For Reeve

[emovampboy]

When it came to use of his phone, Vincent was very much like Cloud. He left it on, received messages and listened to or read them, but quite rarely responded. The few times he did respond tended to be if he deemed an actual answer to be required, or when from time to time Marlene got hold of Cloud or Tifa's phone and contacted him. Since it was so rare for her to do so, he always took it as a good thing to answer.

Which meant he had answered when she called him a few days after a message from Tifa asking him to come to a party for the girl, which he had ignored; his first mistake. Once answered, the girl had spent several minutes speaking to him, until suddenly springing the question of if he were coming to her party and making it quite impossible for him to really say no without seeming like a total heel, and so he agreed to go; his second mistake. And then he had made his third mistake - actually going.

At first, it really wouldn't have seemed to have been a bad idea. He knew everyone who was invited, how they acted around one another, and that Tifa would keep the whole group from going completely crazy over the course of the night, but he had not expected having to assist in breaking up one of Cloud and Barrett's squabbles when the woman had to leave for a short time to fetch something, and honestly he was glad that Reeve was invited and could help diffuse the situation with; especially when Yuffie and a very unhelpful Cid decided it would be a great idea to bet on who would win if they actually took to fistacuffs over whatever stupid thing it was this time which set them off.

All of this had left him rather done with company, and as soon as Tifa was back to be the adult in the situation, he'd snuck outside for some relative peace and quiet.

Comments

[emovampboy]

"Is there a right or wrong?" A little deep, maybe, but true. "It's fine to take things slow, or fast... but I suppose we should discuss things more when you are done showering. As in what we want, on both ends."

[plate_builder]

"Alright. I can agree to that," Reeve said as he finally moved away from the wall and off toward the shower.

They both have baggage, Vincent. Reeve's is just a bit different. Regrets over what he did do rather than what he didn't.

[emovampboy]

Vincent nods, letting Reeve do so and going to readjust the room, since the table is still between the beds, before sitting down on the bed and removing at least his cloak and shoes and socks to wait for Reeve.

[plate_builder]

It's not too long before Reeve returned, and he's even managed to get himself into his pajamas. Was it wrong that his pajama shirt was a sweatshirt with Cait's likeness on it? Probably. He didn't care. The paraphernalia made to celebrate the 'heroes of the world' came from small businesses and he supported people trying to get back on their feet and make some gil.

He even had Cait Sith socks someone had knitted him, but he didn't bring those.

He moved to sit across from Vincent on the other bed as he worked on drying hair.

"Okay then."

[emovampboy]

Somehow Vincent is not at all surprised by the Cait Sith pajamas. He even imagines Marlene has some and would be delighted to know one of the adults could match her. So he doesn't say anything, instead focusing on Reeve, "Feeling better?"

[plate_builder]

"A bit less tense," Reeve admitted. Cold water did that.

[emovampboy]

"Good." Vincent turns to actually face Reeve. "I don't know how we are supposed to start this discussion..."

[plate_builder]

"Neither do I. It's your discussion," Reeve reminded him.

And... he really doesn't know how to talk about this. How to explain that he's serious and somehow serious and jumping right into bed may not be the same thing.

[emovampboy]

Vincent nods, and takes a bit of time to consider things properly.

There are two things he sees as being necessary to discuss. One is how to communicate, or more accuately what to communicate. The second is explaining themselves so they don't keep confusing things.

Which, then, should be first? Logically speaking...

"Tell me about your past relationships." A pause, and a clarification. "Or more, why you are so concerned what you say will bother me."

[plate_builder]

Oh. That... Reeve can't even look at Vincent as he thinks about the right way to say this. Because there is no good way to do it, right? But it had to be done.

"I have been in a good number of relationships. If you discount the one that I had in graduate school, none of them lasted very long. I was given a lot of conflicting explanations for why. More than one person commented on my... forwardness of language when I was younger. And then sharing too much information and getting a relationship toward an 'emotional level' they were not prepared for."

It had gotten to the point where he'd sworn off of relationships as much because of concern that there was something wrong with him as it was his lack of time.

[emovampboy]

That explains a few things, for sure. Suprisingly, a lot of what he is saying is also the issue they are having, just in a bit of a reverse.

Reeve has made clear where he wants this relationship to go, at least as clearly as he can, but has also said that he is ok going slower for Vincent's comfort as well. So there is no issue with Vincent worrying for that.

