Tseng watched Reno walk out the bathroom and glance around quickly as he finished adjusting his clothing. Tseng’s disapproval was evident as he shook his head and sighed heavily, not that Reno either saw or heard him.
“Looks like Reno’s been at it again,” the man beside him whispered into his ear, amusement clear in his deep voice. “Now only one question remains… with whom?”
“I neither know nor care,” Tseng replied, turning slightly to look at Rufus. “I would simply prefer that he did not engage in such activities in my guest bathroom.”
Rufus chuckled quietly. “It’s harmless fun, Tseng. You might want to try it sometime; you might discover that you rather like it.”
Tseng snorted and opened his mouth to retort when he glimpsed Rude emerging from the bathroom shortly after Reno. Words fled from his shocked mind. From the expression on Rude’s face, he was obviously a bit shocked himself. As Tseng continued to watch, Rude joined Reno at the door and the pair departed the party together.
“Well, well, well,” Rufus murmured. “It’s about time, don’t you think?”
“Whatever are you talking about?” Tseng asked, his brow furrowing. “Surely you aren’t talking about Reno and Rude, are you?”
“Of course I am,” Rufus answered. “Who else would I mean? Reno’s wanted to get into Rude’s pants for quite a while now. Obviously, Rude has finally figured that fact out, although no doubt Reno had to do a little convincing.”
“How do you know this, Rufus?” Tseng asked, confusion coloring the tone of his voice.
“I’m President of the company. It’s my job to know and understand my employees, especially those who work closely with me.”
“And knowing that Reno wanted Rude as a lover is important information? I don’t see how…”
“Tseng, it is always beneficial to possess information that is useful, especially about personal relationships. Never disregard anything. As head of the Turks, I thought you would understand this,” Rufus chided.
Tseng’s frown deepened. “Of course I understand the importance and relevance of knowing about personal relationships,” he replied.
“Then the problem would be?”
“I suppose there’s no problem. Hopefully this will not affect their job performance.”
“Reno’s methods may be unorthodox, but he’s a capable Turk and Rude has always been able to keep him in line as much as possible. They have been partners for years, after all.” Rufus slid his arm around Tseng’s waist and leaned in closer, his warm breath caressing Tseng’s ear as he whispered, “It’s not like they’re doing anything we haven’t been doing ourselves, and I’m your boss.”
Tseng kept himself from shivering but couldn’t stop the sharp intake of breath that followed the moment Rufus’ lips touched the outer shell of his ear. “Rufus, not here,” he hissed back, directing his employer’s attention back to the room filled with partygoers.
“Mmm, perhaps we should make use of the bathroom as Reno and Rude did,” Rufus said and it occurred to Tseng that the man was likely serious.
“You are rather energetic for a man who was recently buried under the remains of his own corporate headquarters. You should be taking it easy,” Tseng observed, trying to put a little distance between Rufus and himself. “And I should be getting back to my other guests.”
“Energetic? I prefer to be called frisky,” Rufus retorted, tightening his hold on Tseng’s waist. “As for that little matter of being caught under a collapsed building… the injuries were nothing an elixir or two couldn’t heal. However, I have sworn everyone here to secrecy on the fact that I’m quite alive and well. I think it would be best if others suspected my injuries were permanently debilitating.”
“Yes, Cloud and his cohorts will be less likely to come after you if they think you are already on the verge of death,” Tseng agreed.
“Of course, you will have first hand knowledge on how fit I really am,” Rufus purred into Tseng’s ear before leaning close enough to nip at the Turk’s lobe. “In fact, I think we should go somewhere private so I can demonstrate the state of my health.”
Tseng’s breathing quickened. He mentally cursed his body for reacting so quickly, cursed Rufus for knowing how to manipulate him so thoroughly. “I have guests,” he heard himself say. His words lacked conviction. He knew it and certainly Rufus knew it, too.
