There’s always a choice, you just don’t get one.

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What did he bring? I noticed him glaring as he walked on ahead; narrowing his eyes at my surprised facial expression. Well, it is rather heavy considering it was only meant for one night. I sighed and carried on up the corridor, lugging the exceptionally weighted case behind me. Luckily my room wasn’t that far away from his, I didn’t have much further to drag this. Shutting the door behind us, I made Rufus wait in the hall while I checked out the rest of the room. Not that there had been any sign of forced entry, but I was still feeling rather unsettled from before. I didn’t want to take any chances. Not where Rufus was concerned. I only had a traditional room. I didn’t have the extravagant suite that Rufus had. The room was basic, consisting of a bedroom, bathroom, and tiny terrace balcony. It was just big enough to accommodate two chairs. I preferred it that way, just having what was needed; there was no point in possessing what wouldn’t be used. I gestured for Rufus to advance from the hall once I was convinced everything was safe. I wheeled his case to the wardrobe and stood it up next to my bag. I was quite surprised that there was enough space for it to fit- it was a little on the generous size.

Rufus flopped down face first onto the bed and sighed. He crossed his arms under his chin and didn’t bother to hide his obvious annoyance, releasing another heavy exhale. I could see why he was slightly irritated, it had been an eventful day so far. He’d been surrounded by people since he woke this morning, and even now he wasn’t alone. I’m guessing that he just wanted some time by himself.

I went about securing the fixings on the windows. The president’s safety was my only concern; I didn’t want anything to happen to him and I’d do everything I could to prevent that. Rufus slipped himself off from the bed and made his way towards the patio doors. Taking a handful of curtain, he pulled back the material revealing the view of the darkened landscape. The lights from the far village just due north were shining brightly, and the soothing sound of the ocean could be heard bashing against the rocks below. I was watching his expressionless face as he stood staring aimlessly out through the glass. He was restless, and although he wouldn’t admit it, I think he was slightly concerned about tonight’s activities. The fresh sea air would probably do him good. It might even help him to relax. But unfortunately, that was something I couldn’t allow him to have. He was safer inside with me. As he reached his hand out to take the handle, I placed mine on his shoulder and gently squeezed. “Sir, please. Come away from the door.”

Attempting to shake my hand from his shoulder, Rufus turned to me and glared. “For god’s sake, Tseng. For the last time, nothing is going to happen.”

“You said that before and it did. I don’t want to give whoever it is an opportunity to strike. Now please, come away from the door.” With my hand still on his shoulder, I gently pushed him back from the patio entrance. I took hold of the curtain from his hand and gradually tugged the fabric closed. I know I was probably over acting. We were very high up after all, but still, it’s best to be cautious. He made his way back to the bed and sat himself down; pulling his legs up onto the mattress, he fell back against the pillow and sighed.

“I can’t even look out of the damn window. What am I supposed to do all night?”

“I’m sorry, Sir. I know the situation isn’t ideal, but you have to understand… it’s for your own protection. I also think we should tell Heidegger about what happened.”

Rufus closed his eyes and shook his head. “No, the less people that know about this, the better.”

“But if something were to happen, he’d know where to find you. And may I also suggest having a few of the troops patrol the floors, just for added security.” Rufus still refused, shaking his head defiantly- he thought it might arouse suspicion. I suppose he was right. It’s not like anything was going to happen, not now he was safe with me. I’d make sure of it.

He opened his eyes with his sight fixated upwards; following the patterned paper on the ceiling. “We can’t stay in here all night, Tseng. I’ll go out of my mind with boredom.”

I sat myself down on the chair in the corner of the room. Removing the cushion from the seat, I dropped it by my feet and settled back. “We don’t have a choice, Sir. You need to stay here, where I can protect you. Out there, you’re vulnerable”

He blew his hair out of his eyes and tilted his head to the side, glancing to the wall. He spotted something on the dresser “Tseng, we need something to pass the time, sitting here in silence will drive me insane”

“What do you suggest?” I inquired, raising an optimistic eyebrow. He shrugged his shoulders and slipped off the bed, progressing towards the dresser. I watched him with caution then voiced my disapproval when I’d figured out what he’d found. “Sir, I don’t think that is a good idea.”