The communication, over sharing, well... It would seem that such things would be more useful to Vincent than not. He has already said as much, but it would seem appropriate to say it again.

"I would prefer you be honest and straight-forward. With Lucrecia, I had to guess as well quite often, at least when it came to giving her space and her job. I wasn't forceful enough in many cases, and it lead to trouble.

"And aside from her, I have not had much in the way of a love life. I am very bad at reading the signals..."

[plate_builder]

"I'm terrible at giving them," Reeve shrugged. At last he looked at Vincent and he seemed... Was there even a good way to describe his expression? Perhaps a mixture of desire and regret.

"I can tell you that this is for your pace. I feel I should repeat that from earlier. If you desire more physical intimacy sooner, I would be more than happy to provide. As we both no doubt noticed when you had me pinned to a wall, and when you accidentally scratched me."

It's been a while from him and clearly his libido is just a bit overactive.

[emovampboy]

There was no accident in that scratch, but it is fine for Reeve to pretend it was if it helps. Which, considering the fact he keeps giving Reeve the feeling he wants physicality, it may be the best idea.

However Vincent realizes he keeps reacting aggressively to those signals, and he feels a large amount of curiosity about it, although he understands very well the reasoning against. He can deal with that very easily.

"I don't think we should be physical until both of us are sure."

[plate_builder]

For what Reeve knew, it was an accident, and Vincent had been lucky that Reeve hadn't ended up in Vincent's lap then and there. Hadn't dragged Vincent close against that wall to kiss him. Aggressive is how Reeve wants to react. Would want to now if he could.

"I'm sure about how I feel about you," Reeve answered. "As I said, I would want this to pass at our pace."

[emovampboy]

"Sure, but you have indicated you worry moving too fast will jeopardize things, and I'm fine being cautious." Vincent offers a small, half smile.

[plate_builder]

"Jeopardize my chances that you'd maintain feelings for me," Reeve answered, nodding. He could be content with caution.

Perhaps Vincent was the only one he'd risk faster with now.

[emovampboy]

"Reeve... I don't do things half-heartedly. If something exists, it exists. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I don't think something like that would damage things." He looks at Reeve seriously.

[plate_builder]

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," Reeve chuckled. But his laughter is over himself, as he looks away. "You aren't like other men I've known. So... you're saying that were I to move, right now. Were I to kiss you and pull your clothes off, you might allow it?"

Just trying to figure that out.

[emovampboy]

"I might." Intentionally vague, or just Vincent being Vincent? Reeve can choose, although the vague smirk not able to be hidden without his cloak might give an idea; and make Vincent himself wonder why he seems to have such a strange personality around Reeve.

[plate_builder]

Might. Reeve smirked. It's silly to take that as a challenge, but he does catch the beautiful arc of that smirk and... This is definitely not the Vincent he is used to, but he isn't complaining at this moment.

With that in mind he rises from the bed he's on. Moves just enough to stand in front of him. Not touching Vincent, no touching the bed the gunner is on, just... there.

"Are you just smirking because you think your clothing might be too complicated for me to remove?"

Because that might be an amusing thought.

But look here, he's trying to relax, like Vincent seems to be doing. Perhaps the discussion really was good for them.

[emovampboy]

"If you can figure out how to make a building, I am sure you could figure out my outfit," It may not be his usual self, but Vincent seems to be enjoying it. "Eventually."

[plate_builder]

Vincent sure didn't seem too bothered by this. Except... What had Vincent said earlier, after he had pulled Reeve's hair and scratched him? About how he hadn't felt like being interested in a while. About...

Yes. How he only seemed to have dirty thoughts lately. For Reeve.

"Would success have figured into those thoughts you mentioned earlier? The ones you keep having regarding me?"

[emovampboy]

"In part." He admits, deciding that if Reeve isn't going to touch, he will. Reaching up, Vincent places his hands on Reeve's hips, trying to smile the best he can manage. "However, not everything has to be removed... or if you prefer, we can just pet and see where it goes.ç

[plate_builder]

Touching would remove the conversational aspect. And the seeing whether Vincent would reach. Which, of course, the man did.

"And if I were to leave something behind, or more than one thing, what would you choose to have left on?"

But petting was good too. Very good. He would be happy to enjoy that.

[emovampboy]

Vincent tightens his grip a little, tugging at Reeve gently to try and pull him onto his lap so they are face to face.

"I could leave everything on, I was thinking... just remove most of your clothes."