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

[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."

[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?"

[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."

[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."

[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."

They've flipped... Reeve is self-assured, Vincent is awkward sauce

[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."

Reeve manages self-assured in plenty of siituations. When he feels he has control

[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."

Yeah just amusing... rarely does one get awkward Vincent

[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."

[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.

[emovampboy]

"Isn't such a thing the reason one dates? To look for compatibility?" He tilts his head just a bit, almost as if not sure.

[plate_builder]

"Yes, it is the point," Reeve chuckles, leaning forward a bit to look a bit closer at Vincent. "Letting me pursue you doesn't necessarily mean you're going to stick around in Edge long enough for me to get you on multiple dates in a short period of time. Or anniversaries."

This is his attempt at an arrangement that makes sense for them both.

[emovampboy]

Reeve finally gets a different look from Vincent, and it's unfortunately pure confusion. He knows the two are talking about the same thing, boundaries and all, but Vincent can't seem to understand what Reeve is trying to say.

Or, maybe there's something else...

He sighs a little, and sets down the glass he's holding and the only partially eaten bagel, giving the man a firm look. His tone is the same, and almost holds a warning; you're pushing too hard.

"I can only do what I can do. I'll be around more, but you have to let me have time."

[plate_builder]

"I know," Reeve answers. "I get that, Vincent. I'm saying I know this won't be a standard relationship. This won't be dinner and a movie, seeing you when I come home from work, going out to dinner at the drop of a hat."

Clearly communication isn't a strong point for either of them. Reeve pushes to his feet and walks a bit away, because he needs to catch his breath. This is going nowhere.

"That's why I ask for some of your time. For you to come and see me. It's about... explaining just what kind of chance I'm hoping to have here. That's what I'm asking for, Vincent. Nothing more. I don't mind a mysterious man in my life. Or a distant one. I just want enough time to make the best of this chance you're giving me. Twelve meetings in a year isn't too much, is it?"

[emovampboy]

Didn't he already say it was alright? That he'd come at least that often, maybe more if he grew used to it? Are their wires crossing? Or just personalities?

Reeve is planned, Vincent is not. It's honestly why there is any sort of draw, he figures; the whole opposites attract thing. Yet it seems to be confusing the situation.

Slowly, Vincent stands. "Let's make this easier... you're worried I won't come more frequently than monthly, for good reason, and I don't want to promise too far ahead. So, let's set a schedule for the next few months. Decide every time we meet if it should be changed.

"This way, you have assurance and I have time to work through things."

[plate_builder]

This definitely comes down to the fact that Reeve is a planner. Worse than that, his life revolves too tightly around those plans, now that the WRO is a part of his life. Then there is Vincent. Who comes and goes freely. Who doesn't bother to leave a note or answer his phone or things like that.

"No," Reeve answers as he looks at Vincent with another soft smile. "Please don't do that. There is an excitement that comes with a man who can show up to sweep you off your feet. Schedule it and there goes the freedom you have, that you need. There goes the mystery. I suppose my only exception is my birthday. If we're together I would ask for that one night so I can take you out to eat somewhere because we shouldn't make the mistake of trusting my cooking. Granted, a day or two of forward notice is useful to make sure I can rearrange things. Otherwise you need to be in town more than one day so I can wiggle out of meetings. Which for you, I would."

[emovampboy]

"Alright..." Vincent seems a bit unsure, but he's not going to push the issue. Especially since there is a strong urge to take off, get away from this situation... like before. Like he did with Lucrecia, though the instinct is more literal here.

Why he's uncomfortable now, when he was so assured last night, he couldn't tell you. Or was acting assured at least.

[plate_builder]

Is he uncomfortable? Reeve can't tell, but it seems like there is something. And it's him.

"I should leave," he says with a sigh. "Sorry, I'm terrible at this. I've never thought about how I would approach you. I've admired you from afar, often literally. I guess I'm at a loss for how to handle myself. How to handle this. Never would I have expected you to agree to this sort of thing. And I've messed it up."

[emovampboy]

"No." Vincent reaches up and toys with the collar of his cloak. "Not messed it up. Just... you seem to understand this better than I do."

[plate_builder]

"I've been around the block a few times," Reeve answers with a shrug. "But I don't want to change you. I just want your time. A chance at your heart."

Which is awkward. "This isn't how I would have told you. It's put me off my balance."

[emovampboy]

"You wouldn't have told me." It's not accusatory, but a fact. "You only said a word because you were drunk, didn't you?"

[plate_builder]

"If I had chosen to act, it would have been an action rather than words," Reeve admits with a shrug. "And you're not wrong. There was no reason to believe speaking would result in anything. And look where talking has gotten me. To a point where you half look like you're going to flee."

Which is perfectly okay and understandable and Reeve will go home and mope. But as it is, he moves a step closer, closing some of the distance. "I wouldn't have said it. Making such a risky admission to a man like you should be something more than words."

[emovampboy]

Well, it was certainly true he felt like running, but he was a bit more disciplined now than in the past. And something Reeve said amused him vaguely.

"Amusing... if you hadn't have been drunk I had actually debated kissing you last night instead."

[plate_builder]

Oh dear. That gives Reeve a moment of pause. Because he could imagine in. That's got a flutter in his heart and he likes it.

"You? Vincent Valentine, cautious and thoughtful and dare I say shy, were considering such a thing? Strange, I can't imagine a window where you would have had a chance before I was given alcohol. What would have prompted that?"

As he asks he's been moving closer, closing the space between them again. He doesn't like having personal conversations with so much space.

[emovampboy]

"I don't know." Vincent keeps an eye on Reeve, but he can at least give a little. "Or, more accurately, I don't know entirely. You just seemed like you needed some sort of assurance."

[plate_builder]

"I admit I would have enjoyed that," Reeve shrugs. "Except it would have been the wrong way around. I'm the experienced one. I'm supposed to seduce you. If anyone should be stealing a kiss, it should be me, shouldn't it?"

At this point he's just about closed the space between them. Close enough for his hand to reach out and rest on a cheek. It's almost amazing how soft Vincent's skin is. And this is probably stupid. Oh well. He's got curative materia on him, he can take care of an instinctive lashing out. One of the rules of Shinra was not to catch a Turk off guard. He was about to break that.

"Aren't spies supposed to steal things?"

With that he leans in to place a light kiss on Vincent's lips. Slow enough, of course, that Vincent has more than ample time to see it coming and push him away.