“Guests who are in various states of inebriation from the look of it. They have ample food and liquor, so I very much doubt they will notice your absence. And even if they do, Tseng, why do you care? Are you ashamed?”
“Yes, sometimes I am,” Tseng answered in a harsh whisper.
“Because with me you allow yourself to feel unfettered pleasure? If that is the stuff of shame, then let me shame you again and again,” Rufus whispered in return.
A soft groan fell from Tseng’s lips as Rufus’ tongue licked a spot just behind his ear. “I could almost hate you, Rufus,” Tseng murmured, eyes squeezed shut.
“Then come show me your hate. You know I’ll take everything and anything you have to give. Willingly or not.”
Rufus took his hand and he opened his eyes, watching in silence as his employer and lover led them both to the bedroom. Tseng stood just inside the room and faced the bed, listening as Rufus closed and locked the door.
Hands were on him after that, easing his suit jacket off his shoulders and down his arms until it was pulled away altogether. His closet door whispered open and the slight jingle of hangers being moved reached his ears as presumably Rufus hung up the jacket. Once again he was reminded of how well the man knew him. He understood that Tseng thrived on the organized and the ordered. Those hands returned to him again and again as they stripped him of his clothing until he stood completely naked, exposed and uncovered.
Tseng waited for Rufus to return to him, to speak or to touch, but there was nothing but the rustling of clothing from somewhere behind him. Apprehension slowly and steadily crept into him.
“Rufus…”
“I’m here,” Rufus said a moment before he pressed his warm, naked body against Tseng’s back. Rufus’ fingers swept the long, dark hair away from the nape of his neck before his lips began to tickle and tease the skin there. Tseng trembled with pleasure.
“I want to see you, touch you, taste you.” Tseng was all too aware of the raw need threading through his voice.
“Soon. When I’m ready and not before.”
“It always has to be on your terms.”
“Of course, Tseng. Are you expressing dissatisfaction with our… arrangement?”
“No, Rufus.” Never, Rufus, he thought.
“Good.”
Rufus’ mouth fastened on the back of Tseng’s neck, biting and sucking, marking and claiming. This part had become a ritual in their sexual relationship. Rufus enjoyed the proof of ownership, but he respected Tseng and his professionalism by always leaving the bruises beneath the fall of Tseng’s hair.
He bit back the moans, not wanting to sound too eager or wanton. Not yet. He could, of course, do little to suppress the physical reactions Rufus’ hands, mouth and words caused. There was no hiding those. His cock was stiff and already leaking precome, and his nipples were hard little points without having been touched.
“You’re bleeding.” Rufus was suddenly in front of him, one finger skimming his bottom lip and quickly drawing back. He could see that the tip was smeared with blood. Tseng watched as Rufus licked it away, and this time he was unable to stifle the low groan.
“Why do you still insist on holding back?” Rufus asked as he leaned in and captured Tseng’s bottom lip with his mouth, kissing away the last traces of blood. “It’s useless and you know it.”
“Yes,” was Tseng’s reply.
One of Rufus’ hands reached down and encircled his cock, startling another groan from him. Already he felt on the verge. “Rufus, please.”
“Impatient tonight, aren’t you? I suppose I shouldn’t keep you waiting.” Taking Tseng’s hand, Rufus led him to the bed. They stood beside it, looking at each other and saying nothing. Tseng never took anything from Rufus without first getting his permission.
“Fuck me, Tseng,” Rufus husked, lids suddenly heavy over his blue eyes.
With a harsh moan, Tseng gathered Rufus in his arms and kissed him with a brutal passion. Rufus’ lips parted immediately and Tseng thrust his tongue inside, savoring the taste of his lover. He needed this, needed Rufus with a desperation that frightened him. He broke the kiss and pushed Rufus onto the bed, taking a moment to admire the lean, firm body before he covered it with his own.