“You don’t think anything is a good idea. I can’t even look through the window without you complaining. Don’t resent me this as well.” He’d found a bottle of brandy by the side, it’s one the hotel had left with compliments. He turned two reversed glasses upright and poured out two drinks. Walking over, he handed one to me, urging me to take it. “Drink it, it might loosen you up.”

Drinking wasn’t a good idea, especially as I was supposed to be keeping guard. I took it to humour him, but simply held it in my hand and watched him proceed back to the bed. He downed his brandy instantly, and was soon refilling his glass. I sighed and shook my head judgmentally, knowing what might happen next. I hope he doesn’t get drunk tonight.

Ok, I was in mixed views on that statement…any other time would be fine, I could deal with that. But this was serious. I couldn’t be distracted. I needed to stay focused.

I found myself staring into my drink, swirling the liquid around in the glass as I idly rotated my wrist. I looked up to Rufus, he was staring at me from the bed. Lowering his eyes to my glass, he motioned me to drink. I sighed and bought the glass to my lips and slowly drank the contents. I suppose one drink wouldn’t affect my abilities.

He gestured me closer, calling me forwards and held out his hand for my glass. He took it from me and refilled it. I grudgingly accepted it back.

“Tseng, will you calm down already. You’re making me paranoid. Just sit down and have your drink.” I sat down next to Rufus, situated at his side; feeling just a bit uncomfortable at how close I was now positioned to him. He placed his feet over my lap and lay down against the mattress. His head was propped up on the headboard as he studied me from over his glass. I leaned towards the bedside table and placed my glass upon it. One drink was fine, but it wasn’t wise to have any more.

Returning to my upright position, I couldn’t help but glance over to Rufus. He was acting so calm and casual, simply lying back and observing me. Damn, I wish you weren’t so attractive. It’d make my job so much easier if you weren’t. He knew he was, and he knew how I felt. He made that clear by his current behaviour. While drinking his brandy, he made sure to run his tongue around the rim of the glass; ensuring that I saw it. He took long, leisurely sips and held them in his mouth, swallowing slowly. His eyelids were hooked seductively, eyes diverted to me. His robe was draped slightly over one shoulder, revealing part of his arm and chest. He’d also placed his feet over me and was applying pressure to my thigh with his heel, inching ever closer to...

“Tseng”

His voice brought me back to the present, I must have been temporarily lost in thought. I turned to him and smiled “Yes, Sir?”

He held the bottle up to the light and shook the contents inside “We’re almost out.”

“I don’t think there is anymore, Sir. I think they only left one bottle.”

“I’ll call the bar downstairs. Maybe they’ll get someone to bring some up.” He sat up from the headboard, placing his empty glass on the side and then reached out for the phone.

“No, you can’t do that.” I stated firmly.

He frowned at me “Tseng, how am I going to get it if I don’t ask for it?” Picking up the phone in one hand, he placed it onto his shoulder and leaned his face against it; holding the handset in place. Fingers then advanced towards the number keys.

“Sir, I’ll ask for it” I reached over and took the phone from him, gently removing it from beneath his ear. If he spoke to the staff, then they’d know he was here. I agree. The less people that know, the better.

Just as I was about to dial, my wrist was grabbed and guided back to the table. The phone was forced from my hand and back down to the cradle. It was then brought back up to the bed and held inches from Rufus’ face. He had no intention of releasing it. “Go on then.”

I paused. “Excuse me, Sir?”

“Ask-for-it.” Rufus whispered.

“Sir…I don’t quite follow.”

Rufus smiled “Tseng, if you don’t ask for it, how are you ever going to get it?”

“Ask for what?” I was slightly confused. I hated it when he played games with me. I could never tell when he was being serious.

He shook his head mockingly and stared into my eyes, lowering his tone as he softly spoke. “I’ll ask you instead then, shall I?”

“Ask me what?”

“Is there something that you want from me, Tseng?”

“No, Sir.” I affirmed.

He smiled and brought my fingers to his face, using them to delicately trace his lips; they brushed against the tips as he spoke. “Are you sure you don’t want anything?”

