Open/Overflow

[ambitiousblond]

Comments

for beenhad

[ambitiousblond]

[continued from here]

[Rufus isn't as self-occupied with himself that he didn't notice the small details such as Tseng letting him drink first. They were small details but ones he appreciated nonetheless and not just because Tseng was acknowledging his position.

He smirked a little when Tseng mentioned his father dying alone, returning the salute before taking another drink. There was no hint of grief in his expression. His father had died an old fool. Rufus had no intention of following in his footsteps.

He looked up at Tseng, the amusement fading.]

How will you ensure that, Tseng?

[But he knew if Tseng made that promise he would see it through no matter what. Tseng had never failed him, not once.]

[beenhad]

[ That's it, Tseng thinks, watching the corners of Rufus's mouth curl when Tseng mentions his father's untimely demise. All the ambition he'd shown when he was younger, the ruthlessness, the pleasure he'd taken in dismantling all his father had built and become—it wasn't beaten out of him after all. Always it had been there, lurking beneath the surface and biding its time for days like these.

Tseng boldly takes a few steps forward. His dark eyes openly scan Rufus's face. He remembers a time just like this one, when he'd stood across from Rufus, so sure that he and his men would be executed in the name of securing sensitive Shinra intelligence, his world so utterly shattered when the son of the most powerful man in the world intervened on their behalf.

It wasn't kindness, Tseng is pretty sure. As ambitious as he is himself, the only clear motive that he can parse from all of this is a very long, very well-planned and expertly executed political maneuver. ]

Two of my men survived the AVALANCHE incident.

[ Thanks to you, he does not say, but his head does bow respectfully as he lifts a bottle to refill the president's glass. ]

They are the very best, and I will ensure that if I am not by your side personally, they will be there in my stead. But mostly I will be here—should the offer appeal to you, of course.

for wingsofhonor

[ambitiousblond]

Rufus had heard the rumors, even though everyone was so careful in what they said around him. He wouldn't have been surprised if it was true that his father had bastard children scattered around Midgar. The true shock came when he heard that one of those bastard siblings was closer than he thought.

He had heard of Lazard Deusericus though he had never met the director of SOLDIER. He had never thought that they looked alike but curiosity gnawed at him until he knew he had to meet his older half brother. At 15, Rufus very limited freedom to do what he wanted so it was difficult to slip his handlers but one day he had managed to do just that.

It hadn't been easy to slip down to the floor where the administrative offices of SOLDIER were located. He had heard stories of the SOLDIERS who served Shinra but he had never actually met one. He wasn't sure what to expect when he stepped into the office which seemed empty at first.

He moved around the desk, his heart beating fast as he stopped. Leaning against the desk was a large, broad sword that seemed as if it would be impossible to lift. He reached out to lightly touch the blade, wondering what kind of action this sword had seen. One hand curled around the handle but he didn't have the chance to try to lift the sword before he heard a sound of someone behind him.

"Who are you?" He lifted his chin as he looked at the SOLDIER who had entered the office. He was Rufus Shinra, he belonged here but he knew that he wasn't supposed to be here, nonetheless.

[wingsofhonor]

"Didn't your parents teach you any manners?" Angeal asks with a withering stare that could freeze hell over and then some. He just walked out of the office to grab a water bottle from the vending machine only to return to this. He stares at the youth for a long while, his mako-infused eyes watching him curiously with a hint of annoyance.

' Who in the hell let Rufus Shinra in here?' From what little Angeal knows about the boy, he suspected the youth would be at Junon and not Midgar. There are rumors about the director's ties with the Shinra family but Angeal didn't pay much attention to them. He's not one for idle gossip in the first place. It's just not honorable in his eyes, especially since Director Lazard is a good man.

A sigh passes through Angeal's lips as he approaches the desk. "Hewley." He answers as he places the water bottle down upon the desk. "Angeal Hewley, SOLDIER First-Class, and that's my sword." He explains before reaching for the hilt. He better move it before this silly kid ends up getting himself injured or worse.

What we spoke about

[backoff]

Healen Lodge. Cloud did not think that he would be back here so soon after the incident with Geostigma and Sephiroth making an appearance. He made sure to offer those in need of help to use the church while it offered the healing power. It possibly could not last forever. Rain always seemed to be around Cloud as much as anything else that seems to connect back to him in some way. He never thought it would lead to a way of healing.