Tseng settled between Rufus’ thighs and kissed him long and deep, both of them moaning as their cocks rubbed one against the other. He was so full of desire that he thought he would be consumed by it, leaving nothing of himself behind by pure, uncontrolled emotion. He both craved and feared that happening.
“Fuck me, now,” Rufus panted as he squirmed beneath Tseng.
He knew better than to leave Rufus waiting. Lifting himself off his impatient lover, he sat back on his heels and reached for the first drawer of the bedside table. Pulling it open, he quickly found the bottle of lubricant hidden inside. He passed it to Rufus who held the bottle between his hands, warming it while Tseng closed the drawer.
Rufus opened the bottle and then took Tseng’s hand in his, pouring a generous amount over Tseng’s fingers and into his palm. As he watched, the glistening liquid slid over his skin and started dripping onto the sheets.
“We can change the sheets after we’re done,” Rufus said, sensing the direction of Tseng’s thoughts.
“Of course,” Tseng replied. He lowered slick fingers between their bodies, finding Rufus’ tight opening and circling it, coating the muscles with the lube.
“Tseng.” There was an unspoken command in the sound of his name.
He pressed two fingers into Rufus, knowing the man could take them with ease, knowing that he didn’t like it when Tseng wasted time being gentle. There was little romance in the intimacy they were about to share and that saddened Tseng, although he tried his best not to think about it. A third finger joined the first two and he twisted them around, stretching and seeking until Rufus moaned loudly and his hips lifted from the bed.
“Dammit! I said now. Do it, Tseng,” Rufus demanded.
Tseng coated his cock with the last of the lube still on his hand and guided himself into place. With a single, steady push he was inside Rufus’ tight heat, pausing only long enough for the man beneath him to adjust before he began to thrust. Leaning forward with hands on either side of Rufus, he pressed their mouths together and drank down the exquisite sounds of pleasure that welled up from his lover’s throat. When Rufus wrapped his legs around Tseng’s hips, he shortened his strokes and increased the speed of his thrusts. He knew what Rufus wanted.
The need for air drove their lips apart, both men gasping as their bodies moved together in rhythm. Rufus wrapped his hand around his cock and stroked himself in time with their fucking. Tseng bent his head and his hair fell forward, hiding his face as he pushed and pulled his cock in and out of Rufus’ willing body again and again.
“No,” Rufus suddenly groaned and Tseng lifted his gaze to Rufus’ face.
“What…” He started to ask, but Rufus’ fingers were curling around his long hair and tugging sharply, interrupting him.
“Don’t hide from me,” Rufus hissed. “Never hide from me. I want everything, Tseng, and you will give it to me. Now.”
“I don’t understand,” Tseng whispered back, but deep down he did. This was how it always was between them.
“Yes, you do. Everything, Tseng. Let go and give it all to me.”
“Rufus,” Tseng moaned and snapped his hips forward suddenly as he felt his frayed control finally break.
Wrapping his arms around Rufus, he held him tight as he drove his cock into him over and over, harder and harder with each thrust. Rufus encouraged him with hands and words and moans. Tseng felt the approach of his climax, felt it building low in his groin, felt his cock start to swell. He arched his back and slammed his hips forward one last time, releasing his come inside his lover with a guttural cry. Tseng was dimly aware of Rufus’ body tightening around his pulsing cock as Rufus came with a fierce groan.
Spent, emotionally and physically, Tseng slowly rolled off of Rufus and onto his back, covering his face with his forearm as he struggled to regain his control. Beside him, he could hear Rufus’ shallow breathing. The mattress shifted as Rufus sat up and he could hear the top drawer of the bedside table being opened again.
“Ah, good, you kept them,” Rufus said. Tseng moved his arm enough to see the other man putting a cigarette between his lips and lighting it.
“You always want to smoke afterwards,” Tseng commented as he sat up and swung his legs to the floor. “I’m going to shower.”
“Give me a second and I’ll join you. Do you want me to stay the night?” Rufus asked.