“Sir...what are you doing?”

“I’m asking you a question…now, do you want to or not?”

I remained silent. I wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that.

“Tseng…do you want to or not?” He repeated, but slightly harsher this time.

“Sir, what you are suggesting?”

He smirked and rose to his knees, releasing the grip on my wrist. He took my face in his hands and advanced his lips to mine. As soon as his tongue left his mouth I took hold of his shoulders and gently pushed him away. “You don’t want this, Rufus. You don’t know what you’re doing.”

He laughed and sat back down against the mattress. “Oh, you’re quite mistaken, Tseng. I admit, I’ve had a fair bit to drink tonight, but I’m still very aware of my actions. This is what I want.”

“If this IS what you really want…then why do you keep changing your mind?”

“Why?” He answered simply. He turned his head, tapping his lips, pretending to lose himself in thought. With my hands still on his shoulders, I glared and subtly shook him. He smirked when he finally answered, shrugging off my grip. “Why? I suppose it’s because…I like the facial expressions that you make.”

In response, my eyebrow slightly rose “Excuse me?”

He smiled “It’s true, you’re always so cold to everyone, always ‘strictly business’. You display the same pissed off expression all the time and your tone and appearance are always so precise. Except when you’re with me. I can make them change.”

I narrowed my eyes “What are you saying?”

He shrugged and raised his hand to stifle a yawn of boredom.

“Rufus” I snarled. I didn’t intent to, but I needed to know what he meant by all this. To me, this was important.

He paused then smiled as his eyes met with mine. “You’re confident around other people, but when you’re with me you get nervous. It’s quite charming actually. I enjoy it. I like to see you flustered. For you, it’s an unusual occurrence.” He leaned back against the headboard and replaced his feet over my lap. “The changes in your nature amuse me greatly. I guess I’m saying…that you interest me. Now, are you going to ask me?”

“Ask you what?”

“For what you want, Tseng”

I held my tongue. There was a lot that I wanted. There were things that I wanted to know. Like, if he actually felt something towards me, or if this was all a sex driven game to him to simply pass the time. But, did I risk asking?

I turned to him, calmly replying “Alright, are you still mad at me for…what happened?”

“Do you mean about the past?” Rufus shook his head and smiled.

“Ok. Are you-”

He interrupted. “Tseng, I don’t mean to be crude… but could you stop with the procrastinating and get straight to the point.”

“Sir…I don’t understand.”

Rufus rolled his eyes “Just ask me if I want to fuck you already. That is what you want, isn’t it?”

“NO!” I unintentionally spluttered, slightly surprised that he could just come straight out with it like that.

He smirked darkly, narrowing his eyes “So, you don’t want to?”

“Rufus, you know…how I feel” I muttered. “But because of the circumstances, it’s not a good idea. What abou-” Before I had a chance to finish, he’d yanked me forwards by my tie and overpowered my mouth. He brought me down on top of him as he lay back against the bed. He opened his knees out widely and I fell between them. I tried to push myself up slightly, to take off some of the weight. I want to be close to you, Rufus, but I don’t want to crush you. His grip still remained, holding me in place. I couldn’t move until he released me. He really was eager tonight. With my tongue now currently engaged I couldn’t continue with my questions. Not that I wanted to, this method was far more informative. I suppose that classifies as a yes then, I didn’t even have to ask you in the end.

His actions in my mouth suddenly became subdued, the unexpected alteration in speed threw me off. He’d just pulled me forwards and attacked my lips. Our kiss was powerful…and now it had turned placid. What did he actually want? He withdrew from my mouth abruptly and forcefully pushed me back. Sitting himself upright, he turned his back to me and inched further away down the bed. Rufus don’t do this. You can’t change your mind, not now.

Reaching backwards, he took hold of my hands and wrapped my arms around his waist. I shuffled up closer behind him; wanting to be closer, needing to be nearer. I caught him as he fell back against my chest. No, he hadn’t changed his mind. He just wanted to be held.

