"You hurt me worse by not doin' it. ..and you need it too. .I promise if it hurts too much I'll tell you."
Rude shook his head. "When you're out of traction."
Reno looked at him with those eyes that still glistened, his voice shaking with emotion. "I need you to know I'm alive...but more. ..I need to feel it too. ..I'm not madea spun glass, yo..." He slowly directs Rude's arms around him, despite his protests. "See. ..I'm warnm. ..solid. .real. Not just some dream that's gonna fly apart the moment you touch me."
Rude decided it best not to talk philosphy and the possibility that everything around them was just some massive dream of some superior being waiting to be woken up. It never worked to prove his point anyway. "I know you're real," he finally said. "I want to keep it that way... which means you rest until you're healed"
Reno finally nodded, relenting. ..though the way he shook in those big arms made it obvious he was still in emotional shock ahnnd needed this badly. Thst shakes had not come until he'd dropped the game face mask he had worn up to this point, but he simply couldn't anymore, the warmth of those arms melting away the last of his mask.
A heavy sigh left Rude unbidden. He kept his hand in Reno's sitting on the nightstand as he held the redhead's hand.
"M'sorry, yo. . ." and he didn't even know what he was apologizing FOR, unless it was scaring Rude as badly as he had, and being so weak when Rude and Rennan really needed him to be strong. He leaned against him and drew on his warmth until the shakes began to die away.
"Just..." Rude started, then paused, finding it better to just say, "You need to rest. Sleep, and I promise I'll be here when you wake up."
Reno nodded, laying back, closing his eyes.
Elena watched from the door. "He's trying, Big Guy, he really is. You're BOTH still in shock, I think, and he's just trying so hard to hold up for both of you, when he doesn't realize when you've lost everything it's ALLRIGHT to be weak. It's allright for both of you too, and it's what Tifa and I are here for right now. So the two of you can fall apart as much as you need to and have us to lean on."
"I'm fine," Rude said pointedly, making sure Reno was asleep before he pulled his hand from the redhead's grip.
"No, you aren't. ..and if you keep trying to insist that, you're going to end up breaking eventually. ..and I'd bet everything it's going to be the moment he needs you most, and then what"
"I'll deal."
"You've been in your face there for him, since this whole thing started. ..but what you fail to admit is you need someone there for YOU too. Rude. ..you don't have to do this alone. It's what friends are for."
Rude made his way to the bed, weariness setting in. "I said I'm fine. I'll live."
Elena groaned, watching him a moment. "You listen to me, Rude. ..you listen to me good. ..if you end up breaking at a critical moment and both of you fall because you wouldn't ask for support when you needed it, you are going to regret it even WORSE than you do that little girl, because what you're going to lose is even more precious. THINK about that before you refuse the hands that are being held out to catch you."
"Good night, Elena," Rude replied, eyes just as hard and tone just as direct. He pointedly closed his eyes, removing his sunglasses as he snuggled down to get more comfortable.
Elena when she strode out looked over at Tifa, her eyes shwoing the proverbial hands thrown in the air. "What am I going to DO with that man?"
"Let him do what he wants," she replied. "He obviously doesn't want our help."
"And if he ends up losing Reno over this? I mean losing him to insanity because he wasn't strong enough to be there when he was needed? How do you think that's going to make him feel? Why does he have to be such a stubborn ass?" She lets out a soft grunt.
"He's a man. They're all stubborn asses."
Elena Strode to the cafeteria, getting some coffee and then heading back toward the car. "Thank you for being there for Rennan, you and Cloud both. ..I really can't thank you enough for that."
"Hey, what are friends for?"
Elena smiled sadly "Wish he'd see that. I'm so terrified for both of them. . .and for Rennan too. How are they supposed to be there for him if they both don't deal with this?"
"Men are like oversized children. Horribly resilient, but terribly selfish," Tifa replied with a tiny smile.
Elena chuckled "Yeah" as she strode to her car.
Reno was awakened by another sharp scream several hours later. . .he wouldn't have been sure where it had come from except it wa his OWN heart pounding like a rabbit's and his own skin gleaming with sweat.
Rude was off the bed in a heartbeat, gun that he'd been sleeping on -- and had been digging into his ribs -- in hand, eyes searching for whatever the threat was.
