[ For what it's worth? Cloud is still going to try and give him the benefit of the doubt. Granted, in the very end, it all came down to one person. And should the relationship between Cloud and Shinra's lot become smoother? They can thank a certain flower girl for telling him to believe. ]
(At our very core...)
[ And beyond the boy who dreamed big from a little town called Nibelheim, if he wasn't a SOLDIER, than just who was Cloud at his core? That's something he's still learning and figuring out now. Along the way, however, as the acerbic swordsman gives the man his attention and focus behind soft glowing eyes, Cloud hums thoughtfully. The fact that he acknowledged that they may never be close friends is admirable. And while Rufus' intentions ring true...consider the would-be Ex-SOLDIER's guard? Dropped. ]
I'll keep that in mind, Rufus. [ He slices off another piece of steak, only to let it sit for a moment as he takes his glass. ] We won't.
[ Be on opposing sides. Hopefully should Barret, Tifa or Red ever get pulled out of a time loop, things don't get too hairy. But the second that Cloud feels any kind of pull on the proverbial leash? He was biting. ]
[He watches Cloud cutting into his head, smiling with amusement as he savors his as well. It feels like it's been such a long time since Rufus has been able to enjoy a dinner like this but he takes his time.
He peers over at Cloud with a chuckle after taking a drink of his whiskey. This wasn't as difficult as he had feared, he was cautiously optimistic.]
Enjoying the steak? Rude's cooking is always good, you'll have to come by for a less formal dinner sometime.
[They may never be friends but it didn't mean that they had to avoid each other all the time and couldn't do a dinner or something else once in a while.]
Mm. [ He nods in affirmation to the steak, finally taking the piece he cut off earlier. He'd give his compliments to the chef, but. Baby steps. Very delicate, walking on broken glass with sandals, baby steps. ] I'm close enough by.
[ "Though you seem to be a busy man here these days." ...was it rude to check his magi-comm? Probably. Cloud, thankfully, doesn't do that so soon. But thinking of why he had to delay their meeting in the first place? He takes another drink of his whiskey, longer this time. ]
Yeah... Busier than I thought I'd be. [ A beat. ] Somehow landed a minor role in a movie with a friend.
[ The "with a friend" part would have stayed behind sealed lips were it not for two factors. Booze softening him up? And the Kizuna that he feels when thinking of said friend. ]
[Of course that's what catches Rufus's attention. He can't help but be a little nosy, smiling as he sees Cloud taking another drink of whiskey. A grin slowly appears on his lips as he leans forward.]
I will resist the urge to pry about this new friend of yours even though I'm sure they must be important to you. I'm happy for you and perhaps you can introduce me someday.
[See, he can make an effort to be on his best behavior when he wants to be. But that doesn't mean he's not going to be doing some snooping later. He has little else on his schedule these days anyway.]
What kind of move is this and what role did you manage to land?
[ ! Ahh. Shit. Though Rufus immediately holding off on prying is a fleeting reprieve. Putting so much stock into how important they are... She's become a fast friend. But with the way that he's talking about her...
He makes a strained little noise in his throat, hoping it's not so noticeable as he recomposes himself. And oh thank you Rufus for asking about the movie instead. ]
Just a minor one. Last year there was apparently a mass kidnapping of refugees here. So it's supposed to be a retelling of that... Wouldn't have been my first guess on what job I'd land.
[Rufus smiles at hearing that noise from Cloud but he gives him a moment to compose himself. If they are going to be friends, then Rufus will let Cloud have his space to figure things out on his own and share what he wants to in his own time.
But he'll have to ask Reno later to see if he knows anything about this friend.]
A mass kidnapping? I haven't heard about that. I am surprised too, I would have expected you to do odd jobs for anyone who pays, like doing delivery services.
[Ok, that he couldn't resist but he's not going to tell the story of the future tonight, this wasn't the time or place.]
[ "I am surprised too," Cloud's brow raises to that, hanging onto the man's words as he finishes off the rest of his steak. It'd started to get cold from getting caught conversing. Sorry, Rude. It was still good. ]
I'm a refugee. [ ...okay that's not good enough, he realizes with a sigh. Taking his glass of whiskey, he explains it plainly and to the point. It's just a role. ] And I'm trying to reunite with another refugee who was kidnapped.
