Tseng nodded, then began relaying a plan,. "It will require you to keep anyone from discovering you can walk at least short distances until the moment is right. You know we will not let you fall."
"That," Rufus said, grinding his teeth through another small attack from the illness. "That will not be difficult, I'm afraid."
Tseng helps him into his bath. .then rewraps the lesions, running his fingers through is hair comfortingly. His phone rang, and he picked it up.
"Yo, all the kids in the city are gone! Even Em's gone. .but we did find Cloud and Tifa at the church. ..we're gonna take 'em back to the seventh heaven and let 'em know about the kids as soon as they wake up. Looks like mr Big n' Ugly got aholda Tifa."
"The children are key," Rufus said carefully, face drawn in thought. "Even... ESPECIALLY those with the Geostigma." He looked at Tseng. "Tell them to stay with Cloud and Miss Lockheart. We will need all the help we can get if we are to defeat them and rescue the children."
"He wants you to stay with them, try to get Cloud to help us. .mayhap using the children will be just the angle you need.
"Yes sir."
Rufus gestured for the phone, taking it and saying, "We leave the safety of the children in your capable hands, gentlemen. Don't disappoint me."
"I won't boss."
Rufus hung up, looking back at Tseng. "Now, tell me of this plan of yours."
"It involves Reno and Rude keeping the attention of the two subordinates, while you speak with the other in one of the buildings nearby, You will be carrying the head in your lap.." He also explains how one they have drawn Yazoo and Loz's attention they will be instructed to use a bomb in order to destroy the other two remnants. Then the throwing off of the box, the shots to destroy it, with luck taking the remnants with it.
"I see," Rufus said, working out his end of the plan in his head. "And how do you and Elena fit into this?"
"We wil be there to catch you. ..in case of more desperate measures being needed."
"I see," Rufus said again. He paused in thought, then looked up at Tseng with a most determined look in his eyes. "Make it happen, Tseng. We don't have time for second chances."
"Yes sir."
With that he left to put things into motion.
Rufus watched Tseng leave, then leaned back in his chair. "Please," he whispered to no one in particular. "Please let this work..."
Cloud meanwhile shook his head to clear it. ..light streaming through the window, but it's dim, very dim.
"Ya know, you're pretty heavy yo."
Rude stood there, just watching Tifa sleep. He couldn't help himself; he WAS a man afterall...
"Weren't there..." he paused, making sure he had Cloud's attention before continuing. "... some kids living with you?" For being an orphanage, the place was shockingly empty.
"'Cause they ain't here."
Rude was mildly taken aback by Cloud's non-answer. "You don't care?" he said, a hint of disgust in his voice. And to think, he'd convinced Reno to let Emily stay there...
"I just. .."He looks over at Tifa as if searching for answers there.
"You're a real handful. ." Reno shakes his head with a sigh of frustration as he goes to look for the kids with Rude.
Rude shut the door behind him, pausing for a moment at the eerie silence of the place. He shook his head, heading down the stairs behind Reno. "Well..." he said, "That went... poorly."
"Yeah, it did. .guy's more fucked in the head than I am. Need ta find the kids, yo. ..Em's gonna be scared to death."
"She's stronger than you think," Rude offered, knowing that if the girl shared any blood at all with Reno... she wouldn't give up without a fight. "And," Rude said, a slow smile crossing his face as he opened his phone. "thanks to Elena, she's got a tracking device on her."
"Smart cookie." Reno grinned "Don' let me forget to tell that girl how much I love her when we get back. "
Soon they've followed to the ancient city of Ajit. ..just in time to see Kadaj enspelling the kids. "Shit you. ..we better get back an' let Spikehead know about this."
Rude nodded, pausing just long enough to take a few more pictures with his phone. Just in case Cloud wasn't feeling 'up to it'... he figured a picture was worth more than a thousand words... especially of that little boy he was so fond of.
Reno gave one last longing back at his little cousin, shivering at the eerie way her normally mint-green eyes had turned a darker emerald and the pupils had become slitted.
Rude poked his head through the Seventh Heaven's doors, listening carefully. There. Voices. Upstairs... Still? Rude frowned, gesturing for Reno to lead them to the pair.
He nodded, walking upstairs, apparantly walking in on the middle of an argument.
Rude chuckled to himself. He heard Tifa's voice saying "I guess that only works for real families..." as they walked in, unnoticed.
"Tifa. ." Cloud blows air through his lips in a frustrated manner. "I'm not fit to help anyone anymore. .not friends, not family. ..nobody."
Tifa rolled her eyes. "Dilly dilly, shilly shally." She paused, sighing before she continued. "Dilly dally, shilly shally!"
Reno gets a rather frustrated expression. "I think she wants you to move on, man."
Rude chuckled at the slightly jump both Cloud and Tifa gave.
"Did you find them!" Tifa asked.
"Nope, just a witness." He didn't tell Tifa he had as vested a stake in getting the kids back as she did. He paused for a moment. "Kadaj's gang took the kids."
"Where are they?" Cloud began to show the tiniest bit of his old fire."
Rude cleared his throat. "They're at their base now." He paused, making sure both Tifa and Cloud were listening very carefully. "The Forgotten City."
Cloud nodded, his eyes narrowing he took off.
Cloud returned quickly, as if he'd forgotten something. "Go," he told the two Turks. "I have to talk to Rufus."
"Stop Running!" Tifa yelled. "I know! Even if you find the kids you might not be able to help them. Maybe something will happen that can never unhappen, that scares you, doesn't it?" She was on a roll, letting it all out at once. "But you need to think about now. Really take it in! Look at you, you think you've got it so damn hard. Well, you hate being alone, so let people in! Sure, you may not answer the phone, but I don't see you throwing it away, either."
"You go. .base is all yours." When he walks out he shoots Rude a look that says. "Like I had to, he has to figure it out for himself."
"You're right," Rude said, following Reno. "He IS more messed up than you."
"Yeah...we better get some rest while we can, yo, we got an early morning."
Rude nodded, a small yawn escaping his mouth. Sleep was an excellent idea.
He mutters "Fucking Remnants. .creepy ass fuckers."
Rude followed Reno back to the small, abandoned townhouse they were sleeping in. He didn't even bother looking for food as his feet shuffled across the floor towards the stairway. "Bed," he said.