That was when those jade eyes began to clear and he realized he'd not only torn himself from sleep but his partner too. ..and details began dropping into place. "Shit, sorry yo. ...unpleasent awakenings."
Rude shook his head, visably relaxing as he reholstered his firearm.
"Fuckin' hate the ones that wake your ass up screamin' and you can't remember why or what it was until AFTER you're awake."
Rude grunted in agreement, trying to stifle a yawn.
"An' then it bugs ya until you've chewed it apart. .." he shook his head at himself. "We're both in shock, shaken up an' jumpin' at shadows. ..maybe you should put that gun somewhere until we're both a little more stable, yo. Wouldn't wanna accidentally shoot someone we care about."
"I have to protect you." Rude's response was clipped, quick to escape his lips as if it was just waiting to be released.
"Rude, the only people who've been here have been Elena and Tifa and the nurses. .. NO ONE is gonna hurt me, but you may end up hurting someone because you're jumpin' with gun drawn before you even realize what you're doin'."
Rude went about popping the clip on his gun, checking, counting the bullets, mentally preparing for some firefight he imagined threatened their safety.
Which was when Livewire came running back into the room, the same insanely quick way he always did, damn near bowling Rude over.
Rude's gun hit the floor, clip scattering in one direction while the rest of the firearm went a different way. He growled deep in his throat, his hands working quickly to find some pressure point to get... whatever it was on him off, and quickly.
Livewire whimpered then went limp, the pressure point Rude had found had been one that had sent the big cat spinning into uncnsciousness.
"Shit, Livewire. .see THIS is what I mean. ..jumping at fuckin' shadows. ..imagine if it had been RENNAN coming through the door like that. .you could really hurt Rennan doing that."
Rude moved quickly, scrambling for his lost gun. His breath came in sharp pants, his eyes wild.
Livewire was laid out on the floor in mute testament to the fact that Rude did, indeed, need help with post traumatic stress, that he had it just as bad, if only in a different form. He lept at and SHOT at shadows. ..whereas Reno froze,
Rude crouched in the far corner of the room, eyes darting back and forth as he clicked the clip back into the retreived gun.
Reno had hit the call button, and a nurse came in with a sedative, she had it adminstered very quickly.
The gun fell from Rude's hand as his vision went blurry. A tiny sound came from his lips before unconsciousness claimed him.
Reno's heart pounded in his chest as he picked up the gun, realizing just how close it had been. ..he immediatly had the phone in his hand, the number for the seventh heaven dialed before he even realized he'd done it.
"Hello?" Denzel's voice came across teh line.
"Denzel. .where's Tifa?" He tried to keep his tone even, and failed miserably. ..he swallowed thickly.
"She's not back yet. She was with Miss Elena," the boy replied. "Is something wrong?"
"I need her to call me the second she gets back. ..please. ..it's important."
"Okay," Denzel replied, then paused before saying, "Is... is there anything I can do?"
Reno haltingly explains what had happened, sanatizing it in a way to keep Denzel from freaking but still so he would understand.
"Oh," the boy said quietly. "I... I'll let Tifa know."
"Thanks, yo. .." He gripped that phone like a lifeline for a few moments.
"Okay," Denzel said softly before he hung up.
Reno just watched as two orderlies came and settled Rude into the other bed, and Livewire into his pet bed, just shaking his head and hoping they'd both survive this.
Reno's phone rang shortly, Tifa returning his call as soon as she got a call from a concerned Denzel.
"Hey. ." He repeated it all, this time his voice even shakier. . .
"Denzel called. Said you were freaking out. What's up?"
"Rude just flipped out. .knocked Livewire on his ass. ..crouched in the corner with his gun in his hand. ..I knew it was bad, btus hit. ."
"Are you okay?"
"Not physically hurt, but fuck. ..more'n a little freaked. ..never expected him to do that."
"Where is he now?"
"They sedated him. ..he's layin' over there out cold. ..but there's no way in HELL I can handle him if he wakes up in that state again."
"You two need to be seperated," Tifa said carefully. "I'll be there in a few with Elena."
"Thanks. ..I don't wanna be. .but even I know when it's good for my health."
Tifa hung up the phone, gesturing for Elena to follow her back to the hospital. Along the way, she explained what Reno had told her.
"Shit. .it's worse than we thought."
