[ He's been told about how Shinra was trying to turn over a new leaf. Hell, even Reno's mannerisms while familiar gave him different vibes. But...even still, approaching two months later, it's something of a shellshock to just accept that his relationship with the Shinra crew was more...amicable. Trust issues? Justifiably a bit. He hasn't seen Sephiroth again since he arrived, yet his change in presence still sits with him... ]
I'm busy tomorrow.
[ Funny enough? That's not a lie. Cloud was still trying to figure out what kind of housewarming present he was supposed to get for the Kamisatos... He's new to this sort of thing. Ganba Cloud. ]
How bout Friday.
[ June 3rd... Because on the 2nd he was also busy with studying a script with Ayaka. He ain't budging. ]
[ 8 p.m. on a Friday night... Cloud supposes if he was going to do this, he may as well get this over with. Put his concerns to rest firsthand, or prove them right. ...this is the part where he really wished he had the ability to summon his weapons from thin air, same as Noct. But sooner or later, the destined time comes, and Cloud's made sure to keep his evening schedule open as he deliberates what to do. Given the address, he's actually closer to the president's estate than he would have thought.
He's with Zack on this one. They picked a good spot that's just far enough. Sitting in his room, the time was 7:30 and he was deliberating something as his gaze falls upon the Buster Sword resting against the wall. ]
...
[ There is nothing you need to bring but you can dress up if you feel like it.
He could just as easily show up, geared up like any other day in SOLDIER. Rufus did say if he felt like dressing up. But as he stares at his massive weapon, and thinks about said attire...he's got an idea. ]
— — —
[ Sure enough, 7:59, with seconds to spare, Cloud's on his way up to the man's front door. He's not dressed in his SOLDIER uniform either, rather going for a navy blue haori with dark hakama pants, and a white undershirt. And somehow? That Buster Sword of his was still secure on his back, like it was floating. In actuality, he actually managed to hook up his suspenders beneath the haori so that it remain hidden, the magnet centered on his back still effortlessly securing the weapon.
...no he doesn't plan on keeping it there for dinner. Call it insurance. Knock knock. ]
[It only takes a moment before the door is opened by Rufus himself dressed a light blue silk yakuta with large sleeves and a silvery white sash.
He had given orders for Reno and Rude to leave them alone, assuring them that there was no need for either of them to be present.
Rufus takes a moment to look Cloud over head to toe with amusement as soon as he opens the door before stepping back to invite the other man inside. He had expected Cloud to just show up in his uniform but it seemed that he had made an effort for tonight which hopefully boded well.]
Right on time and ah, prepared as usual. Come in, please. [Rufus comments with amusement as he glances at the sword as he stands aside to let Cloud inside. But he's not perturbed, he doesn't foresee dinner turning into another fight.
Hopefully.
He peers at Cloud for a moment, momentarily a bit surprised at how young Cloud looks now compared to how he seemed when Rufus had seen him last. Meteorfall and what came after had truly taken a toll on them, more than he had realized.
But that's a matter for later- for now he decides that they both need a drink, something strong.
Something to drink? I have wine, sake, and whiskey.
[ He didn't expect anything less from the man who once had it all. To Cloud, Rufus hasn't aged a day, which makes the change in nature a little more offputting. But...he just has to listen to Aerith. And of course what Reno was saying upon arriving. It's different. Everything was just...different. This wasn't because they went and altered their fates, was it? With so much left unknown to the acerbic blond, he opts to keep that little tidbit to himself. After all, he didn't know if Rufus had been aware of their presence over the course of their battle in Midgar.
He can't really sense the presence of anyone else, either, walking along the web of the proverbial spider as he comes through the front door. ]
Be surprised if I didn't.
[ He is, of course, talking about the Buster Sword on his back. There's not even any Materia slotted to it this time, having left those at the apartment as he takes in the interior of the complex. ]
Whiskey. [ A beat. ] On the rocks.
[ Whenever or wherever they decide to have a seat, he'll take care of propping his weapon up later. He might be on tense terms with the man in his time, but he couldn't just go stabbing his blade through the nice wooden floors. He can play nice. For now. Not to mention Cloud had some questions of his own, now that he knew more about himself. ]</small
[The house was sparsely but elegantly decorated with clean lines and everything in its place. Rufus takes out two glasses for them, taking a moment to select a bottle of whiskey and get ice.]