He didn't have to tell Reno twice..but his lips siezed his husband's. "Jus in case tomorrow turns sour. ..I wanna have you."
Rude kissed back gently, but sleep was tugging at his senses. He really hoped he didn't fall asleep in the middle of the act.
Reno let out a soft gasp as his lips trailed down Rude's neck.
Rude squirmed a little, trying to get a little more contact with the redhead. He'd already removed his jacket and shoes at the door, but for once, his button up shirt was getting in the way.
Reno dispensed with the shirt quiickly. ..needing to feel Rude against him.
Rude sighed when he felt Reno's skin against his own. He wrapped his arms around his partner, holding him still, just feeling him there. He liked to feel Reno breathe, sometimes. Reminded him that he wasn't going to wake up from a dream world with sticky sheets and an unkempt whore for a partner.
I love you...an' I will admit tomorrow scares me senseless.
"I know," Rude said into Reno's hair. That feeling was back again. Something was definitly NOT right about the way things were happening.
"Wish I knew why."
"So do I," Rude mumbled, placing a kiss on the top of Reno's head. He couldn't quite put his finger on it... just what was feeling so... no right. "Hey," he said gently, placing a hand on Reno's chin. "Let's not worry about it, okay? We have all day tomorrow for that."
"Yeah.. .just want everyone back safe. ."
"I know." With that, Rude claimed Reno's lips gently, hoping to kiss away the redhead's fears... and his own uncertainties.
Reno leaned up into the kiss. .letting the sensation place him in this one golden moment where he had no fear. ..his tongue dancing with Rude's. ..eyes closing half-way.
"Roll over," Rude asked gently. He wanted to kiss every inch of Reno's body, wanted to feel his lover becoming more and more aroused as his ministrations increased. He wanted... something to remember... just in case.
Reno complied...he wanted to remember, too. .just in case something happened. ..he knew how strong the fuckers were.
Rude smiled as he lay himself gently over Reno. He kissed the man's lips again, softly, before moving to kiss across his nose, along his jawline, down his neck. He wanted to keep it slow and soft and... almost dreamlike.
Reno sighed, eyes closing to half-mast again with each touch, moaning very softly. .."Rude..I love you so much...I know we can't make promises. ..so I want you to know. .if this is the last time...I never regretted anything I did with you.. .."
Rude shushed him. He didn't want to hear anything that sounded like giving up. Nothing of the sort. They weren't going to lay down and die. They were going to fight, even until the end, whenever that end decided to happen. He trailed his lips softly over Reno's collarbone, moving down each shoulder and arm as he pressed those soft kisses.
Reno gasped and arched into his mouth. He had every intention of fighting, no doubt about that,he'd been a fighter his whole life and he wasn't about to stop now.. .but he also knew that odds were one or both of them would be either badly injured or killed by one of those bastards. .they were strong. ..damn near Sephiroth strong.
He made it a point to place a single kiss to each of the pads of Reno's fingertips. Those hands, those delicate hands that were far more suited to wrapping around an instrument than wrapping around a weapon. He moved on, though, wanting to make sure he covered all of Reno with his love. Rude kissed across his chest, making it a point to linger on the redhead's nipples.
That delicate flush began blossoming across his face as his eyes closed all the way. .his head tilting back a little. ..he was so waarm. ..feeling so cherished. ..
Rude slid himself further down Reno's body, his nose dotting the redhead's belly button and tickling him slightly as he kissed around it. He could feel his partner's arousal bumping into his chin as he moved lower, but that was the dessert for after the meal he'd started of Reno.
M
He giggled a bit at the tickly sensation of stubble over his belly button, the his hips lifted as Rude skirted his manhood, but he knew what the larger man was doing. ..taking it slowly. .making it memorable.
m
Rude finished kissing down Reno's legs, bypassing the feet because, honestly, he was NOT a feet man... and Reno's had been in shoes that were walked in all day. They were not the most pleasant to smell. "Flip," he requested, wanting to continue his ministrations along Reno's back.
Reno turned over again, doing his damndest not to grind himself into he bed.
He started his trek along Reno's skin at the back of his ankles, pausing on his way up to nibble at the ticklish spot behind each of Reno's knees.
Reno giggled again in response to the tickly feeling. ..he sighed and leaned his head back into Rude's for a moment. ..again his eyes closing all the way. ..he wanted this to last forever. . .he didn't want to see ttomorrow. ..he wanted tonight to last for the rest of his life.
Rude nipped lightly at Reno's ass, moving up his back to continue those feather-light kisses. He finally reached the back of Reno's neck, which was, honestly, one of his favourite spots to kiss on Reno. "Feeling thoroughly loved now?" he asked gently, letting Reno feel his smile on the back of his neck.
"Gods, yes.. .you. .you make me feel cherished. ..make me feel whole. ..make me feel. ..I can beat anything." It came out a hushed, worshipful whisper.
Rude resisted the urge to shake his head. He didn't think he deserved such worship. He was just a man, and a sometimes quiet, distant man at that. He held himself above Reno, giving the man enough room to move. "Roll back over."
He rolled again, looking up into those cocoa-colored eyes. ..eyes Rude showed only him willingly..Rude's eyes showed emotion in a much softer and quieter way, but Reno could read them well. ..and now. ..he saw only love and a few glints of teasing amusement in them. "I want this to last forever, yo. ..I don't ever want morning to come. .."
Rude shushed him with an "I know," before moving himself down Reno's body again. This time, he had his eyes on the prize, so to speak. He carefully, gently pressed a single, soft kiss to the tip of Reno's cock.
He hissed in response, not a pained hiss, but the one of someone so very aroused who doesn't want it to end.
Rude shushed him again, blowing cool breath over the redhead's warm skin.
He swallowed down another hiss, he was vocal during lovemaking, always had been.
m
He found his breath was coming faster as he heard Reno's noises. Pressing light, barely feelable kisses over the redhead's arousal, Rude snaked his hand up to idly trace random designs over his partner's testicles.
Reno arched up into the touches. ..moaning Rude's name. ..Gods, this was so wonderful. ..he felt so alive. ..
Rude made it a point not to let Reno slip between his lips. He kissed his way up and down, over the expanse of the redhead's arousal while his fingers slid a little further back, still tracing their random symbols.
Reno's breath started coming in shorter hitching gasps...his whole world filled with just that loving touch.
