emovampboy | For Reeve

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

emovampboy

Vincent realizes a short-coming in his lack of communication when Reeve speaks of leaving to step into the hall, and any remark he might have made to the man's other comments drops, replaced with a long moment of silence where it almost seems that the long-haired man might be a tad embarrassed.

When he speaks, it certainly sounds as if he is. "I didn't mean I was worried they'd see you here at my room, or us together, I just know Yuffie would have pushed her way into coming along for breakfast and there would be no way we would be able to speak seriously, and Cid would come to keep an eye on her and make it even harder."

Was there a breath in there? Vincent isn't even sure.

From:

plate_builder

Oh. Interesting. When that point is concerned he supposes he can truly understand the point that Vincent makes. Having companionship for something like that would be a poor idea. So he offers Vincent a warm smile, a sort he barely uses on anyone. It's just warm and fond and soft for a man who typically only presents a composed, perhaps even a touch hard look to the outside world.

"That is a dreadfully good point. I hadn't thought of that. I'll be just a moment. And thank you."

With that he steps outside to make his calls quickly. In the end it's nearly ten minutes before he steps back in, looking a bit less than impressed by whatever his calls had produced.

From:

emovampboy

If Reeve had wondered about Vincent not being suave, he'd just seen an indication of how awkward he could be. Ask him to come up with a plan, he was good for it. Explain something more personal? Screw it up.

He's a bit grateful that Reeve goes out the door, as he does feel quite like when he was dealing with Lucrecia and needs a moment to compose himself.

The look on Reeve's face probably helps a little. "What's wrong?"

From:

plate_builder

Sometimes a lack of suaveness is charming in and of itself. Makes the approach more interesting. The balance between the give and take will be different with Vincent than anyone Reeve has pursued before, and that makes it even more exciting in its own way.

"Just work," Reeve dismisses when asked. The fact of the matter is that he's a very busy man, and not all of that is easily pushed aside. For Vincent, however, he can manage, for a day. "I never anticipated just how much work it would take to do this. Sometimes I forget that it's easy to get myself overbooked. Beyond overbooked. But I manage."

From:

emovampboy

He nods, unsure what else he should say on the situation, since truly it would only be maybe useless words about taking it easy that the man would not listen to anyway. Easier instead to let him rest by not mentioning it any further than necessary.

From:

plate_builder

Perhaps if he's truly concerned and develops enough of a taste for it, Vincent will make sure Reeve takes more time off by entertaining him outside of his work hours. As it is Reeve moves to sit down on the bed he had slept on and he gestures for Vincent to sit as well.

"I've also called down to the front desk and asked them to send the food up when it's here. Don't worry, I'll cover that tip. Do you mind if I ask a question? Fact of the matter is that I don't know much about you, Vincent, and I find that to be quite the crime."

From:

emovampboy

Vincent settles onto his own bed, not even thinking far enough ahead to wonder about Reeve's overwork or how he might entertain the man.

At least he's focused on him, though.

"There isn't a great deal to know that you don't know."

From:

plate_builder

"Of course," Reeve agrees with a warm chuckle. Nor would he imagine that there was any chance he would ever know it all. Nor that he would desire such. What he does know is that he's got a chance here to find some things out.

"I don't intend to pry much, but... have you ever been romantically involved with anyone beyond Lucretia before?"

From:

emovampboy

Is that the question he wants to ask? Why? Concern or curiosity on Reeve's part? After all, the way he spoke before implied the assumption Vincent was entirely straight, and that Reeve himself has serious doubts about himself and Vincent's sincerity.

If it's that, he imagines the answer he is going to give won't be of much assurance, but he will see what is said.

"Nothing of seriousness. Only crushes."

From:

plate_builder

The question comes from concern, because Reeve knows this is a bit complicated. His own feelings he is in no doubt toward. It's more his concern that he get his heart broken too easily. It was the way with him, wasn't it? Feeling too deeply even if he tries not to do so.

