The Blind Endeavours of Mercury
Chapter Six
by Haze

When Reno awoke, his fuzzy mind was trying to decipher what exactly was going on. He was sore, in his room, and completely naked.

With Rude pressed up against him, snoring softly.

He remembered the night that had passed so far - the Professor ... the rape ... - but, for some reason, he realised he never did figure out how exactly he had reached his room to awake with Rude sitting on the edge of the bed next to him. Oh well...he'd worry about it later. For the present time, he was too tired to care, and simply content to listen to Rude's steady breathing pattern.

He glanced at the clock; its red numerals glowing in the darkness read 5:30 a.m. He groaned mentally, knowing they only had about three hours before their mission started. His eyes slowly slipped shut again, but he could not fathom sleeping regardless of how tired he was; the sheer fact that his partner was in the same bed next to him, bodies pressed tightly together, was astounding enough in itself that he could not dose off.

Finally, in mental resolve, he slowly turned to face Rude, shifting his body, not wanting to wake his friend up. The bed in Reno's room squeaked in offense to the surrounding silence, but other than that there was no sound issued. He half expected Rude's eyes to flutter open, but as he well knew, his friend was a very heavy sleeper.

He buried his head tiredly into Rude's warm chest, inhaling a deep breath to make himself sleep again. Rude merely let out a little tired 'mm' sound and unconsciously snuggled Reno closer to himself.

The red haired man couldn't help but smile the tiniest bit against Rude, and he complied all too willingly, burying his face completely into Rude's shirt. He didn't know if this would ever happen again, nor whether Rude would even acknowledge its existence, but for the moment, he didn't want to think of the Professor, his rapes, his threats or Rude's own opinion of the future.

He just wanted to sleep, snuggled in his friend's arms, feeling safe.

---

When Rude awoke, he noticed immediately that Reno was missing from the warm place in the bed next to him. Sighing deeply, he sat up and wondered where the Turk was. A little voice began screeching triumphantly, to Rude's great disdain, that he had in fact scared him away...

But he was proved wrong as Reno sauntered into the room, coffee in one hand and the other placed carelessly in his pocket, giving Rude an amused look at his bedraggled state. Rude, for once, dropped his own gaze to look at the floor, to which Reno seemed to derive even greater amusement, if not surprise.

'Morning,' the red haired man said almost softly.

Rude nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement, stretched, and crawled out of Reno's torturously warm bed with a cat like grace. He sat on the edge of it, willing himself to wake the hell up before Tseng came in and starting screaming at both of them about work ethic, and from the state his leader had been in the night before, Rude knew very well that the raven haired man's mood would be less than pleasant.

Reno came and perched himself tensely next to his friend who barely even noticed he was there, or so it seemed. Rude acted nonchalant for the moment, as his way allowed. Reno understood in some sense, and did not expect him to act any differently than they had two days ago. However, the previous night's events were another story. He could neither fully comprehend nor understand what had happened, but he did know that it could mean one of two things.

A, that Rude had meant what he said, confessing his adoration for Reno and his supposed admiration from afar, and all the other assorted things he had expressed that had caused Reno to flee.

Or B, that last night had been nothing more than a friend trying to comfort his own, offering some sort of physical solace to a broken body and battered spirit, assuage the pain and provide some sorely wanted affection.

Reno did need and want another human being's touch and connection; he just hadn't realised it until last night. He also hadn't realised until yesterday evening .... that the person he wanted it the most from was .... Rude.

'But, that doesn't matter,' he thought bitterly.

He could think about his friend all day, all night, and forever...and it still wouldn't have changed a thing. However, it was oblivious to him how exactly 'things' were right now. Did Rude feel the same way, or had it just been an associate comforting an injured friend the best way he knew how after such an incident?

'You seem contemplative,' a deep voice commented.

Reno was wrenched out of his mind's recesses with Rude's voice, and he glanced over, taking a wary sip of coffee to soothe his aching head before answering.

'Not really.'

No need to make a big thing out of it. If it had been a situation B, well, there was no use in making it into something it wasn't. It would only screw with his head in the end, not to mention their friendship which was very carefully woven over the years.

If it had been a situation A however, well...Reno didn't have time to consider it. He offered his coffee cup to Rude who took a long sip and handed it back, trying to make his eyes stay open.

Reno's weight perched on his left side was nearly nonexistent on the edge of the bed, and he risked a glance over at his fiery haired friend.

The man was completely lost in his own thoughts, though his face held no expression. His green eyes didn't flicker, but they resumed life as soon as he caught Rude looking at him.

'We hafta leave in an hour,' he drawled out slowly, wondering if Rude remembered their scheduled mission that morning.

He nodded, pulling his body up to a standing position, nodded again at Reno, and vanished through the door to trudge down the hallway to his own room. Reno was left, staring at the open doorway as his friend exited, until finally the metallic panel slid shut behind him from lack of movement.

Reno pressed his forehead to his palm and sighed, letting his long fingers run through his hair. There was nothing he could do.

So, it looked like situation B...well, what had he been hoping for? A miracle in his destitute life, some sort of unrealistic fantasy that existed in a dream world?

'Damn,' he thought darkly, 'come back down to earth Reno.'

Sometimes, it still sounded strange saying his own name. He had been branded that title over three years ago, and sometimes he'd repeat it over and over in his head until it was nonsensical. He still remembered when Rude had dubbed him 'Reno,' finally giving in to talk to the silent man who had taken care of him.

Hmph...but those days were over.

He got up, threw on his messy jacket, and strode out the door to meet for a briefing from Tseng.

---

 Rude entered his own room, soundless feet treading against the floor.

Damn, it was cold.

He was dreading the upcoming morning, due to the simple fact that he had virtually beat the shit out of ShinRa's top scientist, Tseng was going to have the mother of all hang-overs, and Reno was acting as if last night had never even occurred.

'Damn, life seems to get better with every passing day,' he thought wryly.

Well, there was nothing he could do, even if he did give a damn. So, he pulled on his uniform, slipped on his shades and went off to face the shit storm that was bound to come.

As he walked down the hall, he tried to come up with some plausible excuse as to why he had beat the hell out of Professor Hojo and left him, bleeding and naked on the floor. That was going to look really good...

'Sorry Sir, Professor Hojo is a sicko?' No. Actually, ShinRa could probably care less about what his employees did, as long as the gil kept rolling in.

'Sorry Sir, Hojo pissed me off?' Yeah, right. What about telling the truth?