Rude whispered something under his breath in Costan before he parted his lips, carefully, gently taking Reno into his mouth.
Reno arched his back. .he dimly heard the words "Mi Corazon". ..the endearment warmed him from head to toe. "My heart. .."
Rude took as much of Reno in as he could, pausing a moment before relaxing his throat muscles and feeling him slide the rest of the way. He didn't pause against until his nose brushed against the fiery curls. See? He'd been practicing.
Reno gasped. ..his eyes squeezing shut as a murmered a hushed curse. ..his whole body was tight with pleasure, thrumming as if with electricity. ..
Rude had to pull back a bit, back to where he was normally comfortable. He'd never managed to do that with Reno, and it was a bit different from when he was practicing. He was still a little proud of himself. Even though he was no where near Reno in the cocksucking skills category, he was always willing to learn new things to please his partner.
"I need you. ..please. ..I need to feel you. .." He groaned the words out.
Rude couldn't help the groan that came from Reno's pleading. He slowly released the redhead from his mouth, reaching into the bag he'd set by the bed for his lube of choice that evening: a warming gel. They'd never tried it before, and the idea was kind of appealing to Rude.
Reno squirmed as he waited, his whole body was completely on fire. ..
Rude uncapped the bottle, pouring a little of its contents into his palm. He could feel the gel warming up in his hand, and he smiled gently at Reno, a silent request to spread his legs further and lift his knees.
He sprawled his legs out, giving him access. ..those his muscles were about jellified. ..he was a pool of pleasured goo. "Gods. ..so wonderful. "
o.
Rude dipped his fingers into the pool of liquid in his palm, then gently ran them over the redhead's puckered entrance. Eyes watching Reno's face, he carefully pressed a single finger halfway in.
Reno cooed. ..a soft purring sound everything felt so wonderful. .."I love you. . "
He pressed a kiss to the inside of Reno's raised knee, answering with an "I love you, too," as he finished pressing his finger inside the redhead. He wiggled it just so, hoping to elicit a nice response from Reno.
Reno gasped, biting his bottom lip. ..
Rude slowly pulled his finger almost completely out of Reno, then, sliding a second finger next to the first, slowly pressed them back inside. Again, he did that little finger wiggle.
The gasp became a panting cry as that sweat sheen blossomed. ..his mouth working soundlessly after the cry.
While he teased Reno, Rude used what was left of the gel on his palm, which had gotten to be a rather nice temperature, to cover himself with lube. He couldn't help the moan that came from him as he ran his hand over himself, watching Reno as he finished preparing him.
Reno's face flushed pink, as it did when aroused. ..he was so very pleasently aroused, drunk on sensation.
Rude slowly, making sure to press a little harder on that spot inside Reno before he did so, pulled his fingers from the redhead. He situated himself between his partner's legs, holding just his head at Reno's entrance, as if he needed to ask permission.
"Please. ..Gods, please. .I need you. ." It came out a soft, gasping plea.
Rude exhaled, then slowly pushed himself inside. Now, Reno was warm to the touch usually, but with the added warmth of the gel, Rude felt like he was on fire.
Reno shuddered, gasping for breath. ..his whole mind awash in sensation now. "shit, fuck, yo. .." was all he could find to say
Rude's eyes were wide as he fully seated himself inside his lover. His mouth hung open, and all he could do was gasp at the heat, and the feeling, and the sensations that were running through him. He had the sense of self enough to make a mental note that warming gel was a GOOD thing.
Reno's whole body was on fire. ..everything felt so intense and so incredible. ..he thrust his hips up to take more of the big man in. ..another hitching gasp as he brushed that place inside,,the intensity kicking up another notch.
If Rude were a greater man, he would be able to hold out there all day, taking it slow and easy. However, he wasn't a greater man, he was a lesser one, and with a cry of passion he began thrusting forcefully in and out of Reno's body.
Reno' s head was thrown back. .his whole body beginning to shudder. ..he then lets out a loud scream as he arches back again. ..shaking, shudddering, reaching. ..finally able to grasp the peak he'd been seeking as he splashed between them. .sagging underneath him, not holding those muscles in that spasmodic twitch.
That did it. The spasm, the heat, the general FEELING behind all of it... and Rude was finished. There was no way he could hold himself back after that. No way. He collapsed atop Reno, twitching slightly as the aftershocks coursed through him.
Reno's eyes began to slide shut.. .he was admittedly coping better with the exhaustion than he had last week. ..but it was still there.
Rude managed to roll over onto his back next to Reno before he spoke. "Sorry," he said quietly. "Wanted it to be something to remember."
"It was, yo. ..believe me. ."
He smiled slightly, gesturing for Reno to cuddle up next to him.
Reno did so, and was soon giving that slight snore he had since being shot.
Rude wrapped a arm around him, kissing a stray red spike before drifting off as well.
Reno awoke to the alarm the next morning. ..who in the world set up an ungodly hour of 6 am for them to start clone chasing?
That would have been Rude. As much as he wanted to lay in bed with Reno forever, they had a job to do. A very important job, at that.
"Fuck me, yo. ..is that coffee I smell? You musta set the timer last night."
Rude smiled. He at least had the presense of mind for that... especially knowing how poorly Reno did with 7am. He figured 6am would be even worse, so he prepared for it. He untangled himself from the redhead, holding out a hand to help lead him to the bathroom for the morning shower.
He followed, cherishing every single bit of this morning...he knew it might possibly be there last, and that was a sobering thought.
Rude spent a particular amount of time in the shower that morning washing Reno's hair. He wasn't entirely sure why, but with his increasingly bad feeling and not knowing who it was directed at, he had to be sure he got as much time with Reno as he could. Just in case.
As the hot water finally ran out, and it was time to get dressed. .he gave Rude a flushed kiss.
"We'll be fine," Rude said, as he started brushing his teeth. But was he trying to convince himself or Reno?
Reno brushed his, using the mint mouthwash he preferred, then shrugged into his uniform, leaving the new and still somewhat tight uniform jacket unzipped.
Rude was, when he finished dressing, immaculate as always. He paused to brush a stray white fuzzy from his shoulder, but not the mysterious long red piece of hair. Rude? Superstitious? Never.
"Ugh, figures I'd get shot at, slashed at, and other various methods of torture and death in a brand new uniform.
