[Open Post]

[plate_builder]

Does it need to be said? You can find this poor civil engineer in any sort of situation you want. Put up a starter and let it run free. No Scarlets welcome, though. He can't stand them.

Comments

[afterlaborday]

"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."

[plate_builder]

"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.

[afterlaborday]

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."

[plate_builder]

"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."

[afterlaborday]

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

[plate_builder]

"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.

[afterlaborday]

"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?

[plate_builder]

"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.

[afterlaborday]

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

[plate_builder]

Now? Reeve just pulls his lover into his arms to hug him. He doesn't even care. Sex may come later, for now he just wants the comfort.

"I was terrified for you when you sent me away. And then I was told the remnants came after you."

[afterlaborday]

Rufus hugs back, but chuckles softly, and tilts his head up to look at Reeve. "I know how to make myself useful, Reeve. I also alerted your friends when it became obvious I needed help."

[plate_builder]

"You really do, love," Reeve agrees, shifting a bit so he can pull his lover down onto him, just a bit. "I guess everyone knows you're alive now."

[afterlaborday]

"If they don't, their head is in the sand." Rufus shrugs softly, as if dismissing the fact. He knew eventually his being alive would be discovered, and plans had already been made for the inevitability. However, "I wonder if it will cause you much trouble."

[plate_builder]

"I don't feel that many people would connect our work. And us?"

No, no one would ever think about that.

[afterlaborday]

"If they were to, how would we go about handling it? On both fronts, though I suppose 'us' would be the most problematic if it were found out."

[plate_builder]

“I suppose it depends on who find out. If it’s the former AVALANCHE people I think Cloud and Vincent can easily handle anyone who would harass me, given what you and the Turks did.” It is the other thing that is the greater problem. In a way it would be better that people see one connection than the other. 

[afterlaborday]

"Yes... although I can just see the disapproving looks, although not words, either of them would direct at us." Rufus chuckles, wrapping his arms around Reeve's neck. "Perhaps we shouldn't worry too much about it right now, though. There was another matter I wished to discuss with you."

[plate_builder]

“Whatever business you want,” Reeve agrees, a more serious tone now.

[afterlaborday]

"Less business, more personal." Rufus also looks a little more serious, though also perhaps idly curious. "But it is another situation I would have to ask you hear me out, because it will sound bad to start."

[plate_builder]

Oh dear. He hates it when Rufus talks like that. Especially on personal matters. He almost feels like he should brace himself.

"Alright then. Speak your peace."

[afterlaborday]

Rufus is actually silent for several moments, watching Reeve as he obviously tries to figure out the best way to say what is on his mind, before sighing and just going for his usual bluntness.

"I realized something while we were apart, and it's confusing to me..." He tilts his head a little, frowning. "I do fine without you. As in, I can maintain my plans and the attitude everyone is used to, all without missing a beat. Still...I noticed something else."

Rufus moves just slightly, getting as close into Reeve's space as he is allowed, making sure to catch his eyes as he speaks again.

"I can do all that, and yet, it feels hollow and lonely..."

[plate_builder]

Well that wasn’t what Reeve had expected at all, and he is silent for a long moment as he considers what was said. 

“We’re apart more often than we are together, my love. Was it different this time? Or is it something else?”

[afterlaborday]

"It felt comfortable being the arrogant asshole again." The response should be enough of an answer, but he continues as he leans back gently into the couch. "Not having to worry what others might think, just to act like I had always been expected to, was easier."

[plate_builder]

“And now you can do that but it feels... but it feels familiar but empty? Rufus, love, you’re living a life where you do care. Where you are invested in people and helping others and your family in the Turks. You’re Finding that while the old ways are easier, they don’t make you happy. You have changed.”

[afterlaborday]

He huffs a little, though whether because he knew that and didn't need it said, or because he honestly hadn't wanted to think of it, would have to wait for words he doesn't seem to want to give for a time, as he mulls over something.

"Honestly, part of it did make me happy."