Now, he had been here to see Rufus Shrina to discuss how to eradicate the remaining Geostigma. If there were to be even such a way? Cloud did not know where to look in the slightest. He had clients to look after himself with Strife Deliveries. There were very few left that used his services still. He knew having gone off for a while would mean a slower build up again. Cloud bites the inside of his mouth a little the anticipation growing within his gut. Old nerves flaring deep within as he looked across Rufus's desk at the man who had been close to death too. He truly wondered if what the other said about helping the planet now had been complete honesty. Reno kind of slipped up as he always does. But Cloud's always willing to flee when the moment had been right.

He casually adjusts a glove on his hand acting as if it had been a tad bit on the loose side.

"How exactly are we going to be doing this?" Cloud does not sound at all convinced on the we as he speaks in a slight unsure way. He can not help but be uneasy, he's unsure of what Rufus actually thought. What went on in the other's head? If they were remotely going to work together, he would need to learn to trust Rufus, which would take time.

[ambitiousblond]

How different things were now.

Rufus didn't answer Cloud's question at first, regarding him for a moment. They were both different people than they were that night on top of the Shinra building. The world had changed, they had both lost a lot along the way but they had also both survived. Jenova, Sephiroth, now Geostigma. They were similar in that they both were willing to fight with the last of their strength to survive, he could admire that about Cloud.

"That's why I called you," he said suddenly to break the silence between them. "While I have the resources to accomplish this project, you have the knowledge of how things work in Edge. You and your friends also have the trust of the people."

No matter what Shinra did whether it was building the monument or aiding Geostigma patients, there would always be an undercurrent of distrust that had been festering for many years even before Meteorfall. They had made progress but it would take time to truly build some sort of trust.

lmk if this works!

[ruinedempire]

[A nondescriptive bar, except for the fact that it draws its patrons suddenly and without warning to its entrance. There's some patrons sitting at the tables, but their appearance are somehow vague, etched in a blurred manner. Despite that, their presence has only led to two empty seats at the front of the bar and it's where one Rufus Shinra, recently healed of Geostigma, takes his seat.

Clearly, this is an invitation of sorts, and he doesn't even know who he's meeting in this strange nexus. Well, he might as well order a small glass, the house special, as he awaits for the next stage to begin.]

sounds good have some remake rufus

[ambitiousblond]

[And in enters the newly crowned heir of the empire himself, flush with victory. He had been anointed when Tseng had uttered those two perfect words before he took his rightful place.

Mr. President.

Those two words still echo in his mind as he finds himself in this dimension suspended in space, a world between worlds. There he is looking at a reflection of himself- no, not a reflection. There are things don't fit together in a way he can't describe.]

Is this some kind of future vision? A warning?

TFLN continuation | Your wish is my command

[backoff]

[ continued from here ]

Don't make me wait. Cloud knew that would get broken right away. He would at least try to make it there as quickly as he possibly could. If Cloud would get a punishment from making Rufus wait that could play into this game they're playing. Cloud's not sure what exactly he's getting himself into but he can't deny feeling a slight thrill out of it. Maybe the adrenaline within his veins caused some of those inward desires to surface.

He already had an idea of where to go. As Cloud slipped inside he would make sure that locks got locked so they couldn't get interrupted. Any other day or time Cloud may have left it unlocked on purpose. He's going to be following up on the role he partook in this. Cloud wets his lips with his tongue being pressed between them.

As Cloud walks further into the room, he doesn't make the other wait anymore inside. He could do that much taking his steps a bit more quicker than his normal mosey ways. Cloud would keep his eyes upon Rufus as he makes his way over to Rufus. If Rufus truly is in nothing but a crown, his eyes would remain focused on Rufus's face as he gets closer.

Cloud would purposefully stay away just enough out of Rufus's reach. He sinks slowly to his knees, as he's down on them he spreads them out in way where his ass isn't completely on the ground and above the floor. Cloud's forearms are resting against his sides as his hands are on top of the inside of his upper thighs. He starts to lean forward while tilting his head up at Rufus. Cloud's lips part open as he takes in a breath.