You seem to be settling in nicely, I'm glad that you have a social life.
[Once the drinks are poured he hands one of the glasses to Cloud. It may not be the top-shelf whiskey that he's used to but these aren't normal circumstances and it's decent enough.
He leads Cloud outside to just outside to the patio where a table is set up with two places, food set out on covered dishes. The air is warm despite the late hour, Rufus thought it was best to have dinner outside where it wasn't as stuffy or formal.]
Tonight we're having steak so I hope you're hungry.
[ Color him surprised. He would have anticipated a far more lavish interior...but maybe that's because they're all still beginning here. Cloud was between dormitories and finally an apartment, now. ]
I'm adaptable.
[ Cloud did delay this dinner a couple of days because of said social life. It took a lot of telling that "Ex-SOLDIER" side of him to shut up while he tried something out of his comfort zone, but. It wasn't bad! The company made it better. Pausing as he looks between the glass of whiskey and the President, he does accept the drink before following Rufus outside. It's quite the view...and sure enough, there's two seats and covered dishes.
Talk about VIP access. Before they can take their seat however, Cloud finally decides to move his Buster Sword. Removing it from his back, he rests it against the doorway they just came from. ]
Didn't take you for a cook.
[ Then again, he also wouldn't have pegged the former Vice-President to be such a crackshot in a fight with a SOLDIER either. He takes his seat, setting the glass of whiskey down and not having a drink just yet. ]
[Rufus laughs as he removes to covers from the plates revealing generous cuts of steak with roasted wedge potatoes and some leafy green stuff on the side. He had trusted Rude to do what he wanted with dinner tonight, letting him decide the menu.
He hasn't had anything like this in the last two years, being ill made it difficult to enjoy anything with any kind of flavor so the scent alone is intoxication. But he patiently place the plate coverings aside, out of the way, taking a seat across the table.]
But I can't take credit for dinner- next time you see Rude make sure to pass on your compliments.
[Rufus himself had never tried to cook anything for himself, not after failing to even be able to boil water without something catching on fire, thus the reason for having Rude cook. The last thing he wanted was to give himself and Cloud food poisoning.]
[ ...when he puts it like that, perhaps the competitive side of him took over for a fleeting moment, his lip actually quirking up with a smirk. Full of surprises. Rufus sure as hell put him through his paces at first, until he adapted and overwhelmed him. Cloud's not one to fawn over extravagant food, at least, not in these circumstances when he still had some things to discuss with the President. But his brows do lift some as he can see just how well thought of this meal was. It's something he would have had if he could afford it, and if anyone served something like this in Midgar. It's not that the slums were bad...this was just a very clear reminder that things were different between the upper plates and what's beneath the rotting pizza. ]
... why do I get the vibe that he would be a good cook.
[ At least, now that he's taking the time to think about the dude. At least, if anybody of the Turks could... Yes, Cloud's judging Reno and others without even knowing what they can do outside of work. His deeper mako-infused gaze stays on Rufus as he takes his seat. Before he thinks of digging in (albeit slowly), he'll at least take a sip of his whiskey. Strong, hard, but pure cold thanks to the ice. ]
Rufus... [ Guess there's no beating around the bush on this one. He's going to try not stay tense. ] I've got a couple questions.
[And Rufus will at least try to have an answer. He doesn't want them to be at odds here and so he would answer honestly as much as he was able to. Honesty wasn't something that came easily or even naturally to him.
But tonight he'll make an effort.
He lays out his napkin before picking up his fork, eying Cloud.]
[ As Rufus accepts his proposal, the shorter blond...ah. It wasn't cold feet, but suddenly it feels like he's stepping out over invisible road. Beneath him, should he fall, was nothing but an abyss waiting to swallow him whole. That was the "freedom" he and the others fought so hard for in his time. Yet they stepped through the boundary and took fate into their own hands anyways...
He sets his glass down, not touching his food just yet. Not until he gets an answer to his first question, gaze fixed on the President. Here goes nothing. ]
Before we escaped Midgar, while we were fighting on the top of Shinra HQ. You see any invisible enemies?
Perhaps Rufus had been too optimistic about where Cloud was mentally at this point. His expression doesn't shift at the question but his stomach sinks because 'invisible enemies' doesn't sound good.