"Gotta look sharp when you're kicking ass," Rude said, smiling slightly as he broke out the expensive sunglasses. Yes, if he was going out, he was going out in STYLE.
"New ones are always so fuckin' TIGHT.
"I'm sure you'll live," Rude said cheerfully.
"hope so. ..guess we're ready, yo."
Rude nodded once, then paused, just looking at Reno.
"I love you, yo. ..no matter whether we get through this day or not. ..I wanted ya ta hear it one more time."
Rude stepped to Reno, pulling him tightly against his body and fiercely kissing him until both of them had to pause just to breathe. He stepped back, then, offering a small smile and a nod, "Let's go... partner."
He nodded, and he gave Rude the keys with a soft smile. Soon they were in the parking garage near the monument.
Rude stood, taking in the scene before he made any indication as to where they should start. "What the fuck...?" he asked, nodding towards the ring of children. "Think we got a winner?"
"I'd say so, yeah." He took out his emr, tapping it on his shoulder.
Rude cracked his knuckles, following Reno towards the group of children.
"Well, what do we have here?" One could HEAR the swagger in his voice.
Rude stepped up behind him, looking as imposing as ever.
Yazoo paused what he was doing, eloquently flipping his hair out of his face before he spoke. "We know Mother is here."
Rude raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?" Boy, were they dumb.
"Yeah, this here monument. ..thingie, Shinra made it, right?"
Reno makes a mocking gesture, finger to head. "Oh, you're just so clever, aren't you?"
Oh, this was too rich. Too rich. Rude paused to watch their faces react to Reno's taunt before adding, "... Except, you're wrong."
"Wherever she is, we just don't know. " implied is 'even if we did we wouldn't tell you.'
Rude laughed with Reno, because, honestly, it really was funny. I mean, who the HELL would hide a head under a statue? Really.
Yazoo was not happy. It was time to put these idiots in their place. "What?" he tossed out casually. "The peons aren't trusted?"
Reno's face first shows an expression of sheer shock that he'd say that. ..that shock. . .becomes sheer fury and he dives at Yazoo
Rude runs forward, fully intent on fighting with his partner till the end.
Meanwhile Kadaj is prancing around Rufus. ..in a pace of controlled strength.
It was time. "Say, Kadaj," Rufus started. "I've got a question for you."
Kadaj smirked. "And I've got an answer."
"You said you needed Jenova cells in order to be whole again. What did you mean by that?" Rufus asked. He paused, and the look on Kadaj's face gave him his answer. "Him! He's coming back."
Kadaj nods, sagely.
"Sephiroth..." Rufus whispered, more to himself than Kadaj. "The nightmare."
The silver haired boy shrugs "So they say
"You mean...?" Could Kadaj not even know what he was doing? That would make it.
M
"I've never known Sephiroth. I just... I sense him there. It's unbearable to think that Mother might want Sephiroth more than... "
Rufus chuckled. So, Tseng's thoughts were true. The trio were nothing but leftovers, things forgotten, "Poor little Remnant..."
"doesn't matter who she picks, we'll all meet the same end! Mother came to this planet after a long journey, to rid the cosmos of fools like you! You know as well as I do, nothing's changed since she got here. I have to change it, to make her happy. If Mother willed it, I would do anything. "
"The nightmare returns," Rufus said plainly. It all was becoming as clear as a pool of pure water.
Mi
Kadaj sneers, his expression saying what e thought of humanity." As long as you exist, the nightmares will come again and again"
m
It was time for an explaination of his own. And explaination of the power of the human spirit. "The Lifestream corses through our planet, back and forth across the borders of life and death. If that cycle is the very truth of life, then history, too, will inevitably repeat itself. So, go on. Bring your Jevona's and your Sephiroth's... It won't matter. We'll do as life dictates and stop you every single time."
Kadaj gave that sick smile "Please, Sir. Is that your excuse for going after Mother yourself? You don't seem all that sorry."
Rufus chuckled to himself. "Sorry?" he asked, smiling, knowing that, in the end, HE was going to be getting the last laugh. "Why, I've never had this much fun."
Kadaj raises his arm, the summon inside it beginning to glow. ."Good, then let''s put an end to this, shall we?"
Reno suddenly looks up. ..the beast materalizing above his head. . .he about chokes on his own spit. ..he is thinking to himself. 'Rude said something would go wrong. ..' He runs forward. ..his emr waving around a few moments, he whacks Rude in the head with it, he gives him a somewhat sheepish looko then looks up again. .."He-he-hello. .."
Rude was going to give Reno a piece of his mind, really. He knew the redhead could be rather clumsy, but to blatantly smack him in the head? He was so going to have a goose egg there in the morning.
Rude's thoughts as he stood back up, however, would have to wait. There was currently a large summoned dragon staring them right in the face, and even the man who took down a behemoth in two shots couldn't possibly HOPE to THINK about taking down the dragon with a whole armoury full of ammo. "Oh no..." he said, turning tail to run.
Reno runs as well, NARROWLY missing hitting Rude again. ..he decides to snag one of the kids on the way, he'd actually been looking to see if Em was among them, but he ended up with this blond kid. ..who showed his gratitude by shoving his fingers up Reno's nose. . .Reno cursed VERY quietly under his breath, shook the kid's fingers free, then started running. "Is it after us?"
Rude had grabbed a pair of rugrats as he ran. He tucked one under each arm, thinking briefly back to the two years in school he'd played football. He could almost hear the dragon closing in on them. "I'm not lookin'," he replied, knowing that in the time it took for him to glance back, he could be another few steps closer to NOT being dragon flambe.
Suddenly the monument goes up in flinders and flame behind them, knocking Reno off his feet. ..and causing him to faceplant after that 30 foot flight, he was almost sure he'd broken his nose again, it ached like a bitch. ..he was also momentarily stunned.
Rude groaned, grunting as he hit the concrete on his back. He had somehow managed to twist in the air, making sure that the children he held landed on his chest and he took the brunt of the fall. It knocked the wind right out of him.
Yazoo sauntered towards the two. They were so pathetic. To think ShinRa somehow became the most powerful company in the world with the help of these two bumbling fools. He cocked his hip out to the side, teasing as he stood over them. "Are we having fun yet, huh?"