He gestured to his belt and my fingers fondled with the knot. I began trying to unfasten the tightened bind, but it proved more challenging than I thought. It was rather difficult detaching it from behind. Obviously amused by my failure attempts, Rufus sniggered and removed my hands. Unfastening the belt himself, his robe fell open fully, exposing his body to my touch. His skin was just so warm, so soft. I couldn’t help but pull him closer. My lips found his neck while my hands explored his chest; mentally mapping out what my eyes couldn’t see. To feel his subtle flesh, to once again taste it, I couldn’t believe I was allowed to again. Ok, now I know I should really put a stop to this before it goes any further. But how can I say no to him? How could I refuse him something he wants… It’s something that I want too.

He once again took hold of my wrists and slowly guided my hands to where he wanted them to travel. To remind me that he was still in control. He brought one up to his face, placing it lightly against his cheek. The other hand was passed over his chest, slowly descending past his navel. He ran my fingers along his hip, and gently down his thigh. The whole time he stayed silent, never once allowing a single sound to be released. I’d soon change that.

My lower lip brushed above his shoulder as I dragged it along his skin. I’d pulled his robe back with my teeth, it fell past his shoulders and down over his back; collecting in silken layers around his arms. I’d exposed more of his tender flesh and I intended to pleasure every last inch. My tongue ran leisurely up his neck, it didn’t stop until it reached below the lobe of his ear, which I gently lapped at and licked. His head leaned back against my shoulder and he snuggled himself comfortably into it. Little by little, he allowed his eyes to close and began breathing softly against my throat. He’d let his guard down, which meant that he felt safe… He finally felt safe with me.

My hand reached its desired destination and Rufus sighed contently in reply; he was now happy where it had settled between his legs, and had no intentions of allowing it to leave. That was fine with me. I had no intentions of that happening either. The hand on his face had been moved, he’d brought it round to his lips. He welcomed my fingers into his mouth and his lips lovingly began to consume. I allowed my eyes to shut this time. My eyelids started to flutter instinctively closed. I concentrated on his tongue, lapping so tenderly; passing easily over the skin, and when his teeth started to delicately bite, I moaned softly into his ear. It wasn’t my fingers I was thinking about at this point. I was thinking of him doing that somewhere else.

He slowly withdrew my fingers and licked off the excess moisture. He then brought my hand down over his chest, guiding me gradually towards his nipple. There he ordered it to stay. I heard him purr softly as I took the darkened pink flesh between my fingers; squeezing firmly, then rolling my thumb gently over the surface. My moistened fingers glided effortlessly, trying to be attentive to both. His eyes flew instantly open, his head pressed firmly back; unwillingly causing a subtle moan to be released. I leaned forwards and lowered my gaze to his, wanting to see his reaction. His head was still comfortably rested against my shoulder and he was slyly smiling up. His eyes were glazed with greed, he wanted more. As far as I was concerned, he could have as much as he wanted.

I continued with my soothing activity, watching his face for any signs of change. I couldn’t believe how delicate he was allowing me to be. Usually he intervened and took control, forcing a physically powerful pace. But this time he was lying back and granting me command, something he doesn’t usually permit.

I removed my hand from his chest and trailed it back up to his face. Tracing the line of his jaw with a single finger, I turned his chin to the side and captured his neglected lips. He brought his hand up to touch my hair. His fingers soon became lost within the strands; entangling themselves deeper within the length. He could touch whatever he wanted, nowhere was denied to him. I just hoped the same regulation applied for me.

He began pushing his hips out forwards, and pressed himself against my hand. He was brushing himself impatiently over my palm; encouraging me to continue. I reacted instantly by immediately massaging him back, applying more pressure with each submissive stroke. You’re right, how selfish of me. I had stopped paying you attention down there. Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.

He was enjoying the feeling of this, his arousal pressed harder into my hand. The urge to please him was so enticing but he broke our kiss off shortly after. Sitting up straight, he looked over his shoulder to me. Lowering his sights downwards, his eyes settled over my lap. Looking back up, he grinned. Mischief was present in his features. It was evident what he wanted now and I wasn’t going to refuse it him. Whatever he wanted, I would consent to.

