A/N: Ok so I thought you might want to know a little more about how Reno changed from the simpering mess he seems to be in 'Starting Over' to the seemingly in control and confident guy he seems to be in 'Surprises'. I was actually wondering this myself so this is like this is the prolog to the side story that is Reno's dermatic change. In other words, "How Reno gained control?"

Rufus was sitting at his desk as per usual, waiting for someone to come into his office. He didn't look up from his papers as the door open, he did however motion to the chair opposite his. "Sit."

The tall bald man closed the door before he took a seat in the indicated chair. "Rufus, Sir?"

"I'm going to be working late tonight." Rufus said looking up at Rude now. "I'm sorry Rude, I'll have to put our dinner plans on hold again."

Rude nodded with a slight sigh, "It's okay Sir. I have a feeling I should be home tonight anyway."

Rufus looked at him puzzled, "Rude, I've noticed something has been bothering you." He said softly and his eyes spoke of soft concern for the man he was looking at as well. "Does it concern a certain Redhead you secretly admire?"

Rude looked up at Rufus his own concern filling his hidden eyes. He'd never said anything to Rufus to let the man know he had feelings for anyone else. "He hasn't gone out in several nights, something he has done every night since moving here. Something has changed." He answered knowing Rufus would only continue the line of questions until he got the answers he wanted.

"He was fired for molesting and patron." Rufus responded flatly.

"He can't control that." Rude said back in the redheads defence. "He has when I'm around."

Rufus raised an eyebrow in thought, "Has he a partner?" He asked curiously.

"No..." Rude answered not sure where Rufus was going now. "But it may help."

"Rude, you know if I could help I would." Rufus sighed softly as he got to his feet. "But he has to come to me. He has to want help." He walked around the desk to stand beside Rude.

"Rufus..." He looked up at the other man a moment before looking away again. He felt a little guilty about his own feelings. "Can I send him to you? He needs a job." He asked softly.

Rufus nodded, "You can, he seems more than qualified from what Cid has told me." He reached over and rubbed at Rude's shoulders. He could feeling the tension in the other man's body ease a little at his touch. "You should tell him how you feel." He said softly.

Rude nodded again and looked up at Rufus the worry and doubt showing in his eyes. "What about us?"

Rufus could see into the other man eyes over the top edge of the shades covering his eyes. "He needs you." Rufus answered, "If he comes to me, he'll need more than you can give him." He sighed softly, "But like with us, he'll have to come to me."

Rude stood slowly, he was taller than his boss, but he hugged Rufus tightly. "Thank you Rufus."

"Your welcome Rude." Rufus smiled and returned the embrace. "Love you. Go home and get some rest. I'll see you lunch time."

Rude smiled leaning down and kissing Rufus, "Love you too. I'll try, but I have a feeling it won't be happening."

XxXxX

And how right Rude was about his last statement to his boss and lover. He was home for maybe an hour when Reno showed up on his doorstep with Axel, Demyx, and Kairi.

End Note: I won't be leaving questions here because I don't expect this story to have as many chapters as the others or as closely kept together as 'Startiing Over'. There will be time gaps, and parts of the story will be written in to 'Starting Over'. But there is more to come just give me time to find when the more comes.