"Reno leaped up, no way in HELL was he intendeding to be on his belly with that perv hanging over him. "Time of my LIFE!"
He then attacks Yazoo, fists, feet, magrod. ..but the guy was INSANELY quick. .."When are you gonna just call it a day?"
"What?" Yazoo asked, somehow managing that come hither look in the middle of a death match. "Just as soon as you give back Mother. That'll be the end of everything."
Reno shakes his head as if thinking Yazoo is not only a sicko freak, but a nutcase as well. "Get a grip! Forget your fucking reunion, yo!"
He scales the building to get to him just as Rude goes flying by. ..the big bastard had thrown him,.
Oh, that little man would never learn! "All we want is to be with Mother!" Yazoo yelled, kicking the redhead.
Reno sailed back. . .just as the sign began cracking loose, he had no time to tell Rude to duck, though.
Rude managed to stand, only to have a sign land on him. He KNEW something was wrong about that day. "... Damn sign..." he managed before he had a body full of Reno land on him, too.
Just before RENO landed on him. .any other time he might APPRECIATE the position. .as his slight hard on told, but NOT NOW. ..while having the crap beaten out of him was NOT the time.
Then as he got up he heard a crunch under his feet. ..shit..it was Rude's 135 gil pair of oakleys. ..he was gioing to die when this was over, if not at the hands of the Remnants. ..then because his husband was going to commit Mateacide. "It's Jenova's fuckin' head yo!"
Rude couldn't say a word. His mouth, stuck in that 'o' position, wouldn't move. Oh no, Reno was not going to die at the hands of the remnants. No. Rude was PERSONALLY going to see that his husband paid for a new pair of sunglasses... especially since he was fairly certain that style wasn't in production anymore.
Loz gets an intently angry look "Hey!"
Yazoo looked positively indignant. "I will NOT have you refer to Mother that way."
"Yeah, you meanine!" Loz has his fist clenched as he says this.
Rude pulled his spare pair of el cheapo sunglasses from his pocket. They still looked sharp, but they were knockoffs from his FORMER favourite pair. Reno was SO going to hear it later. "Our apologies," he offered. See? Momma raised him right.
Reno got up and tried in vain to get the dust off his brand new uniform. "Yeah, you're mom's cool." Then he suddenly realizes wheat he'd been saying about JENOVA of all creatures. ."What the HELL am I sayin'?" before he rushes the two again, giving Rude a thumbs up that indicates it's time to lure them toward the bridge and shake them long enough to set the explosives.
But he stops for a moment. .distracted momentarily by the sight of Cloud flying like some crazed moneky toward the summon. ..then the summon going kablooey.
Hmph. Would you look at that, Rude thought.
"This is just too fun, Sir! Any requests for my next. . .act. .." and Kadaj trailed off a moment something is off here.
And now we show our hand. The time for bluffing has ended. Rufus pulled off his sheet, standing up from his wheelchair with a little box in his hand. The smile on his face would have clued Kadaj in, had the remnant not had a connection to Jenova herself.
"Mother!" it came out a combinatoion of an angry roar and a shocked squeak.
Rufus smiled. "A good son would have known." With that, he tossed the box off the edge of the building. Go on, boy... fetch.
Mi
Kadaj didn't fetch. ..oh no, not at first. ..instead he lets out a furious shriek and fires off a bolt spell that hits Rufus glancingingly in the head, pitching the bandages off, his stigma infection showing briefly before it knocks his unstable balance completely off and sends him sailing over the side.
He then follows Rufus off the side, reaching. ..reaching. ..
Rufus, as he felt himself going over, was already pulling his shotgun from his jacket. He tried to aim as best he could, firing only when he felt the shot would connect.
Shit, shit, SHIT! it was Reno's only thought as he saw his boss, ex-lover, and friend go over the side. "Oh no, SIR!"
The words, "Sir! No!" were started from Rude's lips as he tried desperately to think of a way to break Rufus' fall. Even though the man survived a damn building collapsing on him, there was no way he could survive a fall from that height. Especially in his condition.
Suddenly a net shot out. ..Tseng giving the two a grin as if to say "Did you realy think I was going to let him fall?"
Elena paused a brief moment after securing the net to the building to wave at the two stunned Turks.
Rude's eyes were wide, but within a moment he was attempting to scale the side of the building... and not having much success.
Reno on the other hand was up like a shot.. .knocking Rude the rest of the way down accidentally in the process. ..soon he had Rufus and was slowly lowering him down to the President's Wutain lover. "I got you sir. ..you'll be down in a moment."
At least that time Reno hadn't broken Rude's sunglasses. And don't think he was getting away with the earlier stepping on the expensive ones, either. Rude was particular about such things.
"Thank you... Reno..." Rufus said, his breath coming in gasps. He had a hard time catching and keeping his breath.
"Not a problem. .'smy job after all." He hands him off to Tseng, who surrepticiously presses a tiny kiss to the man's forehead, brushing blond strands out of his eyes before returning him to his chair in a place where it would be safe to watch the rest of the battle.
Meanwhile he nods to Rude, gesturing him to car Tseng had left so that they could set the bombs on the bridge.
Rufus smiled at Tseng's kiss, then cringed slightly as the illness racked his body with pain. It was getting worse. They were running out of time.
Rude nodded back, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Ah yes, the bombs. HIS bombs.
Reno climbed into the passenger seat, giving one last worried glance as Tseng bent in front of Rufus, laying his head in his lap for a moment, his eyes closing. .the redhaired Turk could clearly see Tseng was troubled, but he put it out of his mind, just hoping to all that was divine that Rufus would live to see the fruits of their labors.
Rude drove faster than he normally would to the helipad. They couldn't beat the bikes' speed on the road, but they could beat them in the air. They only stopped once to pick up the explosives from where Rude had hidden them.
Reno landed a the end of the bridge. ..hiding his troubled mind over his boss with his humor as usual, holding up one of the bombs as he heard the fighting in the tunnels they were now facing. "Hey, partner. ..this thing got any bite to it?"
Rude looked over, holding a bomb of his own. "ShinRa technology at its finest." Proud? Rude? Never.
Reno grinned wider, "You made this?"
Like Reno couldn't see his partner's handiwork stamped ALL OVER the explosive device. "If nothing else..." Rude said, tossing his words out almost casually. "It's flashy." Which was Rude-speak for 'big boom'.
