looking_sharp | Mask Or Menace

It sounds like a plan.

[Rufus slipped his phone out of his pocket to check the time before setting it aside to take another drink of water.]

I have around an hour and a half. I usually am in the office around 10 but this morning got off to a late start.

[And it wasn't like anyone at his office was going to call him out whenever he decided to come in. He laid out his terms from the first day about what he expected.]

Edited 2020-05-24 03:37 (UTC)

[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?

That would be fine.

[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.]

We should start to head back. I'm fine now.

We can do earlier if you prefer.

[Because he'll work with what the man needs. For now, though he moves back enough to allow Rufus no issues in standing.]

I'm expecting you to jog the last third back.

Let's do six then. It will allow me to get some work done before going to the office after our run.

[It would be nice to have a schedule that didn't involve sleeping a lot of the day away.]

I think I can jog the rest of the way back.

[That was his goal at least.]

Need harassed if you don't?

[He definitely will go near-drill sergeant but not without permission. Not toward his boss.]

Yes, that would be fine.

[Rufus knew that Rude wouldn't push him to the point of injury but wouldn't go easy on him at the same time.]

[Rude would sooner carry Rufus than push him to injury. So Rude nods, stretches briefly, and then starts jogging off, expecting Rufus to follow.]

When we get back, going to slow you cool down stretches.

[Rufus followed Rude without hesitation, sheer determination keeping him going at this point even though his legs were shaking slightly.

He made it most of the way back before he had to slow down to an almost walk, trying to catch his breath.]

[Rude slows down with him, narrowing his eyes.]

Thought you were jogging all the way back. Or is this the limits of Shinra's strength?

[Mocking the walking without being too sharp.]

Hardly.

[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.]

[Once they're moving again, he nods. And after a block Rude offers his water bottle over.]

You're doing good, sir. Really good.

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.]

Edited 2020-05-25 03:53 (UTC)

Makes a lot of sense.

[But at least it's something. At least he almost did it. Even if Rude wasn't sure how he felt about Rufus not being able to walk for a while.]

We'll get you into a far better state. I swear it, sir.

I know you will, Rude.

[He couldn't talk by the time they got back to the apartment, feeling hot and sweaty as he tried to catch his breath.]

[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-

[He bit back a curse, letting out a breath.]

No.

[Rude moves to offer his hand.]

Get up. Cool down stretches now. Better for you.

[Rufus wanted to protest but he took Rude's hand anyway to get to his feet even though every bit of him hurt. But he got to his feet after a moment.]

Alright. Let's do this.

[Rude nods and guides Rufus through some cool down stretches. Once those are finished he gestures for the man to settle down into a chair.]

Will rub your back for you.

[There is no protest from him as he sank into the chair after the stretches. The stretches had helped but Rude's hands massaging the muscles on his back felt amazing.

He closed his eyes, unable to hold in a soft moan as Rude worked. It was like Rude knew just where to touch him with just the right amount of pressure.]

[Well, of course he knew. He had experience. He did this for Reno sometimes]

You good, sir?

Yes, this feels amazing. Maybe a little lower.

[Rufus glanced over his shoulder at Rude, his body slowly relaxing under Rude's hands.]

[Lower works. Rude puts a firm hand on Rufus's shoulder to push him further forward before his hands slip further down Rufus's back to work the muscles there.]

Would be easier if you had no shirt.

Mm you're right. And I think it would be more comfortable on the couch.

[He stood up as he stripped his shirt off, tossing it to the side as he went to lay on the couch, on his stomach.]

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