Welcome Back

[plate_builder]

WHO: Reeve, Poe Dameron, Rufus Shinra, Open
WHERE: Temba Restoration Coordination
 (Yellow 5), The Deep End (Orange 13)
WHAT: Event Fallout for Reeve, His Boss Arriving, Hiding Out at the Bar
WHEN: June 7th to 12th
WARNINGS: CW: Implied past sexual situation in thread with Rufus; Drinking at the Deep End

1. Talking About What Happened Closed to Poe | Evening of the 7th, Reeve's Office
Reeve hadn't really been big on the idea of sticking around in the Waiting Room when they had awoken. His memories of being stuck in Calibrations were not hte greatest, and he had decided he wasn't going to risk sticking around there. He had grabbed Mini up and headed right out, not daring to question, not waning to linger. There were memories and a life to process and he didn't much like it.

It wasn't until later that night that he reached out to Poe with a message. After quite a bit of thought he had known what the truth was. They had to talk. So he'd sent a message, asking for Poe to meet him in his space. They had to figure things out. He had to figure whether Poe might forgive him for what he'd apparently said and done there.


2. Welcome To Temba, Your Timing Sucks Closed to Rufus | Morning of the 8th, Reeve's Office
The meeting hadn't been a bad one, in Reeve's estimation. Poe was a wonderful companion and he quite liked his time with his boyfriend. A nice talk, a lazy morning afterward, and Reeve had been happy to send the other man off in the morning. He had happily watched Poe slip out after morning coffee together, sitting at Reeve's work table in the front room. Reeve hadn't even bothered to put on much more than his long coat that morning, hadn't bothered to make his bed yet, hadn't even begun to work on the final stages of Mini's upgraded form. Instead he'd sat smiling at the table, his hair ruffled, sipping at the final dregs of his coffee as the door closed, not even paying attention to Mini as the doll worked on sorting through papers on the table top, making sure nothing had been lost in the change of the last month.

So Reeve, most definitely, wasn't expecting someone to show up at his door.


3. Just A Little Drink Open To All | Evenings of the 8th through 12th, The Deep End

Well, that was a thing that had most definitely happened. Reeve didn't know what to do with himself with Rufus here. With Cloud nad VIncent he had known what to do, what his place was with his companions and friends. It was enough for Reeve to just, well, fall into a habit he hadn't had in a very long time. Though he supposed it was hardly a habit if he didn't sustain it. Reeve sighed and settled himself at a chair at the bar, sitting down and looking at the counter. So what was the etiquette here, how did one even go about getting alcohol?

"Um, hello?"

Maybe he didn't want to be as alone as he thought.

Comments

3. Just a Little Drink

[heypartner]

"What, Cayde not in?" Cobb liked to grab a drink after a hard day fixing up houses. He wasn't used to seeing Reeve around here. In fact, he couldn't remember seeing Reeve in here ever.

It didn't look like the Exo was in so Cobb walked up to the bar, leaned across it and grabbed a bottle at random off the shelf. He'd make it up to Cayde. He set the bottle down next to Reeve and then reached down for two glasses.

Reeve seemed like the kind of guy who wanted to drink from a glass instead of a bottle.

"Not used to seeing you here, stranger." Cobb poured them both a generous amount of something faintly pink and dry smelling. No idea what it was but Cobb liked it already.

[plate_builder]

Reeve hadn't even been able to bring himself to go to the houses today, needing to think instead about what had occurred in the day. Perhaps from now on he might join Cobb for the occasional drink, once he realized this was common for the other. For now he offered a grateful smile to the other.

"Not used to being here. I had my drinking days as a youth, and don't like to fall back into them," he said, taking the glass and lifting it to sniff. A nice smell, he would be glad to have it. "But after the day I've had, I think I need it."

[heypartner]

Cobb was a lot less cautious. He simply slammed the drink back. It was nicely dry, actually with a little kick he felt in the back of his throat. "Mmm, not bad," he said examining his empty glass. He refilled it with the intention of sipping at it instead.

"You wanna talk about it?" Cobb offered, "The reason you're drinkin'. Or your youth. I've been told I'm a good listener."

He didn't have much to talk about himself. Not until he talked to someone first. Then he'd be willing to chat a little bit more.

[plate_builder]

Reeve took his first sip, and yes, he did find he was enjoying it.