Reno smirks, thinking of the big boom that would happen in bed after all of this was over. "Oh, good. .." It came out a breathy drawl.
"You love it," Rude said, knowing just how much explosive talk got both him and Reno going. "I know it."
That smirk grew even wider "Looks like today we're clockin' out early. .." Then he sets up the bombs, stepping out of range of the explosion as Cloud rides by them, sparing a slight glare for the redhead. ..then the bomb goes off with pretty little fireworks. ..unfortunatly Kadaj had come out the OTHER tunnel, drawing a soft curse from Reno's lips but he figured Cloud would probably get the youngest remnant.
After that he boarded the chopper again, gesturing Rude in, once they were both in they took off back to where the boss was so they could watch the rest of the battle without getting drawn into it and possibly getting one of them killed. ..they'd survived thus far, and he'd like to KEEP it that way.
See? When Rude says flashy, he means FLASHY.
Reno landed the chopper, climbing out and striding over to Tseng, who had his eyes closed, fighting back pre emptive grief so he could appear strong for his subordinates. Rufus had stopped talking s few moments after they had reached their hiding spot, the only sign of life his ragged breathing.
Rude was taken aback, though his face didn't show it. He couldn't believe the President's condition could worsen so quickly, especially since they were so close to victory.
Rude's thoughts paused as he stood around Rufus with his fellow Turks. What was that smell? It didn't smell like the dusty, oily, machinery smell Edge usually had. It smelled... clean. Like rain.
Reno looked up, to see the sky darkening. ..there was their answer. .. he gaped. .."Shit. ..shit, shit. ..look up, Rude. .." He pointed to where the Devil Incarnate himself hovered. ..Then Cloud attacking. ..the two fighting. ..
Rude looked and gasped appropriately, but his attention was drawn back to that smell. It smelled like... kind of like a field of flowers, like that field of wildflowers outside of Costa del Sol where his parents used to take him and his brothers. It smelled... just like that, right before a soft spring rain would fall. He carefully elbowed Reno's arm. "You smell that?" he asked quietly.
Reno nods. .he felt a soft droplet on his face. .rain.. .it started raining just as Cloud finished the bastard off and the sky cleared from that ugly inky blackness to normal rain clouds. ..then a whispered "Rude. ..look. .." as he points to Rufus' hand. ..where the lesions were sparkling green. ..then liffting away. ..he actually had moisture touch his eyes as a slightly loopy grin came to his mouth. ..
"It's her. ..gotta be. ..she saved our asses again, yo."
Rude nodded, "We owe her." The rain felt cool and refreshing, as if it could lift away all the pain and troubles of the past. He could swear he even felt it under his suit as he felt the exhaustion and worry melt away with each additional drop.
Watching carefully as the stigma left him, Rufus paused a moment to look at Tseng, questions in his eyes. "Tseng?"
Tseng nodded. ..a smile on his face. ..tears flowing down it, not that one could see it for the rain. .."You're. ..healed sir. " It was all he could think of. ..well, that and the thousand days and ways of lovemaking there was to make up for between the building falling onto him and then his illness.
Then suddenly a little redhaired girl ran up to them throwing her arms around Reno's legs. "Unca Reno, Unca Rude! Thank Shiva you're both ok!"
"It's a miracle," Elena breathed, not realizing that the moisture on her face wasn't just from the rain. She spun on her heel as she heard the little girl's voice, a smile breaking across her face. "Emily!"
"I saw the bad men beating up on 'em. .but I couldn' do anything, couldn't move, could only watch. .then the rain came an 'soon's it did I came runnin' ta find all of you."
"Oh, sweetie," Elena said, brushing the girl's stray hairs from her face before she pulled her into a tight hug.
Emily put her arms around Elena's neck tight. "I was so scared somethin' bad was gonna happen to everyone. ..Uncle Rufus, you ok now?" The unerring intuition of a child. .and their innocent belief in miracles.
Rufus smiled, nodding his head. "Yes, thank you, Emily." He noted that Tseng had not stopped touching him since the miracle had happened.
"You know what I think we should do once we have this little one settled back in with Elena, sir?" Tseng smiled softly as he whispered "Aside from us screwing each other straight through the mattress"
Rufus' eyes widened, then his smile did as well. "No, Tseng... what did you have in mind?"
Now, Rude had rather good hearing, and what he thought he heard made his jaw drop. Who was that imposter and where was the real Tseng?
"I think. .we should follow our Turk's example. .sir."
Rufus frowned, his eyebrows knitting together as he tried to figure out what Tseng was hinting at. He looked to Elena, figuring it wasn't her. He looked to Reno and Rude. What had they done recently, other than blow up a bridge that was going to cost an INSANE amount of gil to fix...? Suddenly, he got it, and his smile turned a little more mischevious. "Tseng... are you trying to propose to me?"
Tseng nodded, "Yes, sir."
Rufus pulled Tseng down for a small kiss. When he let Tseng stand back up, he asked, "Do you have your answer?"
"I believe that is a yes." The Wutain smiled widely, something very unusual. "Let your father roll in his grave, I care not."
Tseng," Rufus said, trying to drop into his most authorative tone while laughing and failing miserably. "Let's not speak of my father; it's ruining the mood."
"Well, where would you like to do this, sir? Costa, Mideel, Heaven forbid we do it in Wutai, we'd be stoned." He is now laughing too
Rude could not believe this was happening in front of him. Tseng... and Rufus... being... couple-like? Rude shook his head as if to clean fog from it. Nope. They were still there. Still being... publically affectionate.
"I'm not sure," Rufus said, then turned to Reno and Rude. "I hear Costa del Sol is lovely this time of year, but what would you gentlemen suggest?"
"Mideel's nice, too. .but if we go to Costa Rude can introduce me to what family he has there."
Rude's eyes widened. He couldn't tell Reno no, but he also didn't really want to bring him home to momma, so to speak.
Reno seemingly blipped right over Rude's expression... he was making plans in his head.
"Costa del Sol sounds lovely," Rufus said. He, too, was interested in meeting the parents of the usually stoic bald man. "Tseng? What do you think?"
Rude was internally shaking his head 'no' like a two year old. Especially, ESPECIALLY if his younger brother was home. That brat would no doubt make his life hell. The elder brother, not so terrible, but between his father and his younger brother...