"Any of those on men before? This one you don't have to answer. I'm just curious."

Perhaps it is important to him too, because he wants to know if Vincent is just responding to the fact that Reeve is the first person to have this sort of affection for him since all that happened to him.

From:

emovampboy

So it's concern. Not a surprise, truly. He probably would be as well. At least here he can assure Reeve.

"Yes. I like both men and women."

From:

plate_builder

Thank goodness for that. There is complications that come from being the first person a man tries to experiment at, especially at his age. Supposes he can raise the issue of whether he needs to shave or not for Vincent later.

"Good to hear," Reeve admits, and he can't help the relief there. "I'm a bit old to be an experiment. I..."

The knock at the door gets Reeve to his feet, smiling. "Sit there."

He goes and meets the employee, passing off a rather substantial tip that he seems to produce from thin air. Given Cait is it really so surprising that learned a bit of slight of hand as part of magic tricks as a kid. He then rolls the trolley in, closing the door behind him. Look at this, a whole box of coffee, seasonings, and an assortment of pastries and bagels with spread.

"Don't worry about how much there is. Usually I give what is left to my guards," Reeve admits. "I advise trying the bagels if you don't have a sweet tooth."

From:

emovampboy

"Reeve..." Vincent is about to note the choice of words Reeve used, the fact it's rather darkly amusing, when the knock occurs.

He stays silent and lets Reeve bring in the tray, standing as he brings it closer to look. "Is there any juice? I'm not big on coffee."

From:

plate_builder

No, he didn't think about the choice of 'experiment', but Reeve feels old. He doesn't much care about using it.

"Of course," Reeve agrees. A set of three bottles of different flavors. Apple, orange, and a banana-strawberry smoothie thing. "I do understand that not everyone mainlines the stuff like I do."

He is covering a small plate with pastries before filling a tall cup with coffee. He needs it so bad. "Promise not to try and change that and we can be friends."

From:

emovampboy

It's good Vincent isn't greatly bothered by unintentional slips like that, despite the fact most people would think he was. He's had enough time to understand what they are, and they aren't hurtful remarks, just words that happen to match something of the past.

Vincent will go for the apple juice once he spies it, preparing himself some as he gives Reeve a look of vague amusement. "Have I tried to stop Cid from drinking? Aside from when he needs to fly."

From:

plate_builder

"Well, drinking alcohol doesn't stunt your growth," Reeve counters. Looks like it didn't stop Reeve. He's tall. Or, perhaps he should have been taller. But he is pleased to see Vincent was amused. One day he would like an actual smile. Or laughter. That might kill him though.

Or give him undeniable pleasure.

"So, you're willing to allow me an attempt to pitch woo at you? Because I could enjoy that. It would require me to see you more than once a year."

From:

emovampboy

"I'm fairly sure you're full grown by now." Is the simple retort, even as he seems to wonder about whether he's hungry enough to eat. As to Reeve and 'wooing,' he puts that into his considerations too. Mostly for the fact that it seems perhaps he should be clearer again.

Finally grabbing a bagel to just nibble on, like a bird or a child who would rather not eat but is doing so to make mama happy, he moves to sit back down on the bed, taking his time to chew before responding.

"I said it was alright before. Are you still worried I'm just leading you around?"

From:

plate_builder

"I'm less worried about that and more about how I feel," Reeve admits as he looks at Vincent, and there is definitely a touch of fondness in his look. "I get attached, Vincent. I know that about myself. How much of it is ever justified can be an ongoing debate. From experience I expect this isn't a flight of fancy for me. I don't think you're leading me around. You're not cruel like that."

Heartbreak isn't a stranger to him. In too many ways. He sips briefly at his coffee to try and give himself a moment to think.

"I also don't know that you would be comfortable remaining in Edge for long periods of time. It would be presumptuous to expect you to be available to me at all times."