"I always thought Rude was the more stable of the two. Now I'm not so sure."
"He has a lot of things buried, but he doesn't TALK, even when he should."
Tifa shook her head. She could understand how frustrating it could be for Reno... she had a burier herself.
"Until it all comes out in this huge explosion. ..in this case Reno's been just as in your face there for Rude as Rude's been for him. ..but Reno will accept Rude's help, Rude won't take his." Elena sighed, her gesture speaking her frustration.
"He's too proud."
"Sometimes you have to swallow that pride for not only your own good, but the good of those you care about."
"Try telling him that," Tifa joked.
"I have, he says he's fine. ..what, does he have to actually end up KILLING one of them before he realizes he's not?"
"I don't know... He's more stubborn than Cloud ever was."
"You're telling me."
When they return Reno's voice could be heard yelling."Rude, Rude, yo. ..it's me. .. come on, snap outta it." his voice was startled, even after earlier.
Elena strode in first, yelling for Rude to back up, she noted how his eyes had a slightly glazed look to them, as if he had just woken up and was not totally aware of where he was, he loomed over Reno's bed in a threatening manner, his hands outstretched.
Rude's movements were mechanical as he reached into his jacket, removing his service pistol. He pointed it at Elena, still seemingly unaware of his actual surroundings. "I can't do anything for her," he said softly.
Livewire, finally awakened, dove Rude, grabbing his arm in his teeth, pulling at it hard, throwing off his aim.
"They're already here!" Rude called, fighting against the cuahl's mouth, powerful hands and feet trying to find enough purchase to throw the cat off so he could line up a shot. "They're already coming for her!"
Reno could only stare in utter horror as the gun went off. ..He turned away before he could see where the bullet ended up. ..
The moulding on the door splintered as the bullet lodged itself in the wood. The weapon fell from his hand as Rude still tried to fight the cuahl that had hold of his arm. "Get off me! Get away from her!"
A nurse, hearing the gunshot, sedated him once more, but a weaker one, just enough to calm him.
"Rude, Rude, yo. ..it's us. .. come on, snap outta it it now!"
Rude fought the sedation, his limbs thrashing as he was held down. However, after a few minutes, he found his senses dulling, his mind slowing and being covered in a light fog.
It was then that Tifa came in with Em and Rennan. "Papa Rude!" He looked up at his father as if asking what had happened.
"You know sometimes things just all hit a person at once, it's what happened.. .Papa Rude's got stuff he's gotta deal with."
Em knelt in front of him. "Unca Rude?"
The anxiety and panic that still touched the corners of his senses made his pulse and breathing quicken.
"'sokay. ..I'm here." Her voice, sounding so much like the little girl, but calmer. ..no hints of panic, calming instead. ..like her new momma she seemed to know just what to do in any given situation, even at this young an age. . .she wrapped her arms around the bald head as Elena reached in and took the gun from him, breathing a sigh of relief as she did not get much resistance.
"Go away!" Rude yelled, pushing the little girl away from him. "Stop haunting me!"
"It's Em, . .'sokay. ..it's me. .."
Elena bent down as well. "It is Emily, Rude. .you're here.. .you're with us. ."
Rude pressed his palms against his eyes, every muscle in his body tense. His mind twisted and turned, pulling a frustrated scream from his lips as he fought to tell the difference between present and past.
Reno began humming the concerto. ..the one he had written THEIR song. .. gently. .quietly. ..something he hoped would cement his partner to this point in time.
Some part of Rude's mind finally gave up trying to figure things out while still receiving outside stimulus, choosing to just shut down the body instead. Rude fell into unconsciousness, his scream falling to a moan before petering out completely.
"Get him back up in the bed. ..well. ..he can't deny he needs help now, yo."
Elena just shook her head, holding the two children close against her. They didn't need to see that.
The look Reno gave Elena spoke volumes. ..he looked as lost as he ever had. "Been doin' my best ta be his wall. ..but it ain't helpin'. ..what am I gonna do?"
Elena just shook her head sadly, choosing to take the children out of the situation as quickly as possible.
He just shook his head, looking to Tifa for advice as well, he'd never dealt with anything to this extent before..."I can't bug the boss with this, he's got enough on his plate."
"I don't think bringing kids around him for a while is a good idea," she said carefully.
