[Ten? Rude has to normally be in by nine. They did promo videos in the mornings and apparently his cheeks were a perfect thing to show off for some of the products. Something about how the facial hair popped against his skin or something. He was also their only shaved headed rep, so... Fine.]
I get up at five. Can you be up and ready to run by seven?
[He normally was up early in the morning, before Shinra fell but after his rescue from Kilmister, he had spent more time than he liked either sleeping or unable to do anything.
Now he had to get himself back on something resembling his normal schedule.]
[Because he's jealous enough as it was. But that had always been the case. It was just... Rude didn't know how to compete with someone like Sephiroth.]
[The backs of his knuckles brush lightly over Reno's neck as he works. Which isn't an accident at all. These little touches are the few things he can steal over the years.]
[ Reno hums, soft and content. What Rude doesn't know absolutely can hurt him: he'd rather a single stolen moment like that than any hookup with anyone else. He just relaxes completely while Rude works. ]
No doubt. But be nice. If I can do "nice," so can you.
[Rufus forced himself to take a deep breath even though it caught in his throat. He pictured himself in the wheelchair looking out the window watching the other patients at Healen while feeling like he was wasting away bit by bit.
He wouldn't ever let himself get to that point again so he forced himself to pick up the pace.]
I've barely been able to walk on my own for the last year. This is difficult but at the same time, it feels good if that makes sense.
[Rufus gratefully took the water bottle, finishing half of it before handing it back to Rude. He had to walk the last short distance to the apartment, too winded to keep going.]
[Rude doesn't intend to make Rufus talk. Instead, once at the building, he liberates Rufus's keys from the man and coaxes him first inside, and then to the stairs.]
Come on. I promise once you're up in your apartment, showering, you're going to feel amazing. It's worth it. The relax after.
[It took every ounce of strength to get up the stairs. Rufus let Rude have the keys without protest. Once inside he kitchen off his shoes, tossed his phone on the counter, and fell onto the couch. He lay there on his back, looking over at Rude as he caught his breath.]
Just give me a few minutes. I know this will get easier but-
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