'Sorry Sir, the sicko was raping a fellow Turk who used to be an experimental human subject who I am in love with?' Yeah...that would sound even better. His features narrowed and darkened at the thought though...the image of that bastard's hands on Reno's body, those horrible whimpers, the blood...

Rude slowed his pace, cringing visibly. He didn't know now if he'd even be able to handle seeing the sorry son of a bitch, much less trying to explain what had happened last night.

And suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks, realising something he had just admitted by accident.

'Oh shit...,'

He replayed his thoughts over to himself, and realised what he had inadvertently said. The words came tumbling back to him in a rush, hitting him like a kick in the stomach.

'...the sicko was raping a fellow Turk who used to be an experimental human subject....who I am in love with?' He gasped almost inaudibly, realising what had just transpired in his own head.

He really was in love ... with Reno?? Great. Just fucking wonderful; might as well add that to the shit list.

'Hell, get a grip,' his mind scolded him. He hated himself at that moment for his own weakness and lack of control. Anyways, even if he was in love with his partner...well, it didn't count for much right now, and it wouldn't change a single thing except to plague him. Right now, it was best to just forget Reno, forget these thoughts, ... forget the aching that he felt in his chest at that very moment...

'Just forget,' his mind chimed in softly.

Forget.

With a deep sigh, he forced himself to continue down the corridor and face whatever wrath was to come. The only problem was, for once in his life .......... he didn't want to forget.

---

 'We will be infiltrating...blah blah blah...'

Reno had almost started to dose off at Tseng's level voice that never changed its tone, bored stiff at the briefing. Yes...another assassination...blah blah blah...take out Person A...kidnap person B...blah blah blah...

He stifled a yawn, when suddenly Tseng was cut off in mid-sentence. His half closed eyes shot open, and he looked to see what unfortunate soul had the audacity (that, or the stupidity) to cut off his leader in mid-sentence.

'I said, hurry up!' the order was barked out again. Reno almost groaned out loud when he saw who it was.

'Sir,' he stated in mock courtesy, 'we're having a briefing.'

Heidegger shot the insolent Turk a malevolent look from where his oversized form darkened the doorway, but knew very well that there wasn't a hell of alot he really could do besides make Reno's working life miserable. As pretty much all of the company knew, Reno really didn't give a shit either way.

With a slight growl, the bulbous man left the conference room in a whoosh to go ready the helicopter for the Turks. As the door slammed venomously behind him, Reno could see a slight smile tugging at Tseng's lips. He merely continued talking, though at least the dark atmosphere had been lifted a little bit.

Rude sat in the corner, his face a mask, taking an occasional drag of a casual cigarette. He didn't move except to inhale, and then would replace his hand on the table in front of him, perhaps flicking off the ash that had collected. Reno was lost in his own thoughts, occasionally fiddling with his sunglasses perched on his head, and Tseng stood with his hands clasped behind his back, explaining the mission.

It was, by their standards, an average Turk morning. However, only three people in the entire ShinRa building knew it was quite far from the average morning. And two of those people who sat in the same room as Tseng, were simply waiting for the third to come forward and begin the shower of accusation and consequence.

Reno figured wryly, that at least now the Professor would never come near him again. Even if Hojo did point an accusatory finger at Rude and state that he assaulted him, and regardless that Reno knew very well that ShinRa could care less about what exactly his top scientist had been doing behind closed doors, from now on, it was out in the open. A major part of the Professor's scheme and secret sadistic pleasure he derived from the entire ordeal was the absolute control he had over Reno and the situation. Reno was his, to do as he pleased with, and no one could say a word against him...and then there was his own personal amusement he had when Reno did seem to volunteer some protest, which made violating him all the more entertaining.

'Heh,' he thought bitterly, 'bet he never figured on me actually having a reason to want to get out.'

The red haired Turk cringed inwardly, derailing his morbid train of thought. If he kept thinking ... he didn't know what he'd do. He had done his best to block out what the sick bastard had done to him the night before, and the years before...and all his efforts were to be wasted if he continued thinking about.

And suddenly, the subject of his dark contemplation entered the room. Reno was visibly startled as Professor Hojo slowly opened the door and calmly stepped in, a notable gash on his face that had been stitched up, and he gazed straight at Reno in cold amusement.

Tseng however, had apparently been expecting this.

'Yes, Professor, I understand that you requested to speak with us?'

Reno glanced at Rude in confusion, who simply raised a eye brow ever so slightly. They had both been anticipating this...only, well, it was still a bit of a shock to see the twisted scientist in such a normal, every day atmosphere after last night.

'Yes,' he hissed in his normal snakish fashion, 'I have something to discuss.'

'Here it comes...,' both Rude and Reno thought at the exact same time.

Hojo smoothed his tattered lab-coat in mock humility, his greasy, black hair hanging in front of his beady eyes and sharp, bony nose, as he began to speak.

'I need a Turk's presence,' he started carefully, as if gauging the impact of his own words, 'at an experiment I have been running. Simply for security purposes, for it requires myself to leave the ShinRa building.'

Reno casually glanced at Rude again and shot him a suspicious look, but he could feel the Professor's eyes glaring right through him and it seemed as if the rest of the world didn't even exist; only those eyes, tearing him apart so easily that it was revolting. Rude's face didn't flinch, and Reno wondered if he even was acknowledging what was happening.

Without taking his gaze off of Reno, the continued, looking at Tseng and saying, 'Can you spare me one of your Turks?'

Tseng looked a little doubtful, and he had plainly seen the look of ...could it have possibly been terror?...flicker across Reno's face at that mention.

As Reno heard those words however, it suddenly hit him with a sick realisation.

Hojo had absolutely no intention of telling President ShinRa about last night's goings on, and Reno knew very well that it was now possible for the ratty scientist to black mail Rude at any particular time. At least, until that wound on his face healed. It would be so easy to prove; Reno's blood on the floor, Rude's fingerprints everywhere, the gash...

In this awful fusion of knowledge, Reno simply felt as if he was going to throw up.

The Professor...he was using every single thing to his own advantage, and not only that...but to sustain his existence exactly how it was. But regardless of Reno's revelation, Hojo continued to speak. In fact, he reveled in the look of sick registry on his ex-experiment's face.

'In fact,' he said, his lips curling into a ghoulish smirk, 'I was wondering you could perhaps, spare me Reno.'

Before Tseng could answer however, Heidegger came rushing back in.

'Reno, go with the Professor. Tseng, Rude...follow me. The chopper is waiting!!'

God, the man had everything planned out...asking Tseng had only been a form of "politeness" or some version of it, and right now, Reno felt like he was the experimental boy living in a cell again. He had no choice in the matter of whether to fulfill his normal Turk duties as a group with Rude and Tseng, or to go with Hojo. He was being ordered.