From:

emovampboy

Vincent seems to be watching Reeve as he speaks, listening and putting things together; Trying to determine what he needs to say or do for the situation. He hasn't lied about crushes, but aside from Lucrecia, he can't recall ever acting on things - and with her... Things had not been very smooth.

He also knows he wouldn't say something purely from curiosity, so at least Reeve realizes that. To reach out is to give an opening, one that violates his continuous thoughts of atonement deserving punishment. Which is shown by Reeve's words.

Words that also give Vincent an idea of how to reply, although it's slow as if he's making sure his explanation is clear. "I don't think I would remain here all the time, but depending on what you mean by 'long periods,' I would probably be alright with that. Reaching me... I could also deal with, so long as it's you and not the others. As in, I won't answer them any more than I do now."

From:

plate_builder

Don't worry Vincent. The difference between Lucrecia and Reeve is who is doing the pursuing. This may go a touch smoother. Still, he is fascinated by all of this, and he's pleased to hear it all. Reeve nods and takes a bite of pastry while he considers.

"I am quite a busy man, Vincent. Having you away won't be an excessive burden. However in my partners I do tend to like to see them once every month. More often is preferable, but I understand this is probably something that should be mentioned up front. You're a quiet man, Vincent, and while I may be quiet when I'm around the others, I am by no means restrained about my desires, save when holding them back spares someone pain."

Another long moment for coffee and he smiles wider. "If you suddenly want to answer people's calls more I'll probably have a heart attack. The point to all of this is because I find that being up front about this avoids disagreements later."

From:

emovampboy

Vincent listens, and is glad he has a very good poker face; all of that actually left him just a little unsettled. It's certainly no fault of Reeve's, but it is a lot of what sounds like rules, and if he didn't know Reeve better, he'd worry the man had control issues.

Yet it is Reeve, and Vincent knows that everything he says comes from a handful of factors: the man is a planner, he keeps things as straight and orderly as he can; he's excited about this, maybe because he's had issues in the past; and, if Vincent is right, he's giving him some room to state what will and will not work to find a middle ground. He can't see Reeve not allowing some leeway.

He's tempted to say "we'll see how things go," but as this is not a conversation with someone else, he knows better in this situation. Which means he takes a moment before he responds.

"I can come once a month, but I don't know if I could promise more than that... Yet. This is... strange for me after all this time."

From:

plate_builder

"I can handle less if it's better for you," Reeve admits, and he sighs. Perhaps this is a bit too intense for a first conversation. Clearly he's gone too far, he can sense it even if he can't see it on Vincent's face. Perhaps he best explain himself. It's not a control thing. It's something else entirely.

"I was involved with a man when I was younger, back when I was in college actually. I made the mistake of letting it last well past when he didn't care about me. Not really. But he seemed to enjoy having someone at his call. When he wanted attention beyond his friends and his parties, there was always me. I wouldn't see him for months on end. The asshole even came to Midgar after..."

He pauses and shakes his head. No. He's not going deeper than that.

"If I wanted something empty and physical I could find that. But relationships require being there, Vincent. That's why I ask it. It was a bad situation for me, it ended less than well, and while I doubt you would ever use a person like that, the feeling of waiting on my tenterhooks for someone, not knowing if I matter... I don't have time for that in my life. I can't do that again. Too much comes across my desk for me to be broken like that again."

From:

emovampboy

"I'm not like that." He says after Reeve has finished speaking, focusing his eyes on him. "I'm just not used to opening myself up yet... not sure if I ever was.

"But I'm not going to do something like that."

From:

plate_builder

"I know," Reeve admits, but he shakes his head. "I know you wouldn't, Vincent. But given everything that I've been through, protecting myself is something I have to do. No matter who is involved. I trust you in a fight. With secrets. With everything. But my heart? That's a bit harder, fondness for you or not."

And he knows Vincent will respect that. All he's asking is to see Vincent sometimes.