As I was removing my clothing, he reached over to the bedside table and took hold of the tumbler I’d earlier discarded. Bringing it straight to his lips, he emptied the contents from the glass into his mouth and replaced it back from where he’d retrieved it. With a mouthful of alcohol, he lowered his head down to my uncovered legs and I opened them widely for access. Ah, I see what you’re doing…your thickening up your saliva. Well, it’s nice to see that alcohol won’t be put to waste.

There was a feeling of warmth, running over my legs as the liquid escaped from his lips. When he consumed me, it trickled over my skin and landed in droplets on top of the bed, staining the white sheets amber. I had to fight with myself for stillness; I was struggling to keep myself calm. He was making sure to coat me completely, his tongue wouldn’t leave until he had. My eyes began to close again, what I was thinking of before was happening now. Except now he wasn’t being so gentle. Biting down on my lip painfully, I was forced to restrain my hips. Oh god, Rufus please, stop being so rough with me, I’m struggling to keep myself composed. He could sense my dwindling patience and he reluctantly withdrew. I happily sighed, glad he stopped when he did. I don’t think I could have restrained myself from anymore of that vigorous treatment.

I asked him if this was what he wanted, and he gave me a smirk of reassurance. Turning himself around again, he gestured my hands to his hips. I took hold of them as requested and guided him up onto my lap. On my knees, I rose upwards and he slowly eased himself back. Pushing down over me steadily, he manoeuvred gradually down my length. We stayed like that for a while and I held him close; just to get him used to the disturbance. He was breathing in deeply, trying to relax; his body was obviously tensed. He had stretched uncomfortably to fit my size. I didn’t want to hurry him. We’ll only start when he was ready.

It was Rufus who made the first move, rising up quickly. I placed my hands around his waist and restrained him back down again. “Not so fast…you have to steady yourself. This isn’t something that you want to rush.”

He was clearly uncomfortable and he growled at my reduction attempt, fidgeting impatiently as I controlled his impulsive hips. If he’d just have a bit of patience, he’d enjoy himself and moderate the pain. But patience wasn’t something he’d learn, he didn’t like to waste time. I told him to go slower, so he could properly adjust. When he was ready the speed could increase. He rose gradually up and I rose too, greeting him on his decent. We carried on that way until he eventually began to relax, and he started to actually enjoy it. Pressing myself firmly against him, my hands held his waist, pushing him gently towards the headboard. I motioned him to take hold and he did as I’d suggested; clasping the wood tightly with his fingers. Supporting his hips with my hands, I withdrew from him slowly and entered again just as unhurried. Settling into a steady rhythm, the soothing squeezes I administered helped him to stay calm, aided by the kisses on his neck. I know you don’t like the leisurely pace Rufus, but I’ll make the wait all worth it. I promise.

***

We’d change positions a couple of times already, but this one he finally seemed settled with. He was sat facing me, his arms loosely resting around my neck. He was still mounted upon my lap, but this way, he could control the pace. He was back in command again. He was resting his forehead against mine as he gradually rose and fell. Again he’d unexpectedly changed the speed. We were going quite heatedly before, but now he’d slowed us right down to our starting pace, taking each motion with care and concentration. He was also becoming more affectionate towards me; kissing my neck lightly while delicately stroking my hair. This Rufus very rarely surfaced, I’d only ever known him to be this affectionate once before. He probably wouldn’t emerge again. For that reason, I wanted to keep him here for as long as I could.

I embraced him and he embraced me back, both meeting with each others lips. My fingers were travelling up and down his spine; gently stroking, causing the skin to shiver. He broke off our kiss and nuzzled his face softly to the side of mine, to exhale his obvious pleasure. I did the same, he enjoyed the sounds I made, and tonight, he was causing me to make a few. His cheeks were flushed and his body was trembling, but he still clung himself closer to me. His head was crystallized with sweat and his breath was hot against my neck. Even now he was just so beautiful, so perfect, so insanely irresistible. The fingers that combed roughly through my hair suddenly tightened, Rufus silently shrieked against my ear. I pulled him closer as his body tensed up, and his contraction of pleasure trapped me lovingly in place. I hid my face against his shoulder, whimpering blissfully that I too, from his actions, had finally been able to release. My grip on his body strengthened, and we sat there in silence, just listening to each other breathe. I still didn’t want to let him go, I wouldn’t if I could help it. I wanted us to stay as we were, alone in the silence, to fully appreciate the feeling. But I knew Rufus would want to separate now that what we’d done was over, now that he was fulfilled.