He was being ordered to his own doom.

But, he wouldn't let that terror show on his face, not again. This was the end of it...the very end. He hadn't even thought that Rude might interject, and he knew he couldn't afford to in front of Hojo, Heidegger and Tseng. It wouldn't only endanger his job...but it would endanger Reno's well being even more than it was so right now.

Rude knew, that if Reno was released from his Turk duty, the Professor was free to request the Turks themselves to retrieve any civilian for experimental purposes. Well, at least he knew that. As did anyone who had ever read the Science Department's documented records and regulations, under section A, code 115.

But from the blatant look on Reno's face, it was obvious he didn't want Rude to interfere. He gazed straight at his partner, willing himself to be silent though speaking volumes with his eyes. Rude just nodded slightly, risking a hasty look at the Professor who grinned horribly at the internally irate Turk, and turned away.

The look of pure malevolence and fury that flashed across Rude's face in a black expression in the next instant would have made just about anyone shiver. Reno took significant note of it, suddenly wondering how it must have felt to walk in on a friend being raped by a mad man. Tseng would have noticed the look immediately had it not been for the fact that he was already headed for the helicopter. Rude stopped glaring at the Professor to give Reno a look of reassurance, and strode stiffly out of the room. He was all but helpless to protect Reno now.

And then they were alone.

Reno stood stiffly, regarding the wall with his back turned frigidly away from the sadist that had haunted his every waking hour, and even his dreams. He waited for the Professor to try something, to taunt him...to do something that would make his begin to shake...

But he simply stood there, staring at Reno with his blood shot eyes.

'Come along, Turk,' he said simply. And with that, began to walk out of the room. But Reno didn't move from where he stood; he didn't even flinch.

'I know what you're doing,' he said in a deathly quiet fashion.

Hojo stopped in his tracks and slowly turned around, a bit bewildered in spite of himself. But a sick smirk of bemusement crossed his face, replying almost sweetly, 'And what is that?'

'I remember last night, Professor. And I know that you'll use that shit to your advantage,' he turned now, attempting to meet the insane scientist's piercing glare.

'Last night?' he feigned a look of ignorance, 'What happened last night?'

Reno narrowed his eyes, though inside his own head a little voice was screaming. 'You know damn well--'

'And by the way,' the he curtly interrupted him, 'what is your name again? I believe I've forgotten it.'

Reno's jaw clamped shut, and he stared at his rapist, wholly confused now. What in the hell was he talking about? Of course he knew his name, damn it! The man had violated his body for the past five years and used him to his own advantages...the least he could do was remember his name!

'And I believe we've only met once,' he said, eyeing the Turk.

Reno studied him in bewilderment, completely naive to whatever he was up to. Last night had sure as hell happened! ... Hadn't it?

'You fucking freak,' he spat out in absolute frustration and disgust, 'you know what you did to me...last night...'

The Professor actually looked taken aback, his prior mannerisms and tone completely diverse to the current ones he was using now, and he immediately replied, 'I do not know what you refer to, Turk. Just keep out of my way, and make sure I stay alive!'

And with that omnipotent air, he strode self-righteously out of the room to leave Reno, hanging on to reality for dear life and about to crash-land in disorientation.

---

 For the rest of the day, the Professor acted as if he didn't even exist, barely noticing his presence. Reno should have felt relieved...even happy.

But he just felt empty, and confused.

'Last night hadn't happened?' his mind whimpered softly, pathetically.

What about the threat...Rude's arms clutched so tightly around him...the whimpering sobs...the tears...

Where in the hell had that all gone?! Could it all have been some sort of weird dream, or hallucination? He tried again and again to remember every detail...but the more the thought about it, the more he seemed to forget. That wasn't all true...he could remember the rape very well. But for some reason, there was no sense of time.

He knew, that years before he was a Turk the crazed mad man had in fact violated him time and time again...but he was a Turk now! That didn't happen to Turks. Did it?

And his mind began to turn on him.

'If last night really did happen Reno, then why hasn't Rude said a single word about it? If last night really did happen, why isn't that sicko of a scientist flaunting it like he always did and make you writhe?!'

Questions pounded his head...

'And if last night really did happen, Reno,' it spat contemptuously, 'then why is it you could have possibly considered Rude loving you?!'

Godammit, he had never assumed that. ...Never, ever assumed that. It couldn't happen...he knew it wasn't true, nor could it ever be. He always knew that his head was fucked up, and...

Damn. He did have occasional hallucinations when he was an experiment. God, what was happening to him? He remembered the fits he'd wake up from to find his silent caretaker sitting next to the bed, simply waiting for him to come out of it. He'd always thought it was the medication that Hojo had administered...but, maybe after all these years, he was finally starting to go insane.

'You,' the scrawny scientist pointed at the street where they were standing, 'watch carefully.'

Reno's eyes narrowed, albeit the calm expression on his face, and did as he was told. However, inside he was anything but calm and collected. A raging turmoil of emotion swirled violently in his head, and the confusion he felt rose with each passing moment.

Was last night...merely his delusional mind's idea of a sick joke; a nightmare he woke up screaming and a dream he woke up crying in sweet realisation from, fused into one big mass of blurry images, feelings and sounds?

Right now, all he could do was what he usually did - his job.

So, he carried on normally, playing along with the Professor (if he was acting in the first place), and being a Turk. But right now...he felt out of control.

---

 What a day.

Rude had barely been able to concentrate; his mind indeliberately kept conjuring up images of Reno and the Professor. Tseng had immediately noticed his lack of focus, but hadn't said anything. If Rude could trust anyone besides Reno, it was Tseng. The man had a flawless track record as a Turk, and as a trustworthy friend.

Finally, here he was, standing in the cold corridor once again of the Shinra building walking towards the lounge to get a drink. And damn, he needed it. As soon as he got that, he intended to go directly to Reno...he had to clear some things up.

But first, he needed that drink. He cursed himself for it...but yes, he depended somewhat on it. So what?! It wasn't like he was the first person to have a fucking aversion to being sober all of the time.

Being a Turk was stressful. He judged no one, and in turn no one judged him. And ... well, he didn't feel the need to explain himself to even his own thoughts.

Reaching the Shinra lounge, he immediately ordered himself a tequila slammer, taking the shot as quickly as he could before backing away slowly from the counter to let his body flop down with a tired sigh over a chair. The day had been hell.