He has no idea what kind of invisible enemies Cloud could be referring to and his first assumption was that it was something that Cloud must have been seeing in his mind.
He takes a moment to carefully choose his words but he needs a drink of whiskey to give himself a bit more time.]
I saw nothing floating in the wind. It was just us on the rooftop after your friends left.
[ In hindsight, maybe asking that only made him appear a little bit loose in the head. Then again...there's still a two year gap between them as far as events were concerned. Whether those events repeat them self remains to be seen, yet Rufus' answer...somehow doesn't sit right with him. The Turks didn't seem to react to the Whispers, either. Whatever they did in bringing the Harbinger down and making it out the other side...it still boggles his mind that some people wouldn't have seen all of that. Cloud's expression furrows, but his eyes remain on his plate, the sterner look not being directed to Rufus. ]
Then...
[ If Rufus didn't see anything. If...the course of "destiny" hadn't changed, maybe... ]
Aerith said Shinra was turning over a new leaf. She believes you... [ He's already seen glimpses of memories that he can't even tell are whose anymore. What's real or what's not. What's going to happen or what's been swept away. So...his relationship may still take time, but, ] What made you change?
[ Cloud was still hiding the fact he remembers how he never made SOLDIER. A solace for the gravity behind what he was asking. ]
[That's a heavy question, one that is something Rufus is still processing years later as he decides what he wants his future to be.
He had been prepared to use the last of his limited days to fix as much as he was able to but now that he has more time, it gives him the opportunity to work through those things.]
I admit I was always aware of a lot of what my father had done, what Shinra has done to the Planet. I had my part in it when I became President and not followed in his footsteps.
[These are difficult things to articulate but his gaze never wavers from Cloud's. He's not sure how much Cloud has been told of the future so it's something that he has to tread carefully around.]
But there came a time when I had to confront the consequences of what Shinra has done and there was no escape. I knew that I had to end my father's legacy and help heal the damage that Shinra has done.
[ Even if Cloud, not-so-deep down, wished he could hold onto that conflict and animosity, the wounds of which were inflicted upon everyone still rather fresh... Even he could hear the inflection in Rufus' voice. He only just met him, but there was a smooth venom to his tone, a chilling confidence that only someone ready to rule the world would carry. And while this is still the same man...they do the same thing, not once breaking their gaze from one another.
"But there came a time when I had to confront the consequences of what Shinra has done and there was no escape."
Near silent, the former SOLDIER's breath catches in his throat, eyes broadening some at those words. And as Rufus continues, albeit without the static-ridden images and splitting headaches... "I knew that I had to end my father's legacy and help heal the damage that Shinra has done." Everything they defied...the future that is not yet written...the path that they walk of their own volition and not destiny's...
Is this what Aerith meant? Is this why, despite having the same attitude, he'd pulled Reno out of that swamp in the first couple days that he arrived? Is...that why—
"I am my own person."
Sephiroth... ]
...
[ He hasn't touched his plate since taking a single potato wedge. His glass remains full. And as for the guest of honor himself? He looks...conflicted. But when he finally does speak, ]
Rufus... I don't know what's going to happen. [ What'll happen when they get to Kalm. What's going to happen if they cross the ocean. If they make it to Rocket Town. If Shinra's karma is to come due or not. ] If you're telling the truth...then it's up to time to decide.
[ They'll see where they end up, two years later. ]
Until then? [ He takes his knife and fork in hand, utensils that almost started feeling foreign to him after using chopsticks for the past month or so. ] I'll...
[ He'll what? Keep on going? Keep fighting? Keep his distance? Cut them out? Let bygones be bygones? Even when this tenser side of the dinner talk fades, and there's a chance for things to be more amicable, Cloud wasn't ready to make the change, or forget what's still so fresh. He'd felt so sure, but after seeing everyone else, not to mention Zack,
How did he feel so out of place? He sighs, cutting into his steak like a hot knife through butter, tender. ]
[Rufus has to admit that this dinner is going better than the last time they had met back at Healin so far, this time he's at least willing before barging out of the door.
Rufus is not sure what to expect still, remaining silent as Cloud processes things. He knows he's asking a lot from Cloud at this point in time- a lot of the future hasn't unfolded for him and even during their last meeting Cloud hadn't exactly been receptive or willing to listen when Rufus asked for help.
