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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."

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."

"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."

"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."

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

No, no one would ever think about that.

"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."

“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.

"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."

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

"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."

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."

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..."

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?”

"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."

“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.”

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."

“And now?” Reeve asks, wrapping an arm around his lover. “Are you more or less happy right now?”

Rufus considers the question, leaning into Reeve naturally. More or less happy now? Good question.

"Probably not happy, but I am content. Something a bit more important, I think, that, weird as it may sound."

“It doesn’t sound weird, love. It... it sounds like you might want to keep me for a bit longer. Which is good in my books.”

His fingers move to stroke into the man’s hair.

"I would have kept you anyway." His lips turn up in an evil little smirk, though his eyes seem playful as he shifts to look at Reeve. His hand raising, he brings it up to toy with Reeve's collar. "In fact, there is a small part of me that feels like doing so... until you say no more, anyway."

Well that just earns a chuckle. Good to know he still moves the man in some ways.

“I would hardly say it is a small part. But by all mean, consider it a congratulations on health present.”

"As if you wouldn't enjoy it just as much." Rufus slowly sits up, moving so he can straddle one of Reeve's legs, bringing his hands up to brush his fingers through Reeve's hair before tugging a bit sharply with a smirk. "Though I should warn you, I am in a mood after all of that..."

Well, Rufus isn't wrong about that. He would enjoy it quite a bit, wouldn't he? Doesn't he? Makes a pleased little noise when Rufus tugs at his hair.

"A mood? What ever sort, dear?"

"The kind to be an annoying, slightly unpleasant, very demanding little brat." He lets go of Reeve'a hair, fingers running down slowly, scraping the other man's neck as he goes. "I'm even tempted to give you orders and make you do all the work."

“I mean, it is our celebration of you, I might be amenable. Provided you don’t slip a ‘help me take over the world’ in there.”

Reeve has to say he doesn’t mind the turn this conversation has, inevitably, taken.

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