The silence is what Cloud had been aiming for wanting to add in that anticipation that he may not vocal what Rufus had asked for. Cloud wouldn't be properly fulfilling his role if he didn't. But he could always act up later... why do act up right away?

"I did not intend to make his highness wait." Cloud lowers his eye lids while looking through his eyelashes. "I want nothing more than for his highness to touch me."

It's not quite begging. He's building up to it while staying perfectly still in the position he made for himself. Cloud's leaning as far forward at this position would allow. His bites down on his bottom lip while fully opening his eyes. "Please touch me."

[ambitiousblond]

Rufus tosses his phone aside after giving his command to Cloud to attend to him right away. He sits naked on the divan by the window, a glint from the silver crown he wore sitting upon his brow caught the light and gave it a gleam in the dark.

He turns his gaze to the door when Cloud enters, a smirk upon his lips as Cloud knelt upon the floor, just out of reach. He sits up, letting Cloud sit there on his knees for a little bit as if he's considering what to do with him. He knows what he wants tonight already, however.

"Hmm I believe I may be able to forgive this if you're willing to serve me tonight," he remarks with amusement, stretching out a leg to distract Cloud's attention. "I'm not going to touch you right now since you're hardly dressed for the occasion."

He gestures for Cloud to strip in front of him, not bothering to hide the fact that he was watching him intently.

for goons

[ambitiousblond]

[continued from here]

You can just let yourself in, I'll be waiting in the bath.

[goons]

[Rude doesn't think this is going to end well. One day Tseng is going to find out, and whether or not he still has a job at that point will be interesting to see.

But, he's not good at refusing orders from the top. That's how he considers these things to rationalize how willing he is to go along with it. He lets himself inside, dismissing the other Turk and the guard accompanying him because he has seniority here. The same thing he does every other time they meet like this.]

Sir?

[Rude shrugs off his jacket as he locks up behind him, pulling off his gloves, and removing his firearm, tie, and glasses. He makes his way into the bathroom in case Rufus hadn't heard him come inside.]

Enjoying yourself?

for probatum

[ambitiousblond]

[Everyting hurt when he came to. Rufus had to give his kidnappers some credit for being able to pull this off so far- he hadn't seen the blow to his head coming and by the time he had regained consciousness, he was bound in the back of some vehicle with a bag over his head that prevented him from seeing or hearing anything clearly. He tried to figure out what turns the car was making but gives up when he realizes that he most likely was unconscious for a while, he has no way of knowing where in Midgar they are, if they are in the city at all.

He almost has to laugh despite his current circumstances. Veld had always scolded him for being reckless and putting himself in danger, saying that something like this was going to happen one day and Rufus would come to regret it. He had been warned that while the Turks would always do their best to protect him, there was only so much that they could do, especially if Rufus was determined to make their lives difficult by his reckless antics.

He's scared, certainly. He's not dead yet so he figures that these people are looking to keep him alive at least long enough to see what kind of money they could get out of his father. He knew that his father was a businessman first and foremost, however, he would want to pay to get his one legitimate heir back but he would make sure he got a bargain beforehand. He had to be prepared that he might be here awhile.

That led him to the next realization- he had to survive at all costs until he was either freed or the Turks find him. Just because his captors needed him alive didn't mean that there aren't other possibilities. But he refuses to cower, he refuses to show fear even when they arrive at the destination, the hood is ripped from his face and he's shoved into a dark, dirty room. If they are hoping to get any kind of begging or tears from Rufus, they will be disappointed.

Days pass. His continued definence is an endless source of frustration for his kidnappers but he holds onto each ounce of strength no matter what. His father never made any secret that he thought Rufus was weak and pathetic, Rufus would make a point to prove him wrong. He would survive, he would wait for any moment to make his escape.

That opportunity came one day when he wakes suddenly to what he thinks is a gunshot. For a moment he lays there, wondering if he's dreaming but then there is another one followed by a muffled thud. Possibilities run through his head, perhaps one of the Turks, perhaps some rival thug looking to take control of this operation.

Either way, he's going to take no chances when the door suddenly opens and there is a dark figure in the doorway. Rufus is prepared and throws his weight at the man before he has a chance to react. This could be his only chance to escape. For a moment he holds the other man down, prepared to fight tooth and nail before he stops.

It takes him a moment for Rufus to register who he's sitting on, eyes moving up the black suit, the slightly long black hair, and deep brown eyes. Huh.