But a moment later he lets out a breath- he doesn't want to play out the past conflicts, he doesn't want Cloud as an enemy here. The past won't be forgotten but the future can be what they make of it in this place.
So this is a promising start, at the very least.]
Thank you, Cloud. I know it's not easy.
[He empties his glass before picking up his silverware once more. The steak is delicious, he has to take a moment to savor the first mouthful- it's been too long since he's had something so good- he's missed dinners like these more than he realizes.]
I hope that we can work together here if needed. If there is ever anything you need, know that the door is always open to you.
[ The slice of steak on his fork stays there a little while longer, until he makes the conscious decision to try and move things along for both their sake. The disparity in time will never not make things perfectly normal. Nor has he lived through the experiences that may have tempered the strains between them. This Cloud was unaware of just what he was going to lose or struggle through by the time he coldly rebuked Rufus' request for help. But it's as he laid out for the man across from him.
It's up to time, now. And right now, he'll probably have something to say to get his frustrations and confusion off his chest. But... ]
Reno mentioned you're working on Neo Midgar?
[ Color him curious. ...and biting his tongue because he will be trying to lean on trusting them. Trust Aerith. The steak is warm still, and there's very little chew involved with how tender the slice is as he lightly hums in approval. ...he'll need another sip of that whiskey, hard as it was. ]
[Free of his father's legacy tainting the world, Rufus can make this Midgar something entirely different, better.
The next time Cloud puts his glass down Rufus refills it along with his, setting the bottle of whiskey to the side. He appreciates the effort Cloud is making in what is a strange situation for both of them.]
The Midgar you knew- or know- was my father's creation. Something that belongs to the past as we move forward to a future that is entirely ours here.
[But this Cloud doesn't know what happened to the city that Rufus left a twisted metal wreck, a testament to Shinra's sins and destruction. He takes a sip of whiskey before picking up his fork once more, laughing softly.]
Forgive me, I doubt you want to hear another inauguration speech.
[ Cloud gets to around the halfway point on his first glass before Rufus fills it for him. This is...a first for him. Having this kind of a sitdown dinner with someone for something this formal. And while there's a side of him that maintains an edge of caution, it's tempered both by his own will to try and trust him as Aerith has, and mayhaps a little bit of the whiskey. It's enough to loosen the tongue as he listens to Rufus slowly but surely fall back into another one of his...well.
It's not so much a rant if he's got a point to make. Swirling the contents of his whiskey on the rocks, he huffs with a smirk. ]
What's that saying? 'The more things change, the more they stay the same'?
[ Even if he's giving him the benefit of the doubt, Cloud somehow can't help but think Rufus and talking just go hand-in-hand. ]
[Rufus nods with a small smile. There had been so many changes over the last couple of years, Rufus wanted to say that things would be different now but there were many things that no matter what, would remain the same.
No matter what he did to transform the future and heal the world, Rufus knew that there would some things that would always be the same.]
You're not wrong. We'll always be who we are, at our very core. We just have to choose what we do with that.
[But even so, Rufus hopes that this time working together with Cloud will go better than it did in the future. He knew the tactics of manipulating the other perhaps had been a step too far but he had thought it necessary at the time.
Here, at least Rufus has time to do things properly.]
But there is one thing I hope to change - I offer you my assistance if there is anything that you need, Cloud. Perhaps we won't be close friends but I don't want us to be on opposing sides here.
[ 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.
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timeasmymeasure
text;
Date: 2022-05-31 08:30 am (UTC)I'm busy tomorrow.
[ Funny enough? That's not a lie. Cloud was still trying to figure out what kind of housewarming present he was supposed to get for the Kamisatos... He's new to this sort of thing. Ganba Cloud. ]
How bout Friday.
[ June 3rd... Because on the 2nd he was also busy with studying a script with Ayaka. He ain't budging. ]
text;
Date: 2022-05-31 09:32 pm (UTC)Friday it is then. It will be just the two of us, don't worry.
text -> action
Date: 2022-06-01 08:08 am (UTC)Noted.
[ 8 p.m. on a Friday night... Cloud supposes if he was going to do this, he may as well get this over with. Put his concerns to rest firsthand, or prove them right. ...this is the part where he really wished he had the ability to summon his weapons from thin air, same as Noct. But sooner or later, the destined time comes, and Cloud's made sure to keep his evening schedule open as he deliberates what to do. Given the address, he's actually closer to the president's estate than he would have thought.