[ A soft little 'hmph' before a hint of a smirk graces his lips. He can't help tease him a little bit as he takes a sip of his whiskey. ]
I can't wait to see this movie. I'm sure you will be wonderful.
[Rufus looks thought for a moment as he finishes his whiskey, a bit flushed by now as he looks at Cloud with a smile.]
I think it would suit you. You see things through, especially when you're getting paid, and you can handle lifting that most can't. All you would need is your own transportation, like a motorcycle.
[He doubts future Cloud would be amused that Rufus is just stealing his business idea but Rufus just can't resist. He takes a moment to finish his steak, looking as if he's turning over an idea in his head and definitely not just stealing from future Cloud's life.]
You can name it- hm-
[Rufus pauses again as if he's just stumped for ideas before sitting forward a little.] I have it- Strife Delivery Service. Very professional, to the point. What do you think?
[ It's...still a bit of a shock phase that Cloud's in right now. Especially with Rufus feeding him compliments like this. It's a stark contrast, and part of him can't help but want to think that he's being facetious; that would be throwing away everything they talked about leading up to this point. It would throw away everything Aerith said and the faith she's placed in them. Which is why he simple paces himself, lets the conflict wash away once more. Even if he leaves here tonight conflicted, he'll be able to say that he actually made the effort and tried.
It's just the first step, if everything really was going to be alright. ]
... .... .....
[ He has no idea. Cloud never got a vision of being a delivery boy in the remake. dfjsakh And yet, with an audible clink of his glass on the table, and a furrow of his brow... Cloud's not mad. He's just hella suspicious and squinting at the fellow blond right now. Everything sounds too good to be true. It all lines up perfectly, and it gives him a sense of direction. No doubt in the future when he's struggling to think of work? This conversation was going to hit him like a ton of bricks and he'll mutter something like,
"Son of a bitch, he's right." ]
Sounds like something I'd be into.
[ Something "future" him would be into. HMMMMMM. ]
If you decide to do it let me know if you need help with anything getting organized on the business side of things.
[See, isn't he generous? If he's going to take credit for future Cloud's idea then the least he can do is help younger Cloud. But for now, he's pleased that he's at least planted the idea for the future.
If Cloud ever does decide to do this, Rufus will be utterly pleased with himself. But for now, he reaches out to offer to fill up Cloud's glass with the last of the whiskey after filling his own.]
I think there is more whiskey in the house or if you want, coffee. You are also of course, welcome to stay over if you don't want to make the trip in the dark. Reno said he left out blankets on the couch.
[ Sponsored by Shinra Inc. ... Nope. Still too soon. Cloud's tolerance was considerately high, thanks in part to the mako diluting most things and keeping his senses sharp. But if he had too much, even the former SOLDIER was going to be wobbling a touch. But having these drinks? This conversation? Took more of the edge off than he realized. He does accept Rufus' offer for one last fill-up, the ice in his glass having mostly melted by now. Cloud's chest is warm, and his head lighter but he hasn't been knocked off yet.
As Rufus offers him more whiskey or even coffee, however... ]
?
[ Cloud can suddenly feel his magi-comm vibrate in his pocket, bright blue eyes widening as it catches him off guard. While trying to pay attention to what Rufus was saying about staying over and how Reno left blankets out, he sneaks a peak at the message that comes up. Was this rude? No, this was Ayaka. Badum-tish. ]
I'm good. I'll let Reno know I said thanks for the... [ He wants to respond, but... Ack. He puts his device away, for now. ] thought...
I owe you for the drinks. [ A beat. ] And the steak.
[Rufus does his best not to lean over to see who is interrupting their dinner as Cloud looks at his magi-comm but instead nods as he sits back on his chair.
He knows that things are not going to be easy for Cloud in the future, there is a lot that is depending on him but here he, he and the rest of them, have a chance to decide what they want to do instead of carrying the weight of obligation.
His thoughts are already starting to become muddled, he hadn't really had so much to drink in so long but he gives Cloud a smile, nodding.]
You are very welcome, I am glad that we were able to have this talk.
[He sets his own glass down, deciding that any more whiskey would make him pass out in the most undignified manner.]