Well, this had just gotten a lot more interesting. He grins, staying right where he is for the moment.]

You're late.

[probatum]

[ It's no surprise to him that he's come this far already--that he's clawed his way up from the sea of rosy-cheeked recruits just looking to be part of something bigger than themselves, the desperate throng of those seeking violence or the excitement of espionage, that he's neatly side-stepped falling into any shadows of suspicion or disappointment. It's true that he may have his own reasons for wanting to join the Turks, but those are reasons he keeps close to his chest, so far away from anything his tongue says or his eyes smile with, that it's nearly unreadable and impossible to pin down exactly why he's working so hard, or why it comes as no surprise to anyone that he's at the right hand of Veld before anyone else can make it.

Pending retirement--though that, really, is a joke as much as anything else is, given that there's really only one way to leave the Turks and he knows it--he thinks he'll be the one in charge. The one calling all the shots. And that, somehow, is enticing enough that he doesn't care how much everyone else hates him for being good.

That's not to say there aren't aspects of the job that irritate him. There's plenty, including the apparent need to have a partner for most things, and while he knows there are those among his ranks that work better together--he doesn't think Reno would be nearly as lethal without Rude there to tether him down--he hates the idea of having to depend on anyone. He works better alone: or with a team below him. And as much as it becomes clear that he should be doing something more, he earns respect simply by performing. He doesn't have the kind of sweetness that will get him far by way of a good personality; he's simply good at his job, and the honeyed words he says come only at the expense of the acid they hold.

Even more irritating, of course, is the president's son--who, apparently, can't keep himself out of trouble long enough for Tseng to take a breath. It's an important mission, he's told, to go and retrieve the young heir, but to him it's just another thing on the list of annoying things that he doesn't want to have to deal with. Assassinating a bunch of kidnappers? Isn't that child's play? So maybe he thinks a little too highly of himself--maybe he's giving his skills a little too much credit. Because infiltrating the base where Rufus is kept is one thing, but it's a whole other thing entirely to kill--his hand is shaking before he even realizes it, and though the first man goes down with ease, the second and the third suffer from his lack of precise aim. They die a rather painful death, rather than the clean shot through the head--but he's still young, he's learning.

Just like he's learning, still, that Rufus Shinra can be an even bigger pain in the ass--when he opens the door and has the entire weight of the other launching at him, catching him by surprise as his knees buckle and he hits the ground.]

You're a nuisance.

[ He says, his eyes narrowed, as he stares up at Rufus--there's a bit of blood splatter on his face, staining the collar of his suit, and a bit of his chin-length hair sticks to his jaw with sweat. ]

If you would, sir, I would like you rescue you, but I cannot take you from here if you insist on sitting on me.

[goons]

It feels foolish. Making an appointment with his boss to discuss their relationship. The act in itself is indicative of just how many overlaps there are between his work and private life, so maybe it's appropriate that he's doing it this way. At the very least he's not concerned that his actions and feelings don't pose any conflict of interest. Not in a negative way.

"Sir?" There are people walking through the corridor outside the office, and since he doesn't know who he can trust he tends to play it safe and keep things professional when they weren't completely alone. Rude lets himself in, locks the door, and drops the act.

Rufus is there, of course, surrounded by paperwork. Rude just walks up to his desk and takes a seat on the opposite side as if this were really just a meeting. "We have to talk about this, Rufus."

[ambitiousblond]

"Rude." He had been confused when the appointment had come up on his schedule- he didn't think they needed to have a formal sit-down time to talk when Rufus was practically in his bed every night.

So this must be a professional matter. He frowns just slightly when Rude locks the door, putting aside and closing the binder of papers he had been reading through.

"Talk about what?" He has an idea, the line between employer and employee was blurred in a way that they had never defined. Rufus wasn't his boss when they were in bed but that just complicated things even further.

tfln petitpistol

[ambitiousblond]

[continued from here]

Innocent? If I recall you were the one responsible for the Chocobo Incident.

