They each have grounds for exhaustion, so Rude doesn't blame him for wanting to lie down a while.

Having Reno brought up doesn't do much to relax him, but he does appreciate the sentiment. "I don't think anyone could have done anything from what I've been told about it. I'm just glad he wasn't alone though it."

It hurt that he wasn't the one there with him, but that pain was slowly subsiding now that Reno was back in action. That whole night before he knew his partner was still alive, he'd been inconsolable and didn't accept anyone's calls. He hopes Tseng comes back soon so he won't have to put Rufus through that. He idly traces a finger over Rufus' collar bone, thinking.

"It's okay, you did everything you could for him, and you were there when I couldn't be. I should be kissing your fingers and thanking you for that."