"I think it sounds wonderful sir. .as long as you don't want to come home to meet MINE all is well."
"Not your parents," Rufus said, but there was a note in his voice that made him not have to add the part about wanting to at least meet his son once. Even if Tseng didn't have any further contact with the boy after that, Rufus just wanted to make sure Tseng saw him once.
Tseng nodded. ..he did want to see his son...even if the boy hated him.
"Now then," Rufus said, clapping his hands once, then taking a moment to stand. He paused in his own sentence, though, silently thankful that he was once again able to stand on his own. It truly was a miracle. "I believe we owe some thanks to our saviour before we begin making preparations for the upcoming nuptials."
Reno idly thought "Which one" but he knew where they had to go. ..he just hoped CLOUD wasn't there now, he was a lot less achy and tired, but he still was NOT in the mood for another fight. "This way, sir." He leaves the chopper behind, feeliong like walking. ..wending his way back in midgar and into sector five.
With each step he took, Rufus was silently grateful for his second chance at life. He grasped Tseng's hand, smiling occassionally at the older man.
Rude was still fretting over Reno meeting his family. He could already imagine the arguements between Reno and his younger brother. Rude's brother was well known in the family for being able to push people's buttons the instant he met them.
The only thing Reno was silently afraid of was that there was a homophobe or two among them, he was NOT in the mood to have to bash a member of his extended family in the head for being stupid.
"Reno," Rude said, slowing down his steps a little so they could walk behind Tseng, Rufus and Elena without being overheard too much. "I don't think meeting ALL of my family's a good idea." His mother? Yes. His father? Maybe. His elder brother? Possibly. His younger brother? No way in hell.
"Listen partner. ..worst thing I'm afraid of is someone saying 'Oh, why don't you go find yourself a nice girl?' to you in FRONT of me. .. then me havin' to correct 'em. . ."
Unspoken was "correct them with my emr in the back of their head."
"That would be Eric," Rude muttered. His younger brother WOULD say something like that just to see what Reno, and moreso Rude, would do. "But, if my mother asks who the 'nice girl' is I brought home... don't take it the wrong way." His mother wasn't exactly on the up and up on boys who could pass for girls. Rude's usual taste for women probably didn't help either.
"Oh you mean don't do what I did to your ex-girlfriend in proving I am NOT a woman?" He had flashed Loreen, one of his exes from the typing pool, because she spread rumors about "Rudolph's pretty new girlfriend"
m"Reno! You're talking about my mother!" Rude said, his face turning pink at the mental picture of Reno flashing his mother. His face turned pinker when he imagined her most likely response: to grab at the redheads groin to make sure everything there was real. His mother could be rather embarassing when she wanted to be. She fought snark with snark, and had several more years experience than most of those around her.
M
Reno snorts with laughter, causing Tseng to turn around to see what had happened/.
Rufus turned around as well, a smile on his face. "Would you care to share what's so funny, gentlemen?"
"I think I kinda shocked Rude sir. .."
"I can see that," Rufus said, a chuckle slipping past his lips. "Would you like to elaborate, Rude?"
Rude's eyes widened. "He... I would rather not, sir."
"I reminded him of what happened the last time an acquantance of his thought I was a chick, sir."
"But Reno! We're talking about Momma here! She'd just grab on to make sure it was real!" There it was. Rude slipped. Both with what he'd called his mother since forever, and what he knew his mother would do.
Rufus just smiled as they rounded the corner to where Cloud was said to have been staying. "Then I can't wait to meet her, Rude."
They opened the door to find only Marlene left by the pool. .she and Em had become fast friends. "Marlene!" she ran over and hugged the older girl.
"Emily!" Marlene cheered, returning her friend's hug. "What are you doing here? You're cured."
"Unca Reno wanted ta come back and thank someone.. .as did Unca Rufus"
m
"Who?" Marlene asked, her face showing her confusion. "Because, she's not here anymore."
"Oh. ...we missed Aewis. .." she looks just a bit crestfallen.
Rufus knelt down in front of Marlene. "Is Cloud still here? I'm sure he'd pass the message along."
"He and Tifa took Denzel upstairs to make sure the Geostigma was gone."
MCloud strode down the stairs, immediatly shooting Reno a glare. ..then Rufus. "What are you doing here?"
Rufus held his hands up in a peaceful gesture. "We didn't come here for a fight... or to recruit you, Cloud."
Rude took up his position behind and to the side of the President. He was, after all , still technically on guard duty.
Cloud snorts "What are you here for, then. Never thought you to be the religious sort."
Rufus chuckled. "Now, Cloud. There's no reason to be so hostile." He paused. "We only came by to thank you for your assistance before we left for a vacation of sorts."
Cloud. ..looked almost shocked. "I'm not the one you should be thanking. "Gestures to Rufus' forehead and hand."
"Partially, yes. It WAS you who stopped Kadaj and his brothers from resurrecting Sephiroth," Rufus paused, knowing Cloud really couldn't argue with that. "As for my illness... I was hoping you would be kind enough to pass along my gratitude to her."
"Of course I will sir."
Tseng's eyes told of just how much HE had to thank the girl he had once had a crush on for.
"Thank you," Rufus said again, bowing deeply. He turned to take his leave, tossing behind him, "If we are ever in need of a delivery service... we'll call."
Cloud harrumphed, but he was actually SMILING. . .maybe Shinra the Younger wasn't such a bad guy after all.
"Gentlemen," Rufus said to his Turks before he walked out the door.
Rude nodded to Cloud, noticing that Tifa had poked her head out what must have been Denzel's room to smile at nod at them.
Reno tossed a wink back at Tifa, then a nod back at Cloud, and another wink as if to say "You know what ta do."
Elena waved to Tifa, nodded curtly to Cloud, then followed the men. She had to make sure to stop and grab Emily before they left for Costa del Sol.
Reno smiled. ..with this madness over maybe. ..MAYBE they could settle into some sort of routine conducive to family life. ..he shrugs slightly at the thought.
"I would like to head to Costa del Sol as soon as possible, gentlemen," Rufus turned and smiled at Elena. "And lady. I would prefer this step in my life to be completed before we begin the rebuilding of ShinRa Company."
Rude nodded. "When would you like to leave, sir?"