I sighed, removing my hands, placing them flat against the bed and prepared myself for rejection. Suddenly he cuddled up closer, clinging desperately to me for warmth, his arms curled around my neck. I don’t understand…what was he doing? He’d never been like this before. His nose met with my ear and he softly exhaled my name, pleading with me to hold him again. His body leaned further into mine for support, resting against it, with no intentions of withdrawal. I allowed myself to gently fall backwards against the mattress, taking Rufus slowly down with me. He didn’t even attempt to move once we’d settled.

Was this his acceptance… Had he finally accepted me?

I settled with him wrapped up in my arms, still cuddled closely to my chest. I was so confused but so happy…that I didn’t have to leave him tonight. For the first time, he actually wanted me to stay.

***

I woke up suddenly, crying out in agony; it broke me from my sleep. ARGH. There’s a sharp throbbing in my arm. It’s…it’s burning? I forced open my eyes, clenching my teeth and searched for the cause of the pain. There was a thick blade in my upper arm, just beneath my shoulder, embedded within the skin. Where the hell did that come from? I looked up suddenly, noticing another one…hurtling its way towards us. My heart started to race. What the hell was happening?

I still had hold of Rufus, he was still asleep in my arms. I tighten my hold around him, around his waist and neck. I leaned all my weight heavily to the side and took us both instinctively down to the floor. The blade narrowly missed, but slashed the side of my face. It implanted into the headboard having just missed its original targets. I hit the ground first, landing on my back and Rufus landed on top. Thank god it missed him.

I pushed Rufus under the bed. He was dazed and confused, barely even awake. He was completely unaware of what was going on. I had to keep him out of the way. I’d explain later. The bed would act as a barrier; he’ll be safe under there for now. I wiped the wound to my face with my thumb and scrambled to my feet.

Before me stood two men, one of medium build and one of gargantuan. They were blocking the doorway, keeping us confined to the bedroom. Where the hell did they come from? And how the hell did they find us. No one knew we were here. Damn, this room, it’s too small, there’s not enough space to move. The smaller thug was armed but the larger one didn’t seem to have anything equipped. As long as I kept Rufus safe, I didn’t care what happened to me. I could take them both.

Ok, quick assessment. Two opponents, one wounded arm and no room to move. Pretty good odds so far. Oh, and I have nothing to protect my body from injury. Oh, this is fantastic. Couldn’t they have attacked us before, when we were dressed?

Another knife came tearing towards my head. I dove out of the way in time, barely. It carved through the bedside table and established itself within the wall. Fuck, that was fast. More started flying, coming at double the speed. I’m finding them hard to dodge. My abilities aren’t at their optimum. I’m still so tired and now I’m injured. Argh, my arm. Hot blood was oozing from the wound and trickling down to my twitching fingers; fingers which I could now no longer feel. I can’t pull it out…the blade was too big. It’ll have to stay in for now.

I lunged for my gun. It’s the only weapon I have. There’s no way I can take them in combat. Not in the state I’m in. It’s in my holster, draped over the chair; its inches from my reach. As I did, the huge man charged, heading straight for my direction. Pounding the floor with his feet, he crashed himself into me; his gigantic shoulder made the collision and I was driven painfully towards the wall. I crashed into it, hearing something break. I can’t distinguish what it is, all I can feel is pain. He’s so heavy and administering more force; I’m…I’m finding it hard to breathe.

He backs off, stepping away and surveying what he’s just done. I found myself falling forwards, stumbling, trying desperately to find my feet. I’d been completely thrown off balance. Again he charges. I see him running and dive futilely to the side. He misses, just. He’s large and bulky, his speed isn’t so swift. I’d have no problems dodging if I wasn’t so drowsy…if I wasn’t…so…light headed.

I fell, collapsing against the wall, completely at a loss with my bearings. What’s happening to me, why can’t I focus? My arm was burning again, the heat becoming unbearable. I’ve been stabbed before, it wasn’t this bad. Why does this feel so different?