"I hardly think my youth would be very entertaining to talk about. But... Someone has arrived here from home, and I am not prepared for that."

[heypartner]

"Someone you don't like?" Cobb guessed because if someone like Issa-Or or Jo showed up here he'd be damn happy. He liked having at least one familiar helmeted face around. It was nice in a sea of strangers.

"Or are they a former romantic interest?" That could be another awkward situation for Reeve. He thought the man had something going on with Dameron but that was just something he'd heard.

Talking About What Happened

[happybeeps]

Poe'd made the trek to Reeve's more than a few times now, but generally there wasn't this air of uncertainty hanging overhead. They'd lead entire lifetimes in the last month, and Poe at least hadn't exactly had eyes just for Reeve.

He really wasn't sure how that conversation was going to go. He didn't feel guilty exactly, but...wary of the impact this could have. Either way, they needed to talk.

BB-8 came along in hopes of seeing Mini, and Poe stooped to give him a quick pat before rapping his knuckles on the door.

[plate_builder]

Reeve had been waiting for the knock, hoping that it would come. When it did he was quickly on his feet and moving to open the door. Once he had it open he looked there at Poe for a moment, hope and concern on his face before he stepped aside and gestured for the man to enter and join him.

Mini had no such restraint. The doll, while it had enjoyed its time as a large panther-bot, was happily bounding to his friend, patting BB-8 on the side.

[happybeeps]

BB-8 trilled happily, practically bowling Mini over.

"Play nice," Poe teased, stepping inside. "You're looking good," he noted, looking Reeve over. "Kind of miss the costume, gotta be honest."

[plate_builder]

Mini made a happy gesture, having to dance aside to not be rolled over. As for Reeve he blushed. Of course Poe would bring that up.

"Oh dear please don't say that. There was so much leather. And the ears? The tail whip? Oh god."

[happybeeps]

That earned a pointedly suggestive smirk, and Poe shrugged a shoulder, "You made it work," he offered innocently enough. Of course he was going to bring it up.

He managed a more serious look after that, looking him over, "You all right?" he confirmed.

2

[ambitiousblond]

Waking up in this place felt surreal as it finally sank in that he was really in a new world and it wasn't all just some kind of strange dream. It took him a moment to put together the pieces, the faint scars on his hands from the explosion but Dark Nation was laying over half of his body, squished by the narrow cot but not wanting to be separated from him.


Since he's going to be stuck here, he might as well explore the best that he's able to. Despite the slight limp, it's a relief to finally be able to get out and around with his own strength. Dark Nation stayed by his side until suddenly she stops, ears perked up as she sniffs the ground. He doesn't have time to try to grab her collar when she suddenly takes off but even if he did, there was no way he was going to be able to halt Dark Nation when shewas hellbent on something. Calling after her only got her to slow down as she approaches a door.

"D, come away-" but that doesn't stop her from barking loudly, pawing at the door eagerly as if she knew someone inside, someone she was fond of. It makes him pause- he hadn't seen anyone else from Shinra but given Dark Nation's determination to get through the door, he supposes there isn't anything he can do but knock on the door after taking hold of Dark Nation's collar to make some attempt at keeping her from jumping on the unsuspecting resident.

[plate_builder]

Knocking? Reeve lifted his face, a bit confused. That didn't make sense, not at this hour. Yes, he could be an early bird, but most people dropped a lie before dropping by. Perhaps Poe had forgotten something and wanted to let him know before opening the door again. So Reeve rose and moved to the door, opening it just a bit to see who was there.

And he was almost immediately breathless with shock.

"Rufus."

[ambitiousblond]

Dark Nation is turning around in front of the door as if she's a dog of half her massive size but instantly turns as soon as Reeve answers the door, barking again. There is nothing Rufus can do to keep her from shoving her way through the opening in the door.

Out of everyone he thought could be here, Reeve Tuesti was one of the last people he would expect. But there is a part of him that is relieved-aside from his Turks, Reeve was one of the few people Rufus had any measure of trust in.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise."

[plate_builder]

Reeve hadn't been looking down, so he hadn't even thought to see Dark Nation. The hound was pushing in before he could stop her, the door opening more to leave him standing there in his coat, and clearly no pants.

Maybe today was not going well. On the table Mini immediately moved back from the edge, concerned that the dog might come from him. Mini's concern bubbled in Reeve's mind and he immediately reached for Dark Nation, setting a hand behind her head to hopefully calm her.

