In Our World of Efficiency
In Our World of Efficiency
xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word"
xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
ever want it to. His father was dead, and with his death came a type of
freedom, a chance to change, a chance to alter the course of events to his own
will. But also came a sense of uncertainty. Already he had met conflict with
the terrorists whom his father had sought to destroy. Already he had stained
his record with violence. But they were enemies of Midgar. Enemies of ShinRa. And
that girl. They had her allegiance, as well. And Sephiroth, rumoured lost in
battle, had returned seemingly with a grudge against the man who had sent him
to war.
be startled awake by the rapping at his door.
sincere concern. Tseng. Rufus had half expected him to show up and murmured a
soft, ‘Come in.’
to see how you were faring, sir.’ He paused a moment, before adding quietly,
‘My deepest condolences toward your loss ...’
‘Please, it’s not necessary.’
to show some outward remorse. With these times the peoneedneed to see their
President ...’
as a son.’
harshly, fog hig his arms like a spoiled child.
n
ln
lang=EN-GB>
the tiles were some rare and precious artefact. ‘No. It was not your place. But
perhaps not entirely out of line.’ Sighing, he turned his gaze upwards. ‘I
don’t know where this leaves me, Tseng. I always knew the bastard would die, I
just never expected it to be now. Whw? Ww? Why now of all times?’
our lives. We can only do with it the best we can.’
folly?’ He asked bitterly, raking a hand through his smooth hair.
Whether good came of it or not is not for us to say.’
his shirt sleeve before glancing at Tseng once more. ‘So they wish to see me
mourn for my loss?’
would be for the best if you ...’
find me heartless?’
you to be efficient in your duty.’
any you’d care to add?’
what you would were you not wearing that suit.’
not entirely business-like in nature.’
somewhere, as well. I had thought it had all but vanished.’
times. And it bores me.’
citizens. With the recent attacks, and your father’s passing, they need to be
reassured that ShinRa will remain a strong and driving force.’
father.’ Rufus said in disdain.
ever had was a tyrant. And I will not mourn the passing of a man whom I
loathed.’ With this, he turned away from the Turk to stare out the window.
Stare down upon the city, the slums, the eternal darkness ... it was
threatening to consume him. It was so much safer to remain here, above everything,
always looking down from his high-rise flat like some dark, elusive predator,
or perhaps like a poor frightened creature, hiding away from all that could
threaten him. He shrugged off the thought, and continued to stare. Perhaps
Tseng would finally leave him be to wallow in his own discontent. But no, Tseng
was there to protect and aid him. He would never willingly leave, and Rufus
found grim comfort in that knowledge.
qualities you possess, sir.’
suppose you think I’m being childish?’ The Turk didn’t answer. ‘Ah yes, that is
it, is it not? You think me childish because I won’t feign feelings for my
father.’
unbefitting for a Turk.’
watchful eye as Rufus continued to stare out the window. Ner ser spoke for a
time that could have been as brief as moments or as long as hours. Rufus
finally broke the silence. ‘I hated him, you know. Hate him so badly. I wanted
to kill him sometimes. He wasn’t a father, Tseng. He wasn’t. He was a tyrant.
Years ago, when my mother was still alive, I would run to her when he hurt me
... and I would cry. And he would beat me for crying. And so I learned not to
cry. Hold it all in and he wouldn’t hurt me. I became heartless. He made me
heartless!’ Rufus slammed his first into the nearby wall in rage, before
cradling it against himself.
slightly. ‘He’s dead. He’s dead, sir.’
then Rufus’ lips were upon him, tearing, biting, frantic, finally giving into
his presence. Hands raked through dark tresses, pulling the Turk closer,
drinking fros sws sweet mouth, revelling in the feel of their bodies pre
to
together. Senses overwhelmed, Rufus drowned in his need.
to pull Rufus to him to shower kisses along his neck, drawing moans from
Rufus’s lips.
their lips once more. And they stumbled together, falling into the bedroom. They
tripped over the rug and fell unceremoniously upon the bed, buitheither took
time to notice. They drew apart only long enough to shed their clothing, and
then it was all hot kisses and cries of passion as they fell together. Legs
curled around Rufus’ hips, as he pushed into the yielding body beneath his,
drawing a cry from swollen lips. Their bodies fell into motion, building a
frantic pace, but it was somehow better that way. It made things less personal,
made things easier to justify. Sex was one thing, but tender caresses were
another. And perhaps they were cheapening whatever might have been there, but
it was better to remain unemotional than threaten the cycle of the lives they
lived.
because it was easier, safer, cleaner than staying around till daybreak. And as
he dressed he returned to the stoic Turk, business-like and professional. Part
of Rufus wanted to coax him back to bed and hold him, but that was never part
of their routine, and so he once more said nothing.
straightening his tie.
but Rufus didn’t see it. Couldn’t see it, because beneath his façade, he was
feeling the same.
begged softly, before leaving Rufus to himself.
before them, but unable to be reached. What they both needed to save their own
souls was ignored, because it would not fit into their worlds, their lives ...
it could threaten everything. For in their world of efficiency, such a love
could not exist.