Two bodies, (messily killed - due to his lack of concentration, the bullets hadn't quite met their target) a screaming, hysterical secretary that had been held hostage, and a gang of about twelve rebels that held a grudge against Shinra for some various reason.

The day was about to get a little worse however, as Hojo himself strode swiftly through the lounge, heading towards the elevator, looking intent on getting to his sought after destination.

'Professor,' Rude spoke the word calmly, but his voice held an unmasked contempt that would have sent shivers down the spines of anyone present. However, the entire lounge was empty.

Hojo whirled around, not having time for these ridiculous games.

'Yes?' he hissed out impatiently, not in the mood to deal with the Turk.

'Where's Reno?'

'Who?'

'RENO,' he said slowly, as if saying it to a child. The Professor did not seem the least bit offended however, and his eyes held a cool sort of detached amusement.

'Oh. You refer to the Turk that helped me today.'

Rude shot him an odd look which he shrugged off all too easily.

'I believe he's in his room....reflecting,' his tone had been oddly pleasant up to that point, though when he came to the last word, a hint of dark sadistic glee was picked up by Rude's sharp hearing. The Turk's face didn't flinch, and he simply turned around, intent on going back to sit down.

But the Professor's condescending voice stopped him suddenly, saying, 'Would you like to know how I received this gash?'

He froze in place. So, this was it--

'From a lab accident,' he said coolly, continuing, 'a shame really.'

Narrowing his beady eyes, his unnerving gaze cut through a suspicious Rude, staring straight into his eyes. His voice, low in its threatening tone, hissed out, 'Strange. I never knew laboratory animals had such sharp claws to fight back with.'

On that note, he raised an eyebrow, and hurried off to catch the elevator, leaving Rude with a sick feeling of dread pawing at his stomach.

---

When he had reached Reno's door, he felt almost bashful. In fact, he didn't even know if he had the guts to buzz the intercom. His head was clear and sober despite his one shot, and he had a gut wrenching feeling that, aside from the apparent dismissal of last night's occurrencesbetween himself and the beautiful red haired man, something very wrong was in the air.

Finally, after standing in the hallway debating what to do for perhaps a full five minutes, he resolutely pressed the button, buzzing the intercom. The automatic door flew open with a soft swish to display Reno, looking relatively normal, sitting on the bed, his legs oddly curled underneath him, staring out the window into the settling darkness.

Rude reprimanded himself for his hasty melodrama. What had he been expecting? A broken body cowering on the floor in a pool of blood and tears?

As he glanced up, Rude stepped warily into the more than familiar surroundings, noting a slight expression of quiet sadness flash across his friend's face.

'Hey,' he said quietly.

Rude didn't respond, just stood, gazing at him and then letting his eyes wander around the room. It was a plain one, and Rude had never noticed it until now, but it was one devoid of personality. But there was one consistent thing, and that was the window always being opened...spring, summer, winter or autumn, regardless how cold or hot the room became, that damn skylight window was always opened just above where it sloped downwards directly above the bed.

He realised Reno was still looking at him, and he finally addressed him.

'I just...erm...' for once, the tall man was at a loss for words. Granted, he never spoke much to begin with, but if conversation was required he never had a problem neatly and concisely expressing what he thought.

The fact of the matter was, he didn't care what people thought. If he had an opinion at all and it was requested, he spelt it out blatantly. He rarely skirted around subjects.

Reno's lips curved into a slight, wry smirk at his towering friend's dubious statement and turned his gaze to look back out the window towards the sky.

'Reno...,' he began, capturing the award of the Turk's full attention again, 'Hojo just said something odd.'

The mention of Hojo sent a cringe to his friend's eyes, but other than that his expression remained neutral.

'Yeah? What'd the psycho say?' he asked wryly.

'He said...he just said he got that gash on his face from a lab injury,' with that spelt out, Rude raised a quizzical eyebrow.

Reno shrugged.

'So?'

Rude's expression darkened to one of confusion. What the hell was going on? However, Reno read the look instantly. Rising up quite suddenly, he started towards Rude, not stopping until he was inches away from his partner.

'Rude,' he whispered hoarsely, all premise of denial and facade long gone, 'did last night really happen?'

He looked at him like he was insane for a moment, until Reno's face was so close to his that he could feel the warmth of the other's body.

'What?' he breathed softly.

'Last night...,' he trailed off, reinstating the former question, pulling back the tiniest bit.

They stood like that, eye to eye, for nearly ten full seconds, meeting each other with questioning looks. Finally, Reno's gaze dropped dejectedly to stare at the floor and sigh softly. Across his face flickered that same look of sadness Rude had seen earlier when he first entered the room. Long strands of his red hair hung limply in front of his eyes, obscuring the view of his expression.

Hesitantly, Rude brought his hand up to lightly stroke the side of Reno's face with a thumb, causing the Turk to slowly close his eyes, his breath catching in his throat. He moved gentle fingers down his jaw, caressing the outline of his friend's face. Reno brought his own trembling hand up to just barely touch his tall companion's and let a sigh inaudibly escape his lungs.

He stood like that for quite some time, simply letting Rude caress his face reassuringly. Finally, he pulled away slightly, letting his friend's hand only touch the cold air. However, the tall man stepped towards him to come closer again; the two Turks stood eye to eye now, one holding his breath and the other a bit confused.

'What do you think?' he asked softly, almost mouthing the words silently at Reno.

'I don't know...am I...dreaming?'

Rude leaned forward and gently embraced him, his fingers just barely tangling in wild red hair, and he pressed his mouth delicately to Reno's. Their lips moved, almost seeming frightened, against each other, and Reno let Rude pull him in completely, holding the Turk tightly against his own body, securely wrapped in his arms.

Finally, he released him and let his hand linger again on his face, lightly running a thumb over his cheek.

'No, unless you didn't want last night to happen,' Rude hesitated. Gathering his bearings, he asked dreadedly, 'did you?'

Reno didn't answer, only moving to clasp Rude in his arms and sigh softly. He kissed his neck contiguously, his lips barely brushing over the sensitive skin. He could feel Rude's body stiffen slightly at this sudden advance, but he didn't let that deter him.

He didn't tremble; he felt no fear now. Only confusion, and a desperate ache to be wanted that had buried itself deep in his heart. After a few minutes of that attention, he was awarded with a small, suppressed moan from his friend. It was almost as if Rude didn't want to let go of that little sound though, and it was obvious he was in a futile struggle to keep himself in check and control the urges his body was screaming at him.

Reno felt Rude's body tremble beneath his intoxicating touch, and he stopped to move his mouth to the side of his friend's face.