[ Cloud'll let his words settle in due time, but he thinks he means the two that he delivers back to the President. It's a side he never would have thought he'd become privy to when it came to someone who was literally his enemy...last month? A little over a month ago? Maybe they were unspoken enemies leading up to this important sitdown. He still needs time to absorb all of this. Take his mind off of it before re-tackling everything they went over. ]
Back to Zack and I's apartment? [ Really. Rufus Shinra, sliding on up to their little place for a meal or drink? That was...actually? Something about that was sobering. How much did change over a the next two years? ] I'll call.
[This dinner had gone better than Rufus had expected and he considers it a good first step in improving things between them here.
There is nothing he can do to truly make amends for what Shinra has done, especially here, but doing his best to make things better was a way that he could at least do something.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2022-07-06 06:09 am (UTC)(At our very core...)
[ And beyond the boy who dreamed big from a little town called Nibelheim, if he wasn't a SOLDIER, than just who was Cloud at his core? That's something he's still learning and figuring out now. Along the way, however, as the acerbic swordsman gives the man his attention and focus behind soft glowing eyes, Cloud hums thoughtfully. The fact that he acknowledged that they may never be close friends is admirable. And while Rufus' intentions ring true...consider the would-be Ex-SOLDIER's guard? Dropped. ]
I'll keep that in mind, Rufus. [ He slices off another piece of steak, only to let it sit for a moment as he takes his glass. ] We won't.
[ Be on opposing sides. Hopefully should Barret, Tifa or Red ever get pulled out of a time loop, things don't get too hairy. But the second that Cloud feels any kind of pull on the proverbial leash? He was biting. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-07-11 07:39 am (UTC)[He watches Cloud cutting into his head, smiling with amusement as he savors his as well. It feels like it's been such a long time since Rufus has been able to enjoy a dinner like this but he takes his time.
He peers over at Cloud with a chuckle after taking a drink of his whiskey. This wasn't as difficult as he had feared, he was cautiously optimistic.]
Enjoying the steak? Rude's cooking is always good, you'll have to come by for a less formal dinner sometime.
[They may never be friends but it didn't mean that they had to avoid each other all the time and couldn't do a dinner or something else once in a while.]
Though you seem to be a busy man here these days.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-11 09:22 am (UTC)[ "Though you seem to be a busy man here these days." ...was it rude to check his magi-comm? Probably. Cloud, thankfully, doesn't do that so soon. But thinking of why he had to delay their meeting in the first place? He takes another drink of his whiskey, longer this time. ]
Yeah... Busier than I thought I'd be. [ A beat. ] Somehow landed a minor role in a movie with a friend.
[ The "with a friend" part would have stayed behind sealed lips were it not for two factors. Booze softening him up? And the Kizuna that he feels when thinking of said friend. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-07-16 09:09 am (UTC)[Of course that's what catches Rufus's attention. He can't help but be a little nosy, smiling as he sees Cloud taking another drink of whiskey. A grin slowly appears on his lips as he leans forward.]
I will resist the urge to pry about this new friend of yours even though I'm sure they must be important to you. I'm happy for you and perhaps you can introduce me someday.
[See, he can make an effort to be on his best behavior when he wants to be. But that doesn't mean he's not going to be doing some snooping later. He has little else on his schedule these days anyway.]
What kind of move is this and what role did you manage to land?
no subject
Date: 2022-07-16 10:47 pm (UTC)He makes a strained little noise in his throat, hoping it's not so noticeable as he recomposes himself. And oh thank you Rufus for asking about the movie instead. ]
Just a minor one. Last year there was apparently a mass kidnapping of refugees here. So it's supposed to be a retelling of that... Wouldn't have been my first guess on what job I'd land.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-17 05:23 am (UTC)But he'll have to ask Reno later to see if he knows anything about this friend.]
A mass kidnapping? I haven't heard about that. I am surprised too, I would have expected you to do odd jobs for anyone who pays, like doing delivery services.
[Ok, that he couldn't resist but he's not going to tell the story of the future tonight, this wasn't the time or place.]
What is your role in the movie?
no subject
Date: 2022-07-17 09:40 am (UTC)Not surprised. We only just got here.
[ "I am surprised too," Cloud's brow raises to that, hanging onto the man's words as he finishes off the rest of his steak. It'd started to get cold from getting caught conversing. Sorry, Rude. It was still good. ]
What makes you say that?
[ Delivery services specifically? Like...a pizza guy? No... ]
I'm a refugee. [ ...okay that's not good enough, he realizes with a sigh. Taking his glass of whiskey, he explains it plainly and to the point. It's just a role. ] And I'm trying to reunite with another refugee who was kidnapped.
