All it took was that single word for Rufus to wake up slightly, narrowing his eyes at Tseng as he was pulling on his robe. "Tseng- I-" but before he could say anything else Tseng's lips met his and as much as he wants to argue, he knows he can't.

He had promised.

And he would uphold that. He's quiet for a moment when their lips parted and he looks at Tseng, his head resting against his. He can't refuse even though every part of him wants to. "Just don't let me become my father, Tseng. Don't let me become someone who is so weak they have to hide behind everyone else. I won't become that."

He already felt trapped by his father's legacy, he didn't want it to consume him as well. He pulled his robe closed, tying the sash as he made his way towards the bed. Everything was spotless once more and he didn't question how that happened as he sank into the clean sheets.