'Did you want last night to happen?' he whispered quietly in his ear, as if the world would find out that he actually wanted something and he was so frightened that the cruel place would destroy this one, fragile care that he had, he was required to whisper. When Rude didn't respond, he took a chance, and nipped gently at an earlobe.

That got a response; the tall Turk let a harsh gasp of air be expelled from his lungs as if he had been biting his tongue in anticipation.

'Yes...Gods yes...,' he hissed out, though whether it was an answer to Reno's question or a reaction, Reno was quite unsure.

Rude wrapped strong arms around the frailer man before him and let his hands run wildly over his back, all previous gentleness now nonexistent, and gave into his body's demands. Although his pace was quicker, the tenderness still remained and Reno responded with a little sigh.

He could practically hear Rude's heart thumping with anticipation, and he shivered as Rude's hands claimed his body for their own. He had never felt anything like this before...especially not from Rude.

The man was usually so calm, collected...even stoic. But now, he had simply lost control and was letting his body lead him by pure emotion and desire. It was rare that Rude let his emotions rule his judgement.

He moved his hands to settle around Reno's waist, pulling him closer to let his lips kiss his friend's forehead softly, muttering something incomprehensible to reassure him. He didn't stop though...not by a long shot. After thoroughly kissing Reno's face, he moved to kiss his mouth, letting his own lips meld gently with Reno's.

In the midst of that kiss, something deepened in Rude's heart, and he felt a burst of pent up desire, and lust...and affection...a need to make Reno feel safe...all of these, gushed out into that one, single solitary kiss. Reno's lips parted slightly, and let Rude's tongue entwine with his own, moving passionately against each other.

Finally, Rude recoiled to look at Reno's expression again, but the Turk had his eyes closed in what appeared to be absolute bliss. His face held no regret or fear, and he tilted his head slightly to rest it on Rude's shoulder. Rude buried his face in the mound of red, and finally let his hands stray beneath Reno's jacket to clasp around his waist again.

He could feel Reno's lips move across his sensitive neck again and he let out a full fledged moan of desire, slightly startling Reno.

Rude had always been the one in control it seemed; he never gave into his emotions regardless of how severe, his face never even flinched under anyone's scrutinising gaze. He always seemed to be the towering portrait of absolute control...but now, in front of only Reno's watchful eyes, he was exhibiting his true, inner desires and thoughts.

'Reno,' he breathed out softly, his breath brushing lightly across Reno's hair.

'Yes?' he whispered again into his ear.

'Do you want...,' he struggled, trying reign in some self control, 'do you want this?'

Reno retracted, gazing into a pair of dark eyes that looked almost frightened. He pursed his lips in what seemed to be thought, and he could feel Rude's hands slightly tighten at his waist possessively.

'I need to know this is real,' he finally whispered, placing his hands on the tops of Rude's arms. Rude nodded slightly; the answer seemed to be good enough for him. Although, to be truthful, he wasn't looking for alot.

Carefully gauging Reno's reaction, he ran his hands very slowly down below Reno's waist, over the curves of his body and back up to replace his hands where they had formally been.

Reno's entire body stiffed considerably, and for a moment he seriously entertained the thought of bolting. But no...no. This was Rude..not Hojo. He had said he wouldn't hurt him...

Rude could see the fear plainly in Reno's eyes as his hands caressed his friend's body, but he didn't stop. Damn it, his self control was now non-existent...

Instead, he eased Reno in as closely as he could go and smoothed his hair back, giving him a reassuring look.

'It's okay,' he said softly, 'I don't want to hurt you...'

Reno seemed to have already acknowledged these words in his own mind, but his body was still being stubborn. He trembled the tiniest bit, but didn't protest as Rude gently kissed him.

'Do you trust me?' he asked hesitantly.

Reno looked into his eyes then, trying to read what he saw there. But he didn't see Hojo's face or feel Hojo's hands...he only felt the warm, affectionate touch of his friend, he felt the sensual silk of Rude's lips on his own, and he knew deep within himself that Rude wouldn't hurt him. If only he could get his damned body to agree and the memories to just leave him alone...

'Yes,' he replied, softly, and perhaps a little unsure. But Rude knew the only way that Reno was going to know that trust and feel it, was from experience and time, and right now, he would just hold the red haired Turk in his arms for the rest of the night if he wanted him to.

With that, he slowly backed away, pulling Reno's hand with him, and sat down on the edge of the bed. Reno didn't know what in the hell Rude wanted him to do, so he just stood there in front of him akwardly, wondering how asinine he looked right now. Dammit...he was 20, and he didn't even know how to show his affection all because some fucking psycho had raped him for such a long time; it had never even occurred to him that he might actually want to be with someone else.

Hell, he didn't even know if Rude wanted him at all...but at the moment, from the look on Rude's face, it looked like....Reno couldn't even describe it. But in a feeble attempt at comprehension, he privately thought that look was meant only for him - an idea which he preferred over any other.

Rude noticed the clueless look of confusion on Reno's face, and he also noted that he even looked somewhat sheepish, perhaps thinking himself foolish. He didn't want Reno to feel ashamed in front of him, so he pulled the Turk towards him, letting him stand in front of him, and he placed his hands lightly on the sides of Reno's waist, just letting them sit there.

Letting Rude's hands rest at his sides, Reno stood stiffly in front of him, the edges of Rude's knees just barely coming in contact with his legs. Finally, Rude pulled him towards the bed until he moved his face forward to kiss Reno's stomach.

Reno gasped, feeling Rude's hands circle around to grasp his buttocks gently, and he let his hands fly out to grip Rude's shoulders tightly. The sitting Turk could feel Reno's hands grip him tensely as he continued to kiss Reno's clothed stomach, until finally he just wanted the man to stop feeling so afraid and self conscious.

He leaned back, taking his touch away from Reno completely, and let his elbows prop himself backwards onto the bed, his body shamelessly outstretched in a leisurely position with his lanky legs dangling off the edge of the mattress. He stared at Reno for a few moments, who fidgeted under his scrutiny. Finally, he leaned forward quite suddenly to pull Reno on top of him from his standing position.

The red haired Turk practically fell into Rude as he lost his balance, and crashed towards the bed, but strong arms caught him until he was in quite a compromising position, one knee lodged between Rude's legs and the other leg comically hanging off the bed with his arms flailing wildly to try to catch his balance and right himself. Rude had other ideas however, and pulled Reno's body fully on top of his, securing his arms at the small of Reno's back.

'Feeling shy?' he asked amusedly. Reno shot him a dirty look, and put on a curt frown. Rude simply smirked ever so slightly at his friend's current position and expression, and let one of his hands catch Reno's and entwine with it. He kissed his face playfully, and retracted to find a very stunned Reno looking at him.