"Prob'ly right. .but I don't wanna end up man. ..it ain't fuckin' fair, yo, just as shit gets back ta normal life throws another fuckin' curve bal!" He punched the bed, all of his frustration in that hit.
"Don't want to end up what, Reno?" Tifa asked.
"Don't wanna end up with Rennan elsewhere and with him well... in some place he don't wanna be because he didn't seek help when he shoulda. ..an. ." he whispered softly "I don't wanna see our family fall apart over this. ..I keep remembering that photo you took o'all o'us together. ..a family. ..it looked so perfect. .I don't wanna LOSE that."
"It's only a matter of time before a Turk falls apart," Tifa said softly. "But... this isn't something that's just going to go away. He's always going to be like this... only maybe not as bad as he was today."
Reno curled in on himself his shoulders tight, he looked like he was all of 9 years old sitting there, "I've gotten a little better. ..I mean yeah, I still got my moments, but like THIS? Not like this. ..How do I keep m'family from fallin' apart?" Those eyes that pinned her earnest, questioning.
"You do whatever you think is best and hope things work out."
"I think. ..it'd be best if we could get him to agree ta go by himself without havin' ta be ordered. ..but becausea Richardson he's gunshy, ya know? He needs it though. ..but gettin' him ta admit he's NOT fine is liike pullin' teeth."
"I know," Tifa said with a tiny smile. "You just have to make it worth his while. Make him WANT to go."
Reno nodded "Like. .tell him. ..if he wants ta make this work. .wants ta make US work. ..he has ta try, righ"t?
"Or you could go the down and dirty route," Tifa replied with a too casual tone.
"Rather not, rather. ..make him see what his refusal ta admit he needs ta get this stuff out is doin' ta us. ..I coulda been Josh so easy.. .still could end up that way, an' I know he doesn't want that."
"I don't think bringing up Joshua Miller is going to help," Tifa said carefully. "In fact, it might hurt more than it helps."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Just. ..never dealt with ANYTHING to this degree before. ..not even with my own obvious problems. .."
"I would just play dirty if I were you," Tifa said softly. "Worked for Cloud."
He hears the groan coming from the bed next to him and sighed. "Could you stay outside, just in case things go swirly?"
"Guard duty it is," she replied, smiling a little as she left.
"Rude. ..c'mere baby. ..we gotta talk"
Rude groaned, holding his head. "About what?"
"This whole mess. ..you wanna make this work, right? I mean, you n' I n' Rennan? 'Cause ya know Rennan an' I come as a package deal now. Well. . .you gotta get some help. ..you are NOT fine, no matter how much ya say so. ..you had a flashback just now that make mine look like pussy stuff. You damn near SHOT Elena, an' would have if Liveiwre hadn't grabbed yer arm an' thrown your aim off. ..please...if for nothin' else. .then for us. 'cause just like you couldn't live with somea my shit. ..I can't live like this, wonderin' when you're gonna go off an end up hurtin' onea us." His eyes were pleading. ..the hole in the doorframe was mute testament to the truth Reno told.
"I just need some time off," Rude said carefully. "I'll be fine"
"You are NOT, look. ..look at the hole there! The bullet on the floor there! If you don't get some help, we're gonna end up seperated until you do because I do NOT want you ta hurt me, an I know what it would do to YOU if you ended up hurtin' me. ..I've been through this, I KNOW how dangerous it is, though I thank all the gods the majority o' mine were past this stage by the time we got together.Think if Elena had been that doorframe. ..or if I had been that doorframe. ..you were bent over ME when Elena came in"
Rude shook his head. "I don't remember."
"That's the thing, when this shit happens, you DON'T remember. ..think how you would feel if ya came outta one of those flashbacks and it were ME. ..layin' on the floor bleedin'. ..becausea you. You NEED help, aibou, whether you think so or not."
"I told you. I just need some time off. Time away."
"An' if you take the time off. ..and it STILL happens. .what then?"
"I'll take more time off." Seemed logical to him. He was just overworked. Overstressed.