He's with Zack on this one. They picked a good spot that's just far enough. Sitting in his room, the time was 7:30 and he was deliberating something as his gaze falls upon the Buster Sword resting against the wall. ]
...
[ There is nothing you need to bring but you can dress up if you feel like it.
He could just as easily show up, geared up like any other day in SOLDIER. Rufus did say if he felt like dressing up. But as he stares at his massive weapon, and thinks about said attire...he's got an idea. ]
[ Sure enough, 7:59, with seconds to spare, Cloud's on his way up to the man's front door. He's not dressed in his SOLDIER uniform either, rather going for a navy blue haori with dark hakama pants, and a white undershirt. And somehow? That Buster Sword of his was still secure on his back, like it was floating. In actuality, he actually managed to hook up his suspenders beneath the haori so that it remain hidden, the magnet centered on his back still effortlessly securing the weapon.
...no he doesn't plan on keeping it there for dinner. Call it insurance. Knock knock. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-06-02 05:36 am (UTC)He had given orders for Reno and Rude to leave them alone, assuring them that there was no need for either of them to be present.
Rufus takes a moment to look Cloud over head to toe with amusement as soon as he opens the door before stepping back to invite the other man inside. He had expected Cloud to just show up in his uniform but it seemed that he had made an effort for tonight which hopefully boded well.]
Right on time and ah, prepared as usual. Come in, please. [Rufus comments with amusement as he glances at the sword as he stands aside to let Cloud inside. But he's not perturbed, he doesn't foresee dinner turning into another fight.
Hopefully.
He peers at Cloud for a moment, momentarily a bit surprised at how young Cloud looks now compared to how he seemed when Rufus had seen him last. Meteorfall and what came after had truly taken a toll on them, more than he had realized.
But that's a matter for later- for now he decides that they both need a drink, something strong.
Something to drink? I have wine, sake, and whiskey.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-02 06:51 am (UTC)He can't really sense the presence of anyone else, either, walking along the web of the proverbial spider as he comes through the front door. ]
Be surprised if I didn't.
[ He is, of course, talking about the Buster Sword on his back. There's not even any Materia slotted to it this time, having left those at the apartment as he takes in the interior of the complex. ]
Whiskey. [ A beat. ] On the rocks.
[ Whenever or wherever they decide to have a seat, he'll take care of propping his weapon up later. He might be on tense terms with the man in his time, but he couldn't just go stabbing his blade through the nice wooden floors. He can play nice. For now. Not to mention Cloud had some questions of his own, now that he knew more about himself. ]</small
no subject
Date: 2022-06-04 05:11 am (UTC)[The house was sparsely but elegantly decorated with clean lines and everything in its place. Rufus takes out two glasses for them, taking a moment to select a bottle of whiskey and get ice.]
You seem to be settling in nicely, I'm glad that you have a social life.
[Once the drinks are poured he hands one of the glasses to Cloud. It may not be the top-shelf whiskey that he's used to but these aren't normal circumstances and it's decent enough.
He leads Cloud outside to just outside to the patio where a table is set up with two places, food set out on covered dishes. The air is warm despite the late hour, Rufus thought it was best to have dinner outside where it wasn't as stuffy or formal.]
Tonight we're having steak so I hope you're hungry.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-04 08:10 am (UTC)I'm adaptable.
[ Cloud did delay this dinner a couple of days because of said social life. It took a lot of telling that "Ex-SOLDIER" side of him to shut up while he tried something out of his comfort zone, but. It wasn't bad! The company made it better. Pausing as he looks between the glass of whiskey and the President, he does accept the drink before following Rufus outside. It's quite the view...and sure enough, there's two seats and covered dishes.
Talk about VIP access. Before they can take their seat however, Cloud finally decides to move his Buster Sword. Removing it from his back, he rests it against the doorway they just came from. ]
Didn't take you for a cook.