'What?'

'You're...smiling.'

'Didn't you ask me this before?'

He was right; the same conversation had transpired years before, but under very different circumstances. Rude obviously found the entire situation amusing, as Reno looked in what seemed to be near amazement as a genuine look of humour crossed his normally stoic friend's face.

Finally, he smirked lightly, and settled his head in a much more comfortable position on Rude's chest, but his body was still somewhat tense.

He also realised that he hadn't removed his knee from where it landed, and Rude moaned slightly as he tried to change his position.

'Rude?'

'Mm...'

His face turned serious again.

'Am I...do you...,' he stuttered, unable to find the right words. Rude turned his gaze to look at Reno who was obviously having a very difficult time expressing something important.

'Why,' he started again, unable to understand, 'did you choose me?'

'Reno,' his tone was reproving, 'don't start this self disparaging shit with me.'

Reno cast his gaze down, feeling foolish. Damn it...Rude cursed himself. Why did he have to be such a godammed insensitive jerk off?

Rude gathered the dejected looking Turk in his arms, 'Damn Reno. I don't understand you sometimes...'

'You think that some wack-job would be the only one who would want you...,' he continued, his voice fogging up, 'but godammit Reno, I want you...because you're ... you're beautiful...'

He was babbling, but he didn't care.

'...because, you're you...and fuck. It..hurts me to see you think that you're nothing but some psycho's whore.'

Reno looked at him in wonder; he'd never seen Rude this upset. About anything...well, that was except for last night...

'Rude,' he whispered, 'I...I...'

He didn't know what to say. But he didn't have to say anything; Rude pulled his body tightly against his own, holding him, again muttering reassuring words into his ear.

Reno's body finally relaxed, and he let Rude hold him, laying on top of his heaving chest and allowing his head to droop lazily. Finally Rude grew silent, and the two of them lay together for quite some time, just catching their breath and gathering wits.

Rude finally returned his gaze to Reno's expression, and was somewhat relieved to find it had untensed somewhat. When Reno spotted the look of desire that flashed in Rude's eyes, he immediately felt that old fear well up again, but this time he fended it off.

Rude moved his hands upwards to cup Reno's face and simply look at him, brushing a few strands of feiry red hair back from his pale skin. God, he was beautiful as wide, luminescent green eyes stared back at Rude, almost questioning what he would do.

'I won't ever hurt him,' his mind mumbled softly.

Watching Reno's face for a reaction, he very slowly, and very gently, moved his hand downwards to brush along Reno's back, past his buttocks to the tops of his legs and back up.

Reno didn't appear to be frightened as he closed his eyes and sighed softly, so Rude began to give into his desire as he had been before. He knew that once he started, it would have taken a gun to stop him...but god, ...

So many emotions welled up in him at that moment that simply the sight of Reno's unclenched face filled him with waves desire that crashed over them both. He kept one of his hands unthreateningly placed at Reno's back, while the other slipped slowly beneath the waistband of his Turks uniform to tug at the shirt that was somewhat tucked in.

Reno let out a hissing gasp, and for a moment, Rude froze in his advances, waiting for a scream or some sort of violent reaction, but before it could happen Reno seemingly got a hold of himself and breathed in deeply, regaining control in a struggle.

Rude kissed his face again gently, whispering, 'It's just me.'

Reno opened his eyes, nodding slowly. He brought one of his inactive hands to clutch Rude's arm, and closed his eyes again, breathing in deeply and slowly exhaling.

Rude tugged the shirt completely out of where it was tucked in (if it was to begin with), and let his hand swiftly travel up the bare skin of Reno's back. This was a familiar sensation, so Reno was completely at ease.

Within a few minutes, he had shrugged his Turk jacket off and was laying with his still fully clothed self, though Rude's hand gently caressed the bare skin of his back underneath the shirt. After a few minutes of this comforting treatment, Rude kicked off his own shoes and readjusted his position, accidentally crushing their hips together.

Surprisingly, Reno let out a small moan as he felt Rude's body come in tighter contact with his own and his back arched the slightest bit. He still held the top of Rude's in a death grip, though his lanky friend didn't seem to mind.

'Are you okay?' Rude asked him softly. The green eyed Turk nodded slowly, his eyes still tightly shut. Finally, Rude removed his hand from the skin of Reno's back (somewhat regretfully), and moved to sit up slightly, letting Reno move to the side as he shrugged off his own Turk jacket.

He lay back down, modestly clothed in his neat white shirt, and slowly began to flick open the buttons of Reno's shirt with practised fingers. Reno's face tensed slightly, but he didn't say anything as Rude's explorations revealed his bared chest. He was so thin...his ribs could visibly be seen against the startling pale skin, and his entire stomach was clenched in anticipation. Rude slowly began to pull off his shirt, dropping it into a heap on the floor next to them like the discarded remnant of some strange metamorphosis.

Reno's body lay prone, only clothed in his navy pants now, and he trembled slightly under Rude's affectionate gaze. However, Rude pulled him close to himself, letting Reno shiver with his arms wrapped protectively around his painfully slender body. He smoothed Reno's long hair over the slender man's shoulders, letting strands dangle over onto his own body crushed underneath of Reno's.

'It's okay,' his soft, deep voice soothed as Reno's fragile body still trembled involuntarily.

His hand continued caressing Reno's back, never straying below his waist and the other affectionatly ran through his long red hair. The shaking eventually subsided, and Rude simply let Reno's body lay still and calm; gaunt, white chest pressed against his, strong arms wrapped around him.

Rude kissed his cheek lightly, nuzzling his face. A slight breeze blew in through the window, strangely warm...it was spring, but the month had been absolutely freezing. Reno found the warm air inviting and took a deep breath in comfort as Rude's gentle hands caressed and held him.

The room held a peaceful sort of air; Reno's shallow, quick breaths and Rude's ragged breathing pattern that wove itself in a tapestry of deep affection and desire. Finally, Rude slowly grasped Reno's hand and placed it at his own chest, his other hand still tangling itself in Reno's long, dark red hair.

'Touch me,' he breathed raggedly, feebly begging Reno with his eyes.

The red haired Turk looked like a deer caught in the headlights, but he complied with the request never the less. He slowly began to unbutton Rude's shirt, his hands trembling a little. When he had finally gotten all the buttons undone (his hands were shaking so badly by the last one that he had a hell of a time), he looked at Rude for more guidance, but he had simply closed his eyes.

