"You're loosing your edge." The glass of scotch is pushed in front of my face, held by slender fingers. I roll my eyes and take it, downing most in one swig, hissing slightly. The intruding figure settles next to me, stretching out long legs, crossing one over the other.
"What the fuck's that supposed to mean, sir?" I slug the rest of the drink back, finding the half empty bottle nearby. He always knew one drink wasn't enough for me. He swirls the drink in the glass contemplatively, smirking slightly.
"Still using formalities, Reno? How polite." He takes a small sip. I sigh softly, rubbing a temple.
"C'mon, get the point, Rufus. What the fuck are you getting at?" These meetings were getting more frequent. It was almost like it was our little ritual: I was outside, sitting, thinking over life and the like, and Rufus just shows up out of nowhere with a glass of scotch for the both of us. He then proceeds to show how goddamn perceptive he is. Sometimes it seems like he's psychic, for god's sake. Rufus chuckles softly, looking out into the setting sun.
"You're loosing your edge. Once upon a time, you were a sarcastic, obnoxious, grating redhead that I couldn't stand for more than a few minutes. Ever since you've started swooning over your Strife, you've gone soft. It's actually mildly enjoyable to have a drink with you, in all honesty." He takes another sip, smirking.
"Aw, I'm touched, sir." The sarcasm dripped from the words as I lit a new cigarette. I took a swig from the bottle of overly expensive scotch, and Rufus scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"You could at least use the glass, Reno." I pour the glass full, swallowing down a large gulp. I hiss at the burn, putting down the bottle. Rufus shakes his head, chuckling softly. He was always amused by my lack of grace. But hey, you know what they say: once from the slums, always from the slums. I can't help the fact that I don't know the difference between a salad fork and a fish fork. Who the fuck cares, in all honesty? I finally give in, letting out what I'm thinking about, using Rufus as a sort of pseudo-psychiatrist.
"We're turning into some lovey-dovey couple. I swear…" I run a hand through my hair, sighing. Rufus nods, sipping his drink before stealing a cigarette. "I dunno what's happening to us. Sometimes I feel like such a girl, ya know? It's kind of depressing." I mutter the last bit, lighting the cigarette for him. He nods in thanks.
"But the sex is still good?" He says nonchalantly, taking a slow drag, cigarette poised elegantly between his fingers. I snort slightly.
"Oh yeah. Sex is great." I smirk, sipping my drink. "Strife's a minx." Rufus chuckles softly, finishing the cigarette. He puts it out under his shoe, taking the last sip of his scotch.
"Reno, count your blessings, for god's sake. It could be worse. You have your ups and downs, but you'll work through them. You'll pull through, just so long as you still have good sex to look forward to." He pats my shoulder before standing. I arch an eyebrow.
"And why d'ya sound like such a fuckin' expert, sir?" I counter. He smirks, moving towards the door.
"How do you think Tseng's managed to stay with me for so long?" He winks. "I may be an asshole, but I've got my own talents that keep him coming back." I wrinkle my nose at the thought of the two fucking. I down the rest of my scotch quickly, hissing loudly. Rufus laughs softly, shaking his head as he opens the door.
"Go back to Strife's and fuck him senseless, alright?" A small grin begins to form on my lips at the thought. "Goodnight, Reno."
"Don't fuck the boss too hard, Rufus. We don't want an unintelligibleTseng tomorrow, ya know?" Rufus smirks, nodding as he goes inside. I laugh softly, finishing my cigarette. "Today didn't end up so bad after all." I say to no one in particular, thoroughly considering taking the President's advice. He is my boss, after all, and I'm not one to disobey an order like that.
A/n: Part of my ongoing mission to get back Cloud and Reno's balls. Too much fluff, not enough manlyness. Scotch drinking and calling your boyfriend a minx? Manlyness. XD
I'm still kinda "meh" on it, but I hope you like it! Tell me I'm wrong! I just really wanted another Rufus cameo, for I do love him so.
Chapter 42 involves Reno's forgetfulness and our lovely Lifstream!Zack. Don't know when it'll be up, since my internet has been a bitch.
I'd still like more plotbunnies, if you have them! Plotbunnies? Anyone?