[ A soft little 'hmph' before a hint of a smirk graces his lips. He can't help tease him a little bit as he takes a sip of his whiskey. ]
Guess you'll hafta watch to see what happens.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-17 09:55 am (UTC)[Rufus looks thought for a moment as he finishes his whiskey, a bit flushed by now as he looks at Cloud with a smile.]
I think it would suit you. You see things through, especially when you're getting paid, and you can handle lifting that most can't. All you would need is your own transportation, like a motorcycle.
[He doubts future Cloud would be amused that Rufus is just stealing his business idea but Rufus just can't resist. He takes a moment to finish his steak, looking as if he's turning over an idea in his head and definitely not just stealing from future Cloud's life.]
You can name it- hm-
[Rufus pauses again as if he's just stumped for ideas before sitting forward a little.] I have it- Strife Delivery Service. Very professional, to the point. What do you think?
no subject
Date: 2022-07-18 08:57 am (UTC)It's just the first step, if everything really was going to be alright. ]
... .... .....
[ He has no idea.
Cloud never got a vision of being a delivery boy in the remake. dfjsakhAnd yet, with an audible clink of his glass on the table, and a furrow of his brow... Cloud's not mad. He's just hella suspicious and squinting at the fellow blond right now. Everything sounds too good to be true. It all lines up perfectly, and it gives him a sense of direction. No doubt in the future when he's struggling to think of work? This conversation was going to hit him like a ton of bricks and he'll mutter something like,"Son of a bitch, he's right." ]
Sounds like something I'd be into.
[ Something "future" him would be into. HMMMMMM. ]
I'll put a pin on that note.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-21 08:49 am (UTC)[See, isn't he generous? If he's going to take credit for future Cloud's idea then the least he can do is help younger Cloud. But for now, he's pleased that he's at least planted the idea for the future.
If Cloud ever does decide to do this, Rufus will be utterly pleased with himself. But for now, he reaches out to offer to fill up Cloud's glass with the last of the whiskey after filling his own.]
I think there is more whiskey in the house or if you want, coffee. You are also of course, welcome to stay over if you don't want to make the trip in the dark. Reno said he left out blankets on the couch.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-24 11:07 pm (UTC)As Rufus offers him more whiskey or even coffee, however... ]
?
[ Cloud can suddenly feel his magi-comm vibrate in his pocket, bright blue eyes widening as it catches him off guard. While trying to pay attention to what Rufus was saying about staying over and how Reno left blankets out, he sneaks a peak at the message that comes up. Was this rude?
No, this was Ayaka. Badum-tish.]I'm good. I'll let Reno know I said thanks for the... [ He wants to respond, but... Ack. He puts his device away, for now. ] thought...
I owe you for the drinks. [ A beat. ] And the steak.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-01 08:16 am (UTC)He knows that things are not going to be easy for Cloud in the future, there is a lot that is depending on him but here he, he and the rest of them, have a chance to decide what they want to do instead of carrying the weight of obligation.
His thoughts are already starting to become muddled, he hadn't really had so much to drink in so long but he gives Cloud a smile, nodding.]
You are very welcome, I am glad that we were able to have this talk.
[He sets his own glass down, deciding that any more whiskey would make him pass out in the most undignified manner.]
Perhaps next time you can invite me over.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-01 09:18 am (UTC)[ Cloud'll let his words settle in due time, but he thinks he means the two that he delivers back to the President. It's a side he never would have thought he'd become privy to when it came to someone who was literally his enemy...last month? A little over a month ago? Maybe they were unspoken enemies leading up to this important sitdown. He still needs time to absorb all of this. Take his mind off of it before re-tackling everything they went over. ]
Back to Zack and I's apartment? [ Really. Rufus Shinra, sliding on up to their little place for a meal or drink? That was...actually? Something about that was sobering. How much did change over a the next two years? ] I'll call.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-31 05:23 am (UTC)[Rufus smiles at Cloud's response, nodding.]
I look forward to it then.
[This dinner had gone better than Rufus had expected and he considers it a good first step in improving things between them here.
There is nothing he can do to truly make amends for what Shinra has done, especially here, but doing his best to make things better was a way that he could at least do something.]
Let me know the day and time and I'll be there.