the Turks, pouring another glass of wine for them each.

"To you all. For all the effort you went to in the means of protecting this city. You've saved a lot of lives. There are weights we cannot ever be free of, crimes that cannot be wiped clean. But we try. With every day we try. And you have done a lot."

It probably seems that the Turks are vaguely confused by the speech, all except Tseng, though Rufus chuckles gently and accepts the toast for what it is; he can explain it to them later.

The toast finished, and dinner effectively done, Rufus asks the question which is probably on everyone's mind. "How long will it take to rebuild this time, Reeve?"

That question earns a tired noise from Reeve.

"We're still doing calculations. Luckily the majority of the damage was to in construction areas, the town square, ore restricted areas like the roads into Midgar. It's this last set that will take the most work to repair, but is the least pressing. The construction sites are rather bad, that needs new materials more than anything. Much of the metal work isn't reusable. We'll try and rework it into fresh girders. It's going to take time, but not too bad."

The thing is, he is smiling before the end. Rufus asking means a lot. Yes, they've worked together since Meteorfall, he gets that Rufus cares. But mostly, it's a change from the plate, and that matters.

Reeve already knew Rufus' take on the plate, both when he was still chasing the Ancients, and now; and considering the fact he had disliked that stunt and its loss of life, it would make sense that he had some concern here. Vast damage meant a great loss of life long term, and they didn't need more people dying after the whole Stigma mess.

So he nods at what Reeve says, glancing at Tseng and Elena, before speaking. "Once everyone here is a little better, I'll see if we can scrounge up a bit more reliable help, at least in the short term."

"We'll manage," Reeve promises with a soft smile. "We've done this before. We'll manage now. I know we can. But thank you, Rufus. It will be appreciated."

Most likely he'll pull more people off the WRO works.

Rufus just nods a little, before smiling at Reeve. "Extra hands don't always hurt."

Reeve ignores the little snicker that Reno gives at that comment, not quite certain how Reno finds it funny. Instead he nods his agreement and lets the amusement slide.

"Indeed. Now, speaking of hands," Reeve says, and he turns his attention to Rufus. "I believe I was promised a chance to make sure that you truly are free of the Stigma, and I could stop worrying about having you ripped from my grasp far too soon."

Rufus raises a brow at the remark, also ignoring Reno for the moment, especially since the snicker becomes a full-blown whistle instead. "Very forward today."

It's almost a purr, even as Tseng clears his throat, standing and speaking in a tone that will make sure Reno won't try to question his words. "Then we will take our leave, and come to clean up in the morning. Thank you for the meal, and the champagne."

"Sometimes a man just wants a piece of his lover," Reeve shrugs off the amusement the others have. This is his man, he loves the man, and he's not giving up on him.

"Yeahhhh..." Reno smirks as he stands up, grinning at Reeve, and ignoring the elbow jab Rude gives him. "Just remember we are in a hotel, huh?"

"In a very private room, on a floor with only two rooms." Tseng responds, not letting Reno start anything, before tilting his head slightly to indicate the red-head start moving, and glancing at Reeve. "We are next door, call if you should need anything."

He then turns and starts out of the room, Elena standing to follow and waving at Reeve with a 'thanks for dinner.'

Once they go and the door closes behind them, Reeve pulls Rufus into his arms, just to hold him. He doesn't care to kiss him, doesn't care to make love right now. Instead he just focuses on holding his lover. Please. Let him be here, right here and right now.

"I've been so scared. So scared."

Rufus doesn't seem to mind in the least, reaching up to hug Reeve around the neck, and chuckles softly, tilting his head and looking Reeve in the eye. "I told you I would be fine, Reeve. You should never doubt my stubborness."

"I've lost everyone that meant the world to me before, Rufus. With how I've come to feel about you, it was a fair concern."

Perhaps it was only his own stubbornness that kept him from falling into the grief of the Stigma. Or perhaps the joy Rufus brought him

Rufus shakes his head a little, chuckling at the man. It really was very easy to want to revert to the personality Reeve had known him by all those years ago, condescending and arrogant, but the most he could manage when speaking to him was a mild ribbing.

Which means even though his words are serious, they are also tinged with amusement. "Really, Reeve! You make it impossible for me to have a chance to worry."

"I'd rather I be the one worrying. Worries give you wrinkles. You're too young for that."

"Hm..." Rufus tilts his head a little, bringing his arms down so that he can use his hands to childishly to play with Reeve's face. "I don't know... I wonder if I would stay with you if you got wrinkles."

"If I got wrinkles? My dear, I've already got them around my eyes and my forehead is definitely making it's way there. You'll have to make your decision quickly."

His own arms tighten around Rufus's waist, keeping him close and comfortable. This... this is nice.

Rufus laughs, and it is one of the ones very few get; truly amused and happy. "Oh, is that what those are? Guess I've already made a choice then."

"Pest," Reeve chuckles, but there is affection in the word. He loves this pest so he supposes he's already made his choice too. "Just because you're young and flawless doesn't mean you get to tease my wrinkles."

"Sure it does." Rufus smiles a bit devilishly. "If I didn't, you would be checking me for fever, wouldn't you?"

"Hardly, love."

Still, he finally starts moving, pulling Rufus with him. Let him put Rufus on a couch or something. Let him just work clothes off of the other man.

"Liar." Rufus chuckles as he follows Reeve over to the suite's couch. "My harrassment just means I like you... well, ninety percent of the time. Some people in the past just got sharp words for being morons."

~~Heideggar anyone?~~

"I mean, I could live with some sharp words if you use them in the right context."

He settles his boyfriend down onto the couch and flops next to him, ready to curl next to him.

"We'll see." Rufus smiles, and turns to Reeve as they get seated. "So, what now, Reeve?"

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