Rufus had seen that conflict in Tseng's eyes before not that long ago. It had been a request made in a moment of weakness but he says nothing as Tseng's finger traces the cut on his cheek.

He doesn't look at the swelling on his wrist or care about how his fingers are starting to feel numb. His eyes never leave Tseng's as he wraps black hair around his fingers, sitting up slightly. He knew he couldn't assuage that conflict in him even if he said he forgave him.

Instead, he just leans up to press his lips against Tseng's, hand moving to the back of his neck to pull him down closer to him.