I attempted to evade contact, but he still managed to afflict damage onto me, our bodies collide again. No matter how fast I move. He’s picked up on my temporarily weakness. The surface I’m driven into isn’t the wall this time, what I feel is glass. We’ve hit the patio doors. With the force he’s applying, I can start to feel it subside behind me, it’s the pressure- it’s too much. It shatters, unable to support the impact we’ve made and creates an opening which I’m launched straight through. My body slams back against the stone railings of the balcony, my spine cracks noisily on the sudden contact. I fall down flat to the ground; a shower of fragments covers the terrace and myself in a cascade of sharp transparency. Slicing through my skin as it lands, adding to my injuries. I looked up, my body was trembling; unable to move from the collision. Right now I didn’t care…I needed to help Rufus. Unable to see him, I started to panic. Please, GOD let him be alright. I felt the ground shake beneath me, a foot was placed by my face and giant fingers gripped firmly in my hair. They tighten, wrapping themselves within the strands, then forcefully yanked me to my feet.

“RUFUS?!”

I can’t see him, but I hear him. He sounds like he’s in pain. My vision is obscured by the mass of bulk that’s holding me upright; blocking my view of the room. My feet are hovering above the ground, my toes scraping the surface. I’m being held too far up to reach. I’m yanked even higher, my head starts to bleed; my hair feels like it’s going to rip straight from my scalp as blood dribbles down over my eyes. I’m brought face to face with my oppressor. He laughs at me dangling helplessly from his hand, completely unable to aid in the defence.

That was the plan all along, wasn’t it? You wanted him alone.

My throat was seized by his other giant sized hand, and the hold of my hair was released. The grip gradually tightened, squeezing the air from my mouth. I gasp and senselessly struggle, my neck was being crushed by his fingers. I’m held out at arms length, dangled over the edge of the balcony; above the lashing waves below. I brought my hand up and grabbed at his wrist, desperate for something to hold. He’s going to eventually drop me, and there’s nothing I can do.

I hear Rufus yell, he’s in danger. I have to do something to help. I must protect him.

I’m shaken, my body’s physics resemble that of a puppet as I’m pointlessly taunted and played with. He’s just stalling me while his partner deals the blow. I’m just being kept out of the way. My arm begins to burn again, the pain becoming stronger, boiling green fluid seeps from the wound; singeing my skin as it flows. What the hell is happening to me? Oh, I should have guessed before, this blade must have a poison materia equipped. Fantastic, all I need.

I struggle aimlessly. I’m powerless to counter him; my strength fails miserably in comparison. There’s only one idea that comes to mind. It’s the only one I have and right now, I don’t have any other option. Pain, excruciating pain; I scream…my god it hurts. The blade in my arm, I take hold of the handle and rip it from my shoulder, tearing the already severed flesh. I clench it tightly in my hand. Ignoring the agony I’ve created for myself, I focus on my tormenter, narrowing my eyes with rage. I’ll give you something to play with.

I’m being held too far away, the only option I have is his arm. I plunge the blade into it, as deep as it will allow; until the handle was all that remained. He dropped me instantly, suddenly retracting his arm; he screamed in severe agony. The materia can poison your body now. Let’s see how well you react to it.

I fall but manage to slot my hands through the gaps of the railings and cling frantically to the stone. Looking down, I see just how far up we are, and just how long the drop is. Shit…I need to get back up and fast!

The platform…it’s not too far away, if I swing my body I can make it back up. I try and I manage to lodge a foot between the sizable stone spaces, taking the strain off of my arms. Just another few inches and I can reach for the edge and pull myself back over.

A shadow looms, blocking the light from my eyes. It’s him, he’s looking over the balcony to find me. A hand comes out to grab, as he leans dangerously over the side. He reaches out and takes hold of me by my damaged arm, yanking me painfully up. That was a mistake. You should have let me fall. Now, I’m still a threat.

I’m flung to the other side of the terrace, making impact with the railings once more. My front slams heavily against the stone and my back meets ungracefully with the floor. Argh!