[ Then again, he also wouldn't have pegged the former Vice-President to be such a crackshot in a fight with a SOLDIER either. He takes his seat, setting the glass of whiskey down and not having a drink just yet. ]
no subject
Date: 2022-06-05 08:22 am (UTC)[Rufus laughs as he removes to covers from the plates revealing generous cuts of steak with roasted wedge potatoes and some leafy green stuff on the side. He had trusted Rude to do what he wanted with dinner tonight, letting him decide the menu.
He hasn't had anything like this in the last two years, being ill made it difficult to enjoy anything with any kind of flavor so the scent alone is intoxication. But he patiently place the plate coverings aside, out of the way, taking a seat across the table.]
But I can't take credit for dinner- next time you see Rude make sure to pass on your compliments.
[Rufus himself had never tried to cook anything for himself, not after failing to even be able to boil water without something catching on fire, thus the reason for having Rude cook. The last thing he wanted was to give himself and Cloud food poisoning.]
no subject
Date: 2022-06-05 09:24 am (UTC)... why do I get the vibe that he would be a good cook.
[ At least, now that he's taking the time to think about the dude. At least, if anybody of the Turks could... Yes, Cloud's judging Reno and others without even knowing what they can do outside of work. His deeper mako-infused gaze stays on Rufus as he takes his seat. Before he thinks of digging in (albeit slowly), he'll at least take a sip of his whiskey. Strong, hard, but pure cold thanks to the ice. ]
Rufus... [ Guess there's no beating around the bush on this one. He's going to try not stay tense. ] I've got a couple questions.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-07 03:31 am (UTC)[And Rufus will at least try to have an answer. He doesn't want them to be at odds here and so he would answer honestly as much as he was able to. Honesty wasn't something that came easily or even naturally to him.
But tonight he'll make an effort.
He lays out his napkin before picking up his fork, eying Cloud.]
I may even have an answer for you.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-07 05:55 am (UTC)He sets his glass down, not touching his food just yet. Not until he gets an answer to his first question, gaze fixed on the President. Here goes nothing. ]
Before we escaped Midgar, while we were fighting on the top of Shinra HQ. You see any invisible enemies?
[ He takes a potato wedge, his voice cool. ]
Wearing robes. Floating on the wind.
[ Om.
Oh that's good. asdkjfh]no subject
Date: 2022-06-07 06:03 am (UTC)Perhaps Rufus had been too optimistic about where Cloud was mentally at this point. His expression doesn't shift at the question but his stomach sinks because 'invisible enemies' doesn't sound good.
He has no idea what kind of invisible enemies Cloud could be referring to and his first assumption was that it was something that Cloud must have been seeing in his mind.
He takes a moment to carefully choose his words but he needs a drink of whiskey to give himself a bit more time.]
I saw nothing floating in the wind. It was just us on the rooftop after your friends left.
no subject
Date: 2022-06-07 09:16 am (UTC)Then...
[ If Rufus didn't see anything. If...the course of "destiny" hadn't changed, maybe... ]
Aerith said Shinra was turning over a new leaf. She believes you... [ He's already seen glimpses of memories that he can't even tell are whose anymore. What's real or what's not. What's going to happen or what's been swept away. So...his relationship may still take time, but, ] What made you change?
[ Cloud was still hiding the fact he remembers how he never made SOLDIER. A solace for the gravity behind what he was asking. ]
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Date: 2022-06-08 03:33 am (UTC)He had been prepared to use the last of his limited days to fix as much as he was able to but now that he has more time, it gives him the opportunity to work through those things.]
I admit I was always aware of a lot of what my father had done, what Shinra has done to the Planet. I had my part in it when I became President and not followed in his footsteps.
[These are difficult things to articulate but his gaze never wavers from Cloud's. He's not sure how much Cloud has been told of the future so it's something that he has to tread carefully around.]
But there came a time when I had to confront the consequences of what Shinra has done and there was no escape. I knew that I had to end my father's legacy and help heal the damage that Shinra has done.
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Date: 2022-06-09 08:52 am (UTC)"But there came a time when I had to confront the consequences of what Shinra has done and there was no escape."
Near silent, the former SOLDIER's breath catches in his throat, eyes broadening some at those words. And as Rufus continues, albeit without the static-ridden images and splitting headaches... "I knew that I had to end my father's legacy and help heal the damage that Shinra has done." Everything they defied...the future that is not yet written...the path that they walk of their own volition and not destiny's...