“You know you’re always welcome to stay,” Tseng answered.
“Yes, I know that, but I asked if you wanted me to stay.” There was a hint of impatience in Rufus’ tone. “If you don’t want me to, I’m sure I can find another who does.”
“Don’t…” Tseng said and shook his head. “Please.”
“Don’t what?” Rufus asked.
“Don’t play this game with me. I’m tired and don’t want to play anymore. You know I want you to stay. I always want you to stay. Either you want the same thing or you don’t, Rufus. You need to decide. I can’t keep doing this.”
“Then stop doing it,” Rufus replied.
Tseng sighed. “I suppose this is the end then.”
“If you wish it to be. I didn’t say we had to end things, I only said that you should stop doing whatever it is that upsets you. Do what you want, Tseng.”
“What I want is for us to be on equal terms as lovers. I’m tired of the employer and employee dichotomy. I’m not a plaything, Rufus. I want more. I deserve more.” Tseng rubbed a hand over his face and sighed again.
“I wondered when you were going to finally give me an ultimatum. You know I don’t like them.”
“Yes, I know, but I can’t pretend all is well and good between us anymore.” The words were the truth, but saying them made his eyes sting and his chest ache.
Tseng heard the bed creak softly as Rufus stood up, heard the floorboards faintly squeak as he circled around to Tseng’s side of the bed. A warm hand slid under his chin, urging him to lift his face. “Tseng, look at me.”
Tears spilled from his eyes as he met Rufus’ gaze. “I can’t, Rufus, I can’t. Seeing you fall beneath that building… it was nearly the end of me. And isn’t that what you wanted? To break me? Well, you have, Mr. President. You have broken me and now I am undone. Loving you costs me too much, because I know I will never mean as much to you. I am nothing more than a tool for your ambition. A convenience. A toy. A conquest.”
“My dear Tseng, you are more than that to me. Much, much more. Yes, I wanted to break you, but only because I wanted to be the one that put you back together. The only one.” Rufus’ fingers brushed away Tseng’s tears with surprising gentleness. “Do you love me, Tseng?” he asked.
“Yes, damn you,” Tseng answered.
“Then we are equals, Tseng.” Rufus bent down and softly kissed him. “Do you think it was so easy for me to hear of your death at the hands of Sephiroth?”
“But I survived,” Tseng pointed out.
“Not without more than a little help. I admit I was angry at you, Tseng.”
“Angry at me? Why Rufus?”
Rufus sighed and sat down beside Tseng on the bed. “Because I realized that I cared too much for you, that I wanted to possess you and more. I meant it when I said I wanted everything. I want your body, mind and soul.”
“You already have those, Rufus. You have for some time, if only you had noticed.”
“Being with you blinded my reason and I hated you for that, all the while I was coming to care about you more than I had anyone else.”
“So now what?”
Rufus shrugged. “I’m not exactly certain. You wanted to be equals and now we are. I won’t suggest we start over, but perhaps we start anew? You’re going to have to be patient with me, Tseng. I’m not very good at thinking of others first.”
“I already knew that, Rufus, but if we truly are equals, then don’t expect me to be so submissive in my role as your lover. If you want that, then you had better seek it with another. I’m serious about this.” Tseng watched Rufus closely, gauging his reaction.
He surprised Tseng yet again by chuckling quietly. “Yes, yes, I know better than to assume you’ll lie there and take it, Tseng. I know I’ve pushed you and you won’t be so willing to let me push you so far again. I do understand that much at least. Things will be different.”
“We shall see,” Tseng replied.
“Yes, we shall. No doubt you will be a fearsome taskmaster, Tseng. Now then, you said something earlier about a shower?” Rufus gave him a small smile.
“I did, and you said something about changing the sheets.” Tseng slowly returned the smile. He was aware that Rufus hadn’t specifically said that he loved him, but he’d called them equals and the meaning of that was clear. And, for now, it was enough.