How Things End

by rokubi-raijuu

Short poem piece on the evolution of the relationship between Rufus and Tseng from Rufus's early years to his vice presidency. Can be shippy but doesn't have to be.

I.

this is how my mind was occupied

as I strode the spotless halls

beneath light that allowed no shadows.

this is how I was exhausted after a long day

and yet never questioned why I chose to become a Turk.

II.

this is the way I heard your footsteps, hurried and light

on tiled floors, before I even rounded the corner,

and looked up from the documents I held.

this is how you collided with me, a small blond missile in a tailored white suit.

this is how I glimpsed the turmoil of a child

before you hid your face in my chest.

III.

this is how I paused

and then folded my arms around you and pulled you close.

this is the way you trembled against me like paper,

even though your tears remained silent;

you were proud even then.

this is the silence that settled,

and the way I allowed you to stay as long as you needed.

these are the words I never spoke.

IV.

this is how I felt when one day, you stopped finding me,

because that wasn't what grown men did,

what the company Vice President did,

even though I knew your nightmares hadn't stopped.

this is my regret whenever you treated me coldly.

and this is how I resigned myself to the practical,

and forced myself to forget.