"Bullshit. . .here's the deal. You want me? You're gonna get help, simple as that. I love you, believe me I do, an' that's why I'm doin' this. You can't see the forest for the damn trees here because you're too damn stubborn"
For as much as the stubborn side of Rude wanted to just up and say 'fine'... the more logical side of him told him that it couldn't hurt. After a few more moments of self-arguement, he spoke softly. "Fine"
Reno smiled, for what could be seen through the bandages and his voice, just as soft. "Thank you. ..I don't wanna lose you to this. .Ai shiteru. ..Mi Corazon."
A petulant grunt was Rude's response. He was still irritated at being coerced.
Reno didn't seem phased by the petulant nature of the response at all.
Tseng meanwhile had awakened and had coffee brewing, they were supposed to meet with the tribunal this afternoon, and he wanted them both to be as fresh as they possibly could be, he had his kimono and obi out, the one meant for diplomatic functions, layed out on the bed and ready to go.
Rufus had opted against wearing the native dress, claiming that if he was to be seen as an outsider attempting to be one of them, it could go poorly. Instead, he would wear his customary white suit, the most blatant sign that he was ShinRa, born and bred.
Tseng kissed the back of his neck, he actually liked the effect, the contrast that showed their differences, but their body language showing that stood as one.
Rufus was careful not to spill any of his morning coffee on the suit, knowing that he would have to be wearing his remaining two good suits over the course of the next few days.
"You look wonderful, dear heart, we look wonderful together. I know you are nervous, but I think we will come through this just fine."
Rufus took a deep breath. "I am a ShinRa, Tseng. We endure... and conquer." His eyes held a hard set of determination to them.
"Not necessarily conquer in this case. .. but forge a bond that should have been in honor many years before. If the treaty had been honored by your father, we'd not be dealing with the terrorism at home."
"I have endured the fruits of my late father's labours," Rufus said plainly, his speech pattern clearly indicating that he was as ready as he was ever going to be to meet the Tribunal. "Now I shall conquer the demons he has created in his wake."
Tseng nodded, and out they went, it was an hour and fourty five minute drive to the place where they would meet, and the car was outside waiting by the time Tseng had gotten himself ready.
"I will be victorious," Rufus mumbled to himself, looking out the window.
When they reached the place where they would meet and he bowed to those he passed as he entered, Tseng was as nervous as Rufus had been earlier. On this rested the fate of so many.
Rufus had no time to be nervous anymore. He had to be calm, yet assertive. Otherwise...
The tribunal gathered within their seats. and Tseng looked up, watching those in the seats around them.
"Come, it is time for you to speak, President Shinra, sir." The attendent came to escort him to the floor.
Rufus nodded, offering a 'thank you' to the attendant as he walked calmly towards the focus of the room.
The attendent smiled, Tseng stood with him for a moment, showing them the unity he had seen within the mirror earlier, then strode off, sitting where he was directed.
"Ladies and gentleman of great esteem," Rufus started, clearing his throat once before speaking again. "It is with great honour I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address your most honourable Tribunal." He paused. "As many of you know, I am Rufus ShinRa, heir of the late Jack ShinRa, President of ShinRa Electric Power Company. I stand before you, as my father did those years ago, requesting peace between the Sovergn Nation of Wutai and the holdings of ShinRa Company." Another pause, this one emphasized by a glance around the room. "However, unlike my father, I stand before you with no hidden agendas, no cloak or dagger. I wish for peace between us, and am willing, unlike my father, to negotiate for the good of both our peoples."
There was muttering among the crowd, when the leader of the Tribunal stood. "We ourselves have declared no war. .. do you have evidence that one of our own has caused the madness on your shores?"
"There are those among you who know the truth I speak," Rufus said. "While I do not know which ones exactly, I am aware of the involvement of several members of the Council of Elders in this chaos." Rufus paused, looking down for a moment before continuing, his face holding a certain hardness to it. "There was a child... a child of Wutai. He was raised by his mother, since his father was cast out for choosing his own path. However, that poor woman was not strong enough to raise the child, and took her own life. The child, fatherless according to the laws and traditions, was sent away to live with a man who was known to be more irreputable. He was raised with hatred in his heart, hatred for his own lot in life. He blamed the man who left, not the culture that forced him to leave, and sought to reap payment for the man's indescretions with blood."