Reno needed to know the feeling of touch went both ways...Rude didn't want Reno to be frightened of his body or his touch, and he wanted him to know the feeling of both sides...he deserved at least that much.

So, Rude became the experiment for once, letting Reno's unsure hands do what they would. He shyly pulled Rude's shirt over his shoulders and dropped it onto the floor (with his friend's assistance in getting the bothersome piece of clothing off) with his own shirt and jacket.

Rude's chest was broad and well defined, revealing the true muscle and strength that resided in him. For someone so powerful, the man was the most gentle...hell, the only gentle thing...Reno had ever known. He let his hands stray upwards, and re-enacted the former night's events, nipping slightly on the sensitive spot that he knew Rude was prone to.

'Oh, Gods...' was the gasp he was rewarded with for his efforts.

However, last night he had started to shake so badly, had gotten so frightened...that anywhere from here on, was untread territory for him. He moved down to kiss Rude's stomach, and back up to look into his face.

'Rude?' he asked softly. The room had started to grow dark, and was basked in a slight glow from the other lights of the city.

'Mm?' Rude's eyes slowly opened, and he realised what Reno just had - that everything, from here on out was a completely new experience of affection and care for Reno. Rude knew, to put it blatantly, that the Professor had simply just fucked his brains out and left him to take care of himself.

'Oh,' he said softly, making it obvious that he knew why Reno had stopped.

'Do you want...,' he didn't finish, scrutinising Reno.

After a few moments of consideration, Reno slowly nodded, though looked a bit nervous and even frightened at the thought.

'Yeah,' he replied in a low voice, not completely sure of what he was getting himself into here.

'You sure?'

Reno cast him a look; it wasn't like he was stupid.

'Yes.'

Rude nodded, though it was obvious he knew that Reno was unsure, and replaced his hands at Reno's back. Slowly, and very hesitantly, not wanting to scare the hell out of him, he slipped his hand underneath his pants to massage his buttocks gently, kissing him on the mouth again.

Reno gasped harshly, but didn't say anything, just letting his entire body stiffen again.

'It's okay,' Rude said for perhaps the thousandth time that day, but continued to let his hand massage Reno. Finally, he stopped to unzip the front of Reno's pants, but froze in his progress as he heard an almost inaudible whimper.

'Ssh,' he crooned quietly, holding Reno close. He turned, letting the red haired Turk slide off of him, and turned to face him, his arms wrapped around him, with Reno on his side, his eyes wide with fear.

'I'm sorry,' he cursed harshly, his green eyes welling up with tears of frustration.

'Ssh...it's alright,' he continued to hold Reno, smoothing his hair gently.

'No...no, it's not...,' he spat out self contemptuously.

Rude didn't pay him any heed, and just continued to hold him, not saying anything.

'Rude?' he said suddenly.

Rude retracted slightly to look at him, waiting for what he had to say.

'Please...please keep touching me.'

'But-'

'Please...,' he pleaded, his eyes still glittering with unshed tears. He needed to get past this...he wanted so much for Rude's touch, but another part of his mind had started to scream...

Rude looked at him, torn between desire and the longing to make Reno know what it was like to feel pleasure without fear....and the absolute terror he had of driving him over the edge into hysterics. But he couldn't ignore those pleading, distraught eyes. Damn the Professor.

Finally, he nodded. Sucking in a breath, he said softly, 'Alright...but...' He let his sentence trail off, knowing Reno understood.

After a few more gentle caresses, he hesitantly replaced his hand where it had formerly been and undid the front of Reno's pants. Reno bit his lip, letting Rude slowly pull down the only piece of clothing he had left besides his boxers. With those removed, they too went into the pile of clothing on the floor.

Rude pulled Reno back on top of him, gently kissing his face and taking the process slowly. Finally, willing himself, he let his hand trail down Reno's hip and into the front of his body to let his fingertips lightly brush the hardness he found there.

Reno moaned softly and let his face nuzzle Rude's shoulder, not displaying any fear. Yet.

'Oh God..Rude..' he muttered softly as Rude's hand found its way inside of his boxers, gently touching his hips and buttocks, occasionally moving around to the front to again just slightly brush Reno's arousal.

'Reno,' he began gently, not knowing how to phrase what he wanted to ask.

'Hmm?' Reno's voice was thick with burning desire.

'Do you want me...erm..?'

Reno processed this information, before silently nodding.

'Are you...sure?' Rude frowned and looked at him, not wanting to hurt him.

Reno nodded again, his eyes filled with need as well as fear, though he nodded all the same.

With that permission, he slowly tugged off the boxers, revealing the red haired Turk for all the world to see. Only this time, there was no one Reno would have rather been with.

'Gods...you're beautiful,' he repeated, surveying Reno's body and face in appreciation.

Reno could feel a blush creeping up his neck and he just gave Rude a look of reproval, but offered a sheepish little nervous smile. Reno then realised that his friend was still clothed; he intended to do something about that.

'Rude...,' he began, glancing down in an uncharacteristic gesture.

Rude looked at him in curiosity and suddenly understood.

'Oh. Yes..umm...'

But Reno didn't hesitate; he undid Rude's pants, pulling them off along with the boxers in one try and dropped them disdainfully onto the pile. The red haired Turk suddenly realised; he had never seen Rude fully undressed before.

And to his great surprise, he caught Rude with a sheepish look on his face. The lanky man had a well defined, muscular body that was long and well built; it suited his line of work...

Reno surveyed all of this with a look of reverence.

'Rude...I like looking at you,' Reno slightly blushed at his own juvenile statement, but it was such an honest remark that it was sweet.

Rude offered up a tiny smile (well, his version of it...slightly upturned lips), and didn't comment. Reno would've liked to taste that modest body, but at that point in time, his mind didn't even register the suggestion.

For the first time, the two lay together completely bared, without any room for dishonesty or facade. Rude's chest heaved up and down, and Reno could feel his arousal growing so hard it bordered on painful.

'Rude...,' he said, his voice tight with need.

'You want me to?'

He nodded...he was ready. Rude gave him a wary look, and couldn't help but wonder the moment he touched if Reno would run screaming into the corner to hide in the darkness.

He gently brushed Reno's hardness again, letting him get used to the touch, running his thumb over the sensitive head, before encircling it with his hand completely and beginning to stroke.

Reno let out a sharp noise that sounded like something crossed between pleasure and absolute terror, but Rude couldn't decipher which; the fact was, he was too focused on his current activities to think about it.

Never the less, he clasped Reno tightly in his arms, one hand pumping and the other splayed across Reno's chest, teasing a nipple.