[petitepistol]

you didn't forget about that one huh. i
was weakly responsible

"text me" continuation thread (lmk if this is okay)

[heavenlybrawler]

[ she's heard about scarlet. weapons division, she thinks, but it's more so the executive's...personality that has tifa wincing when she reads what rufus wrote. she doesn't know much about the hierarchy concerning those who are beneath the president and vice president, but she knows that shinra would stop at nothing to eradicate any threats that come their way.

it really says something when she thinks about this sort of ally-ship she's got going on with rufus and, by extension, his turks. maybe when this is dealt with, she'll have to talk to him about it. she's been keeping this from the others--and maybe cloud might able to be reasoned with, but she knows she'll have a harder time with barret. it almost feels like a betrayal, what she's been doing, which is mostly keeping in contact with rufus, but she also knows that barret's views of the world tend to be more based with clear binaries. maybe this is something she can keep from him, never let him know, and both she and rufus can continue to play the part as being on two opposite sides where they consider each other the enemy.

she mulls this over while making her way to marlene's room and ensuring the little girl is safe. as she's doing so, she can see more figures approaching the bar. a few of them are talking, but none of them bear any resemblance, based on their silhouettes of either reno or elena. quickly and quietly, she gathers marlene in her arms, the little girl grumbling a bit at being woken up and tifa shushes her as she sneaks out from the back door and making her way to stargazer heights. once she knows marlene is safe, thanks to marle, she returns back to seventh heaven and can see that there's a few more figures who look like they're staking out the place.

she hides behind one of the shops and takes out her phs, dialling rufus's number. ] Whatever Heidegger and Scarlet are planning with the Don, it's happening right now. I think I see about [ she stops to count the number of figures she can see from where she's crouched. ] 15 people. Can you spare anymore Turks?

it's perfect!

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus had always known Heidegger and Scarlet wanted him out of the way, even before his father had met his untimely end. He remembers all too well how Heidegger wanted Rufus dealt with after his betrayal had been revealed when he was Vice President. It was only because of what remaining sentimentality that the former President had for him that he had only been banished to a room for years.

But he was angry that they had no idea that Scarlet and Heidegger had apparently decided to involve the Don in their plans. Of course, it made sense. They could eliminate Avalanche and Rufus along with his Turks easier that way. And under either Heidegger or Scarlet's rule, the Don would have a more lucrative deal.

He had to stop to think that it was strange that it seemed once more that he was helping Avalanahe by providing information and perhaps funding if needed. Tseng wasn't as amused when Rufus pointed out, only remarking flately that at least hopefully this time it wouldn't lead to house arrest. But right now the threat posed by the Don, Scarlet, and Heidegger was a common threat that needed to be dealt with apparently that night.

Her call comes in the middle of his discussion with Tseng, holding up a hand to pause their conversation as he picks up the phone as soon as he recognizes Tifa's number. Tseng hadn't been thrilled with Rufus providing her his private line but in the end, Rufus was glad that he had made that decision.]

Rude is monitoring Heidegger and Scarlet and Tseng is with me. Tseng says he has some trusted guards he will send to back up Elena and Reno at your location.

[Rufus puts his phs down, putting it on speaker so Tseng can hear their conversation easier.]

I have no doubt that this is a coordinated operation, you should warn your friends to expect company shortly as well if they don't know already.

[He's not doing this out of the good of his heart- he knows they'll need Cloud if they are to have any chance of stopping Sephiroth eventually. But that's a matter for another time, if they can get through the night.]

[ambitiousblond]

[continued from here]

You're not on the clock right now. This isn't an order from your boss.

[Rufus stays still as Rude works, watching his expression. He's never had stitches before, materia just took care of everything in a moment but that's not an option right now. He's feeling less dizzy now that he's able to lay down for it a bit but being alone tonight didn't seem appealing.]

[looking_sharp]

[As if he was ever not on the clock when Rufus's safety was in the balance. But he nodded along.]

Of course I'll stay, mi rey.

[If he'd being asked 'off the clocks' then he's not going to hold back from his endearments. Meanwhile he's finished with the cleaning and sets the gauze aside to lift out the suture kit. Perhaps he could do it with only those.]

Have you had any pain medication?

for wingsofhonor

[ambitiousblond]

The urge had hit him out of nowhere as it usually did, he had spent the last few minutes of the morning board meeting thinking about the last time Angeal had him over his desk. It took all his willpower to not shift in his seat but there was nothing that could stop his thoughts from drifting to their last appointment when Rufus was so sore afterward he could barely walk.