"The child of which you speak was not cast out of our volition, but because when he would not allow his grandparents to raise him, no one else would do so. He was sent to the only one who would. .it is a sad thing, but it is the truth. ..do you know those among the council who have supported the acts of terror? I also understand one of your own was injured during the strikes, for which I give my most sincere condolonces. If you can give names, or enough evidence that the tribunal can do so for itself, it will be doone. For now, all we can do us assure you that whatever protection you need, the Princess has already given her permission for it to be sent."
Rufus shook his head. "I know not who the party is, however, I do have sufficient evidence that convinced me of their involvement." Rufus nodded to Tseng, indicating that he should hand out the copies of the information Reno had sent him regarding the terrorist attacks. "As you can see in these print-outs, funding was traced back to the Council of Elders. The child, many persons of ill repute within the borders of Edge and Midgar, and several others were used as pawns, used to cause terror and unrest in the fair holdings of ShinRa Company. There have been targets of specific places of business that were previously owned by ShinRa Holdings, that were sold at cost to those former employees that wished to help rebuild Midgar and build up the city of Edge."
The leader as he took up the print out gasped. ..the initials. .."W.X." at the edge of the printout of the orders. "I know this man. " his voice was quiet. and one of utter shock. "Wu Xiang. The very LEADER of the council. .. has the corruption gone so high?"
"I am well aware of how high corruption can run within an organization," Rufus said carefully. Yes, the corruption of the majority of the administrative heads in his father's -- now his -- company was well known.
"He is also your adjutant's uncle. ..we will do all in our power to clean house, but will not be an easy or quick task."
"Thank you, your honour," Rufus nodded, then bowed deeply towards the members of the Tribunal.
The leader bowed...then as he stood. ..he fell backward, crumpling into his seat. ..the whispers went up from them. "The leader is dead. ...who could have done such a thing?"
Rufus' eyes scanned the room, looking for any movement that would have indicated the guilty party.
Tseng looked up "No blood. .no sounds. ..that leaves one possibility. Poison."
Rufus shook his head. "What could have triggered it? He looked perfectly healthy."
"Food is the most likely source. Someone had one of the servents poison his food."
Rufus sighed, his fingers going to the bridge of his nose as he tried to think quickly.
Tseng looked up as the second of the tribunal approached them.
Rufus nodded, his shoulders moving in a very slight bow.
"You do understand you will need to stay in Wutai until this is sorted out."
Rufus nodded again. "I can assure you that both Tseng and myself will fully cooperate with whatever investigation you must perform."
"Thank you sir. .. the toxicology report should be back within two hours. From there it is only a matter of time."
"Agreed," Rufus replied. He could only imagine what disaster was about to befall them this time.
Tseng sighed, shaking his head. "Someone is so desperate to cover their tracks they would go to such lengths.
Rufus just shook his head. "Will it never end?"
"It will, but it will take patience." He caressed Rufus' back gently, earning disapproving glares from the one or two elders that were present.
"I do believe I've used up all my diplomacy for the day," Rufus said carefully. "Would it be too much to ask for a hot bath, a nice brandy, and a loving touch? I believe I've had enough of this for today."
Tseng smiled "Of course, we have a couple of hours before the tests come back.. .you did wonderfully, my love."
A tiny smile touched the corner of Rufus' mouth. "Thank you, my dear, dear Tseng."
Tseng drove him to the hotel and took a room for the night, staying close for now if only because it was so far between his father's and the tribunal court. He ran them a hot bath in the big tub with a smile, then turned on the jacuzzi jets.
Rufus stripped down, his motions show just how exhausted the Tribunal had made him. He slid into the bubbling water, a smile crossing his face as the hot water caressed his skin.
"This time has been exhausting for us both." Kimono and obi hit the floor with much eagerness as Tseng joined him.
Rufus nodded, a tiny moan escaping his lips as the jets worked their magic just so over his until then unrealized tense muscles.
Tseng began to work his own magic over those muscles with his hands. ..very gently massaging out the tension. When would he have the chance to indulge next?
Between Tseng's magic hands and the magic water jets, Rufus was feeling rather lightheaded, giddy, and downright malliable.
Tseng began nipping up and down that flesh with gentle little love bites, neck first, then back, then a little splash sounded as his head went under the water to have his teeth and lips caress ythe flesh on that delectable ass that was not settled against the tub.
Rufus arched his back, another moan falling from his lips.
Tseng then rose back up to kiss his lips, his tongue questing for entry, those almond shaped obsidian eyes sliding closed.