This was all too much of a sensation for the poor boy, and he ripped through the air with a shrill screech of ecstasy and protest. His body writhed, but Rude held him steady, kissing his face gently. He stroked him a little faster, and moved his other hand to smooth his hair as Reno began to cry.

'Rude...oh God...no...' he sobbed, forgetting where he was.

'It's okay Reno...I'm right here...,' he whispered steadily into his ear.

Finally, Reno couldn't speak anymore, and his back arched violently off of the mattress, releasing into Rude's hand. When he finally collapsed, boneless, tears were streaming down his face and he had begun to sob.

'Reno,' Rude said softly, absentmindedly wiping his hand on the sheets, 'Reno...I'm right here...I'm right here...'

Reno cowered into Rude, curling up into a little ball and let Rude hold his naked, wretched body in a protective fashion, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

'Oh Gods...Reno, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...,' he said apologetically, over and over.

Finally Reno realised where he was, and his crying was cut off with one last choked sob. He stiffened, feeling Rude's arms around him.

'Rude?' he questioned weakly in a husky whisper.

There was no answer, only a muffled sigh.

'I'm sorry,' he barely whispered.

'No, Reno,' a voice thick with frustration and self contempt replied, 'I shouldn't have...'

'NO,' he said firmly, 'I asked you to Rude...and...,' he was still trembling, but he felt different somehow, '...and, I want to feel you inside of me.'

Rude stared at him in absolute disbelief.

'I need you, Rude...I need you tonight...right now...please...'

Rude shook his head. 'Reno...you ... just now... and I...... Oh Gods.'

Reno let his long hair trail down over his shoulders, wispy strands of dark red contrasting against deathly white skin, and pulled his knees up to himself self consciously, his back still against Rude.

'I think...I think that's what I needed,' he said quietly, 'Rude...I know now...I know you won't hurt me. I know you're not the Professor...the only reason that just happened...the memories...'

He shuddered; the memories that haunted him. That was what had triggered it...but Reno knew now, and remembered, Rude's reassuring voice whispering into his ear. He needed him, he needed his love and affection, he needed his touch...

'Please..,' he said, 'I need to feel that again, without the memories.'

Finally, Rude's face registered a defeated look. 'Alright Reno...for you...,' he stopped in mid-sentence, adding as an afterthought, 'but I'm stopping if I see one look of fear cross your face,' he warned.

Reno just nodded, knowing there would be none. He trusted Rude now, and he knew that trust...and he needed him.

He gathered Reno in his arms, and held him for a full ten minutes before even moving from that position, stroking his face and hair, kissing him comfortingly, and just trying to stop the memories from returning.

'Are you ready?' he finally asked softly, his voice filled with doubt and dread.

'Yes...'

Reno rolled over onto his stomach, but a warm hand stopped him.

Rude answered to Reno's questioning look, 'I want to see your face.' A soft smile spread itself across Reno's tear stained face, and he nodded.

Rude nestled Reno's body firmly underneath his own, and began looking around the room as if searching for something. 'Do you have...?...it would make it a hell of a lot easier.'

Reno caught on to what he was referring to and motioned to the drawer next to the bed. 'Lotion?'

Rude nodded, and he reached over with a long arm to grab the stuff. Smoothing some onto his fingers, he scrutinised the red haired Turk below him; he lay with a most inhuman expression of peace on his face.

'You ready?' Reno nodded.

With that, Rude slipped his hand underneath of his friend and slid a coated finger into the tight opening he found there. Reno's eyes shot open and he gasped in shock, his green eyes widening a considerable amount. Rude pumped the slick finger, and added another to begin loosening the passage.

Reno cried out in unsuppressed pain, and Rude brought his other hand up to tease a nipple to distract his lover from the uncomfortable sensation. He searched with his embedded fingers for the sensitive, special place in Reno, and he was rewarded by a sharp cry of ecstasy and Reno's hips thrusting upwards. He stretched the tight passage slightly, not wanting to know what would happen if he accidentally broke the delicate skin. Finally, he inserted a third finger, moving his hand from Reno's nipple to his face to gently caress it now that the pain was gone. He pumped his fingers in and out of the opening, making Reno blind with pleasure each time he did so.

'Rude,' he uttered his lover's name, barely able to speak.

'Mm...feel good?' he knew that Reno could barely hear him.

Finally, he removed his fingers which earned a cry of protest from Reno, and replaced them with his own arousal, poised to enter Reno.

Reno had come back from the land of blind ecstasy now, and was looking at Rude with soft, green eyes, staring up at him almost lovingly.

'Are you ready?' he whispered.

Reno didn't have the strength to reply, so Rude slathered some of the lotion onto his own hardness, and gently eased into Reno.

Attempting an experimental thrust earned another pained yelp from Reno. He looked down apologetically, and to his horror he could see the tears welling up in his friend's eyes...not from the pain, but from memories.

'No.......Professor...,' he whimpered half heartedly, his eyes turning dark with memories and terror.

Rude held him tightly, not willing to let him slip back into that.

'No. It's just me, Reno...'

Reno's eyes fluttered, and he seemed to re-focus, staring upwards into a very concerned face.

'Rude?' he questioned softly.

'Yes,' he replied, delicately smoothing Reno's hair back from his sweaty face, 'it's me.'

'Rude...,' he clutched him tightly, breathing his name out, 'make love to me...like you said you would...'

'I won't hurt you,' he replied gently, thrusting again.

Reno's hips arched upwards to meet Rude, and he moaned. They sustained a sort of rhythm after a few moments, and Rude held Reno tightly, quietly saying his name.

Rude could feel himself leaving the physical world behind, his entire being erased from the mere, mortal existence of pain and sorrow, and heightened to the heavenly bodies. His vision flashed with darkness and then blinding pleasure, only feeling Reno's precious body beneath him.

He exploded inside of his red haired lover, and Reno could barely say his name as he gave one last thrust. Stars, beautiful, exploded in front of his eyes, and all he knew was Reno's fragile body, his voice, dark red hair, his arms clutched tightly around Rude's back...the omnipotent emotion of ecstasy he felt as Reno uttered his name from feverish, passion swollen lips...

And then, he was laying next to Reno, sweat drenched and breathless, his chest heaving up and down, and completely unable to move. Reno was lying next to him in a similar fashion, but in all the time that they had been making love, Reno hadn't once become terrified.

'Reno,' he breathed out finally, rolling onto his side to embrace his newfound lover. Reno glanced over at him, his green eyes heavy lidded but bright.

He took a deep breath, kissing Reno softly on the forehead, and said, 'That, is making love...'