Rufus arched an eyebrow. "Tseng? Your opinion?"
"Today. ..as soon as we can get airship or boat passage, sir."
Rude nodded. That meant he could possibly sneak away long enough to call his mother and make sure she sent Eric away for at least the duration of their stay. If it were up to him, his younger brother wouldn't be mooching off his parents at all.
Tseng immediatly began making phone calls when Cid, who'd not yet returned to the Sierra yet, strode out of the church shook his head. "What are you two callin' for transport for when ya got a perfectly good airship right here. .You said yer goin' ta Costa, right?"
Shit, Rude thought. So much for making his brother leave.
"Yes, we are," Rufus answered. "But I'm not going to ask you to take us there for nothing. ShinRa owes you much as well for the transgressions of my father."
Cid shook his head. "You've been doin' your best ta try ta make up for it. ..and I got ta go into space, that's payment enough."
Rufus nodded, an honest smile on his face. "Thank you, Cid. We would greatly appreciate your taking us to Costa del Sol."
"Well, climb on, then."
"Wait," Rude said. "Our bags?"
"Go, quickly," Rufus answered. "We can't make him wait for us all day. I'm sure Cid has plenty of other things to do that don't include chauffeuring us."
Tseng chuckles "Besides, We can purchase any neccessary items when we reach the resort."
Rude nodded, grabbing Reno's arm and dashing towards the house they'd been staying in. Luckily, it wasn't that far away. They returned only a few minutes later with a pair of bags each.
Reno made sure he had one other thing. ..his swimsuit. ..the one Rude wished he'd LOST during meteor.
Rude finished putting everything into the airship's storage area, then joined the rest of them on the deck. There still had to be a way he could stop Reno from meeting his brother, there HAD to be.
The flight to Costa was only a couple of hours. and Tseng drug Rufus off in order to find the temple for them to wed in. ..which left Reno to ask Rude where his family lived.
"I moved them back here when Dad retired," Rude explained, walking through the streets he used to walk as a child. "I managed to buy the house we grew up in, too." His body moved fluidly, not having to look at all where he was walking, his body knowing the way by memory alone.
"Place is beautiful. ..hell, we got barely more than a peak when we came through here last time. "
m
Rude smiled. He had to admit... it was good to be home. As much as he liked Midgar, and now Edge with all its urban amenities... there was something to be said about coming home to the countyside. Where Midgar was fast paced, Costa del Sol was laid back. "This way," he said, pointing and turning towards a little cul de sac with three medium-sized houses along it.
Reno followed him, but his step showed how nervous he was. ..would Rude's family like the little slum rat? Would that accept that their little "darling" was married to a guy in this place where it was not so acceptable as back in Midgar and Edge?
Rude walked up to the door of the leftmost house. He absently noted that his father had redone the siding... again. this time, instead of the 'straw hut' look, he seemed to be going for the 'cabin in the woods' look. Did the man forget where they lived? It was at least a day's walk to the nearest slightly forested area. He adjusted his tie, his fidgiting showing that he was a little nervous as well, but for different reason. Partially his brother, partially the fact that it had been quite some time since he last came by for a visit.
The door opened to reveal a still youthful looking face browned by the sun, the woman had dark hair and her son's choclate brown eyes. "Well, Rudolph, it's about time you paid us a visit."
"Hi Momma," Rude said, smiling as he stepped forward to wrap his arms around his mother. "How have you been?"
Gladys clucked "Not bad. ..oh, and who is this. ..aren't YOU just the pretty one. Certainly pretty than that Tracy girl he was with when he last vistied " Speaking of course of Multiple PIercing Girl.
"Momma, this is Reno," Rude started with the introduction, hoping his mother wouldn't cut him off during it... but knowing it was going to happen anyway. "Reno, this is my mother, Gladys."
"Nice ta meetcha" His slum accemt immediatly apparant.
Gladys immediatly noted not only the name, but the accent. .."Rudolph. ..since when were you interested in...well. .." she has no idea how to put delicately
"Momma!" Rude said, instantly pinking in embarassment. THIS was part of the reason he didn't want Reno to meet his parents until he had a chance to sit them down and go over the 'do's and don't's of Reno'. "Reno's my partner." He hoped he put enough accent on 'partner' for his mother to understand.
"Oh, right. .." But she smiled, her knowing eyes catching. ..cues normal people wouldn't.
"Are Dad, Eric and Sam here?" he asked. If Rude knew them, his father would be out back tinkering with something, his younger brother Eric would be in the living room sitting in front of the television, and his elder brother Samuel would be at work. However, it HAD been at least three years since he'd last stopped by, a year since he last called.
"Eric's in the living room playing that driving game you sent home for Sam. .your father's gone for supplies, he'll be back soon Sam will be back tomorrow, he had to work a double."
Great. Eric was in the house. this could not be good. Rude nodded to his mother as she stepped aside to let them in. "Anything new?" Rude asked, taking off his shoes at the door and walking towards the kitchen. He could already smell some of his mother's cooking on the stove.
Reno strode into the living room, of course quite curious about the "Hellion" Rude had mentioned. ..
Gladys had of course noted the matching claddagh bands on the twos' fingers
Not much, but I see you have something new. ..why didn't you invite me, son ? I'm more open minded than your father, you know.
"I'm sorry. It was kind of a hurried thing, Momma," Rude explained, lifting the lid off one of the pots on the stove. "You know how work gets... we were having the week from hell and it just seemed... the right thing to do it as quickly as possible. Ya know, so nothing could interrupt."
"Hey, babe," Eric tossed at the mysterious redhead from where he was sprawled on the couch. Appearantly she'd come with Rude, which meant he had full rights on her later when Dad would pull the middle child aside for their 'bonding' things they did in the garage. He could care less what they did out there. "Get me a beer."
"Number one, I am not your 'babe. ..number two, m'name's Reno, not babe. ..don't forget it. ..numer three, if I'm anyone's 'babe' it's your brother's."
He held up his left hand with the heavy ring on it. "An I got the ring ta prove it."
"Geez, don't have to be a bitch about it," Eric tossed, still not looking away from the game. It took him a moment for the entirety of Reno's words to filter through. "Ring? Shee-it. No way that loser brother of mine could bag a chick like you. He doesn't got the balls." He still wasn't doing more than offering corner-of-the-eye glances at the redhead.