Another moan as Rufus pressed as much of himself as he could against his lover. He pulled away just long enough to murmer, "You spoil me, Tseng."
"It is my duty and delight to do so. . ." He then dove under the water again, taking the needy flesh between his luips. . .those lips sliding up and down in a tantalizing manner.
Rufus' hands went to the sides of the tub, gripping them sharply as his hips made minute little thrusts.
Tseng left his position only long enough to say "You may partake of my own flesh tonight if you wish, love."
A deep groan came from Rufus' lips. "You DO spoil me so, Tseng."
Tseng then took a trick he must have learned from Reno, the conditioner on the side of tub coming into play as he stepped out, sitting on top of the toilet, fingers dipping in and slowly, teasingly, first one finger to the first knuckle, his body shuddering as the tip found his prostate, then a second, then a third. ..sliding them in and out for a few moments, then he leaned over the side of the tub, his tanned ass right in the blond's face.
"Tseng," Rufus said softly, climbing out of the tub to position himself behind his exotic lover.
"I am always ready for you, Dear Heart." That voice came out soft and husky with need.
Rufus ran his hand down Tseng's spine, going from the back of his neck to his tailbone. He placed himself gently at the elder man's entrance, just savoring the moment before slowly pushing inside.
Tseng let out a low, hitching gasp, his head tilting back. ..Tseng rarely bottomed, but when he did he responded in such a lovely way.
Rufus felt his lover's body clench around him, which pulled a moan from his throat.
Tseng's head tilted even further back, his body rippling as another low moan issued from his throat, knuckles turning white against the side of the tub with each thrust. "Great leviathan, Rufus. ..."
Another noise fell from Rufus' lips. It could have been Tseng's name, a curse, or, quite frankly, any number of things. Either way, he was greatly enjoying the way Tseng's body seemed to ripple over his flesh, squeezing and releasing it just so.
Tseng began rocking back into the thrusts, his teeth gritting as more soft grunts came from him. ..his dark hair trailing down past his shoulders just a bit.
Rufus gasped, his thrusts becoming more erratic and powerful as he felt his climax pending.
Tseng's body trembled and a cry that was Rufus' name fell from his lips as he sprayed against the side of the tub, locking his knees to avoid falling.
Tseng's release pulled Rufus' out of him, his flesh spasming as his mouth opened in a soundless noise of pleasure.
Tseng cleaned himself, then assisted Rufus in cleaning himself up as well.
Reno awakened a few hours later to a knock at the door, it was Elena who actually had a bit of a smile on her face and something hidden behind her back. ..something that looked suspiciously like a carved up bird.
Rude grumbled something unintelligable, rolling over and pulling the covers over his head. He'd been sleeping a lot lately.
"Yo, 'Lena..is that a TURKEY? Ya came ta rescue me from the hospital food on the first day of the Festival with the traditional bird?"
Elena shrugged, still grinning. "Something like that."
"Yo, aibou, wake up, 'Lena's got REAL FOOD! So, what else ya got?"
"Real food?" Rude said from under the blanket.
"All the fixings," Elena replied, gesturing for the nurses to bring in the rest of her haul.
"You''re damn straight, only thing better would be for them to take me outta this damn lift so I could come over and kiss ya."
"Don't think Rude would appreciate that," Elena grinned cheekily.
Rude finally managed to poke his head out from under the covers, the smell making him twitch his nose.
"I meant him, you cheeky woman, though I should kiss you too for this haul. ..only thing better would be some alcohol to go with it."
Elena glanced left, then right, then pulled out a nice bottle of red wine. "Like this?" she asked innocently.
"Saint," Rude said.
"Oh Gods, you are such a lifesaver. .." He ignored the sharp glance from one of the nurses. "I'll forgo my meds for a few hours for that, so keep your fuckin' slacks on, jesus christ on a cracker"
"No, turkey," Rude said pointedly, climbing slowly out of bed. The sedatives they'd given him were still affecting his speech and brain function.
Reno found it fascinating how something so simple as good food could improve one's frame of mind, he gestured Rude over to him for a moment, and when he got close enough, planted a wet one right on his lips before whispering "My ass may be out of commision for the moment, but my mouth's still got it, babe."
Rude just raised an eyebrow, Rude speak for 'we'll see'.