It was rude to take his phone out and start texting in the middle of the meeting but he didn't care, he had an appointment to set and had decided that Angeal would be free that afternoon. He didn't want to wait to see when their schedules would like up, he would just make it happen. He had very little power as Vice President but he could at least do this.

It had taken a good deal of self-control not to touch himself as he waited for Angeal in his rooms and exactly at 2 he opens the door before waiting for the SOLDIER to knock.


"Just on time, SOLDIER. Very professional."

As soon as the door closes behind Angeal all sense of professionalism is discarded though, Rufus is pulling Angeal to him. "I knew I could count on you."

[wingsofhonor]

Angeal should've seen this coming. The second he realized that Rufus would be in town, he should've known his day was going to veer off course. Despite how unpredictable the Vice President might seem, he's actually a man of habit. The last time their schedules lined up like this was in Junon when Angeal was briefly stationed there along with Genesis. Sephiroth was still back in Midgar suffering an onslaught of questions from the top brass regarding the war effort. It was the perfect time for Rufus to steal away Angeal for his perverse pleasure and probably one of the best days Angeal's life. That's why he can't help but smirk once he saw that message earlier. He should've known.

"It's always better to be three hours too soon than one minute too late." Angeal comments once Rufus drags him inside. He closes the door behind him and locks it. The last thing they need is Tseng ruining their fun. While Tseng always means well, he can honestly be a bit overbearing at times. Although, Angeal isn't opposed to him joining in on the fun someday. He smirks at the thought.

"You look good, Rufus," Angeal mutters as he caresses his strong hands along Rufus's back. "Good enough to eat but I'll let you pick the courses of today's lunch."

for goons

[ambitiousblond]

[Rufus knew he wasn't going to be able to sleep even before Rude texted him. The day was still a blur from the moment he had heard the first shot. After that, everything happened so fast he didn't have time to really react or let things sink in.

While Tseng and Reno took care of the would-be assassin, Rufus let Rude take care of the wound where the bullet had grazed his upper arm. He had been lucky to be alive- the assassin had been willing to risk anything to accomplish his goal. It wasn't the first time someone had tried to kill him but it was the first time he had actually been shot, he wasn't prepared for how painful that was.

It didn't escape his notice that Rude's hands lingered just a breath too long to be professional, the way he bandaged the wound was almost reverent, and the look of concern in his eyes was not of an employee taking care of his boss. It wasn't the first time they had these less than professional moments but the kiss still surprised him, that Rude would be the first to cross that boundary. The kiss had said everything neither of them could put into words but then the moment passed when Tseng came into the room to debrief Rufus.

Now as he lay alone in the cold bed in the darkness, the adrenaline had worn off and he knew that he wasn't going to sleep, especially when Rude texted him. After the last message, he sets his phone to the side, sitting up slightly in bed as he waits for the Turk.]

[goons]

[Rude hadn't thought anything of being the one to provide first aid since no one else was on the scene to take care of it. Tseng took Reno, and the two of them together would likely not stop until they found and "punished" the responsible party. That would take a lot of time if he included the torture he suspected they'd have to go through for intel (and amusement), which meant it was his job to keep Rufus safe in the meanwhile.

Safe wasn't supposed to include lingering touches, and stolen glances at his lips. He didn't know what he was thinking trying to kiss him, but it happened and even though Tseng interrupted in the right moment, he'd left them alone together afterward.

He steps into the room, loosening his tie after locking the door behind him. Rude steps up to the side of the bed cautiously, like he's waiting on Rufus to change his mind and send him out again.]

How are you feeling? [Rude slips his hand behind him to disarm himself, setting the gun down nearby on the bedside table for easy access if he would need it. There's some hesitation, but he sits down at the edge of the bed, facing away from Rufus at first.]

( text )

[fortifier]

Hey. 👀
Just so you know, I totally figured out what you and Sephiroth have been doing in his office.
And honestly, I'm insulted.
Shocked.
Appalled, even!

[Shall we take bets on how wildly off the mark Zack is?]

( text )

[ambitiousblond]

[Shit.

It wasn't like Rufus had been careful lately, especially when he broke the chair but ok, he can play it cool, find out what Zack really knows before he confirms anything outright.]

How did you find out? I thought no one else even suspected.