I’m writhing in agony, trying to get to my feet, I’m vulnerable on the ground. I hear his boots crunching over the shattered glass as he steadily makes his way towards me. He’s angered by my lucky assault and now he wants revenge for it. Well, it served you right for being so cocky.

He kneels down and studies my form, sniggering at the sight. I look up with defiance and pull back my lip into a snarl. Think it’s funny, eh? I’ll soon make you laugh. I flip to my feet and regain my balance, keeping my eyes fixated on my target. I bend my knees and launch myself up, gaining a few feet in height. Extending my leg, I spin my body around, turning myself rapidly in the air. My heel connects and contact is made; striking him painfully in the face. It seems like slow motion, but in seconds it’s through; he flies backwards and crashes to the floor. Skidding the length of the balcony, his head wedges between the gaps in the railings and he’s momentarily trapped. With him temporarily down, I expertly land and quickly sprint my way to the bedroom. I’ll retrieve my gun and finish him off. But first, I must help Rufus.

Rufus…hold on, I’m coming.

I see him, holding his own; superiorly matched to his adversary. I shouldn’t have doubted his abilities- not for a second. He’s a lot stronger than I give him credit for. I reach for my gun, ready to end this; to finally kill off these two bastards. But I’m unexpectedly grabbed from behind. A puncture is made and I experience more pain; it’s in my lower abdomen. Blood rises to my throat. I begin to violently cough, bringing it up as I continuously splutter and gasp. My vision tunnels. I can’t see, all I can feel is pain. Warm liquid trickles slowly down over my legs, leaving star shaped puddles on the ground. Something’s impaled into my skin, something sharp and easy at hand…could it be that blade again? A fist smashes into the side of my face, knocking me back to the floor. A foot then lowers slowly over me and grinds its heel into my newly wounded flesh. I squirm and scream with suffering. If only I wasn’t so weak, I’d have stood a chance; I wouldn’t have been so easily taken.

My eyes widen as I hear…gun shots? RUFUS!

I can’t move, I’m trapped beneath him, but I need to get inside. More shots, they’re constant. Round after round is discharging.

The weight above me is lifted and I can once again breathe, struggling to regain my sight. Feet, I can make out huge feet, slowly walking back into the room. They stumble, obviously knocked off balance by something. I heard him groan in pain; but still he pursues. Rufus, please run, don’t stay in there. You can’t take them both alone. I’m shouting, but no words are coming out, just excess blood spills past my lips. My stomach too is also starting to burn, and leaking that scorching green toxin. I have to help him. I can’t lie here while he’s in danger. I promised him I’d protect him.

I force myself up, using all my strength, just to roll to my side and eventually get to my knees. I manage but with piercing pain. I crawl forwards, over the glass, over the drying blood, not caring what happens to me… I just have to help him.

Using the wall as support, I get to my feet. I stumble over the glass; it’s ripping the flesh from my soles. I don’t care…only about Rufus, he’s my main priority. I stagger through the shattered doors, holding my stomach as I move, cupping the blood and boiling fluid in my hand. I see him. He’s being held by his neck, pinned up against the wall. His head’s being constantly slammed against it. He’s kicking and thrashing with vengeance, but his fight is fading fast; the blood soaked paper from where his head’s being hit is an indication of his declining condition.

“RUFUS!”

Rufus’s gun is lying on the floor, next to the smaller mans corpse. The smaller man was dead and soon enough, your friend will be joining you too. I dive for it, ignoring my pain, ignoring my lack of balance. I land directly on top. I grab the shotgun, roll onto my side and instantly take aim. Directing the gun high, I squeeze the trigger tightly; turning my fingers white. Shells fly noisily through the air. They hit their target straight on, right through the side of his head. Ripping through his skin, ripping through his face; blood splatters thickly across the room, coating the cream walls crimson. The man falls, releasing Rufus; they both land heavily against the floor.

Please, let only one of them be dead!

Rufus is motionless…he’s lying still…as still as the dead man beside him. Oh my god…I’m too late.

I drop the gun and reached out my arm to touch him; my fingers are just mere inches away. His once golden hair, now matted red, drapes limply over his soft pale face. My eyes, they are just too heavy to keep open, but I have to reach him…I just have to touch him. Rufus, please…be ok.
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