Is this what Aerith meant? Is this why, despite having the same attitude, he'd pulled Reno out of that swamp in the first couple days that he arrived? Is...that why—
"I am my own person."
Sephiroth... ]
...
[ He hasn't touched his plate since taking a single potato wedge. His glass remains full. And as for the guest of honor himself? He looks...conflicted. But when he finally does speak, ]
Rufus... I don't know what's going to happen. [ What'll happen when they get to Kalm. What's going to happen if they cross the ocean. If they make it to Rocket Town. If Shinra's karma is to come due or not. ] If you're telling the truth...then it's up to time to decide.
[ They'll see where they end up, two years later. ]
Until then? [ He takes his knife and fork in hand, utensils that almost started feeling foreign to him after using chopsticks for the past month or so. ] I'll...
[ He'll what? Keep on going? Keep fighting? Keep his distance? Cut them out? Let bygones be bygones? Even when this tenser side of the dinner talk fades, and there's a chance for things to be more amicable, Cloud wasn't ready to make the change, or forget what's still so fresh. He'd felt so sure, but after seeing everyone else, not to mention Zack,
How did he feel so out of place? He sighs, cutting into his steak like a hot knife through butter, tender. ]
Don't make me regret this.
[ Don't make him regret trusting you, Rufus. ]
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Date: 2022-06-10 04:29 am (UTC)Rufus is not sure what to expect still, remaining silent as Cloud processes things. He knows he's asking a lot from Cloud at this point in time- a lot of the future hasn't unfolded for him and even during their last meeting Cloud hadn't exactly been receptive or willing to listen when Rufus asked for help.
But a moment later he lets out a breath- he doesn't want to play out the past conflicts, he doesn't want Cloud as an enemy here. The past won't be forgotten but the future can be what they make of it in this place.
So this is a promising start, at the very least.]
Thank you, Cloud. I know it's not easy.
[He empties his glass before picking up his silverware once more. The steak is delicious, he has to take a moment to savor the first mouthful- it's been too long since he's had something so good- he's missed dinners like these more than he realizes.]
I hope that we can work together here if needed. If there is ever anything you need, know that the door is always open to you.
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Date: 2022-06-11 11:39 pm (UTC)It's up to time, now. And right now, he'll probably have something to say to get his frustrations and confusion off his chest. But... ]
Reno mentioned you're working on Neo Midgar?
[ Color him curious. ...and biting his tongue because he will be trying to lean on trusting them. Trust Aerith. The steak is warm still, and there's very little chew involved with how tender the slice is as he lightly hums in approval. ...he'll need another sip of that whiskey, hard as it was. ]
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Date: 2022-06-17 04:14 am (UTC)[Free of his father's legacy tainting the world, Rufus can make this Midgar something entirely different, better.
The next time Cloud puts his glass down Rufus refills it along with his, setting the bottle of whiskey to the side. He appreciates the effort Cloud is making in what is a strange situation for both of them.]
The Midgar you knew- or know- was my father's creation. Something that belongs to the past as we move forward to a future that is entirely ours here.
[But this Cloud doesn't know what happened to the city that Rufus left a twisted metal wreck, a testament to Shinra's sins and destruction. He takes a sip of whiskey before picking up his fork once more, laughing softly.]
Forgive me, I doubt you want to hear another inauguration speech.
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Date: 2022-06-22 08:12 am (UTC)It's not so much a rant if he's got a point to make. Swirling the contents of his whiskey on the rocks, he huffs with a smirk. ]
What's that saying? 'The more things change, the more they stay the same'?
[ Even if he's giving him the benefit of the doubt, Cloud somehow can't help but think Rufus and talking just go hand-in-hand. ]
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Date: 2022-07-03 03:31 am (UTC)No matter what he did to transform the future and heal the world, Rufus knew that there would some things that would always be the same.]
You're not wrong. We'll always be who we are, at our very core. We just have to choose what we do with that.
[But even so, Rufus hopes that this time working together with Cloud will go better than it did in the future. He knew the tactics of manipulating the other perhaps had been a step too far but he had thought it necessary at the time.
Here, at least Rufus has time to do things properly.]
But there is one thing I hope to change - I offer you my assistance if there is anything that you need, Cloud. Perhaps we won't be close friends but I don't want us to be on opposing sides here.
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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. ]
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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.
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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. ]
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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?
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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.
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