"I suppose pleasant surprise is definitely a term," Reeve observed, clearly realizing the dog would start sniffing at him soon. Great. He didn't know if he had treats. "And I don't imagine she's going to believe I don't have anything for her. Please, uh, come in?"

[ambitiousblond]

As soon as the door is opened more Rufus's eyes look Reeve over, noticing the lack of pants but decides not to mention it as he steps inside.

Dark Nation leans against his hand, back tentacle swaying happily. Her nose pushed against the pocket of his coat to see if there were any treats for her but she calms down from the contact and from Rufus joining them as he closes the door behind him.

"Ah, forgive me, I've disturbed you." His gaze moves across the room, smiling a little when he notices Mini but looks back at Reeve. "Don't mind me, I'll give you a moment to get dressed." Because whether it was a good time or not, Rufus knew that eventually, they would have to talk now that he knew Reeve was here.

3

[deal_me_in]

For all his busybodying, catching Cayde at the bar was bound to happen at some point. It'd be downright silly if he didn't make an appearance at his own bar after all, wouldn't it?

He poked his head out from the back room, ceasing his rustling as he'd been going through boxes of random snacks he'd picked up from their last planetary fieldtrip. "Reeve! Hey!" he greeted, stepping out with a couple of foil packs emblazoned in Aurabesh that he couldn't read. It was fine, he remembered what was in the contents at least.

"What brings you here?" he asked as he dropped the packs on the counter, holding his hand out briefly to allow his Ghost to compile. She gave a spin of her back-half, tipping in greeting before dipping down behind the counter.

[plate_builder]

Reeve leaned over when he heard Cayde's voice, lifting Mini up to the counter. The doll was waving eagerly, happy to see his big brother. Reeve offered a nod to Cayde and Sundance, and Mini just came over to look over him.

"I need a drink," Reeve answered.

[deal_me_in]

"There he is!" Cayde grinned, offering Mini a fist to bump. By the time Sundance had come back up from behind the counter with a bowl balanced over her, the Exo had torn open the two packages of snacks, removing the bowl to set on the counter so he could dump the contents inside. They were slightly pretzel like, just in squiggles than half-pulled knots.

At Reeve's answer, Cayde chuckled a little, nodding as he turned to peruse the selection of bottles behind him. "Well, you've come to the right place. Preferences?"

[plate_builder]

Mini offered a bounce and then bumped Cayde's fist. Nice. The bowl Reeve smiles at in appreciation. He could use a bite. Then he shrugged at the question.

"I admit, I don't know what you have or what might be best to someone who hasn't had a drink in a very long time. Recommendations might be needed."

[deal_me_in]

The Exo gave Mini a pat on the head as he considered Reeve's admission.

"Right then. We'll start you off with something light." He ran a finger across the row of bottles, backtracking to pick one with a lighter gold liquid. "Of course, being that I am a robot I am not the best to say how strong a drink is since I've only been able to gauge by reactions or opinions."

Taking up a small glass, he poured a bit of the liquor, sliding it over.

3~

[beholding_archivist]

"You just get what you want from behind the bar." Jon points out as he steps into the place and actually straight past the bar with all its alcohol. His goal here aren't the drinks. It's the karaoke machine. He stops after a few more steps, however, and turns back around to consider the other man for a moment. A certain anxiety basically is the norm with Reeve, but what Jon picks up at the moment is... Different.

"Something happened." He assumes, willing himself to not take a look straight into Reeve's head. At least accidentally compelling him isn't really a risk anymore.

[plate_builder]

Ah, self-serve. Amazing anything was left. Reeve rose from the seat and circled the counter to find and lift out a bottle. Then it was about seeking glasses. yes, this would work.

"You are perceptive as ever, my friend. Someone from my home world has arrived. It isn't Cloud or Vincent returning. It's... someone I worked with at Shinra."

The company Reeve had explained to Jon, the one that burned the lifeblood of his very planet as a power source. A corrupt and greedy company that had nearly destroyed the world. So, you know, fun people from back home.

[beholding_archivist]

"Huh. Shinra... I remember." It may have been about a year by now, but how could Jon have forgotten having been in Reeve's dream, in that extensive, modern office that he certainly hasn't been jealous about. Still isn't, of course.

His frown is directed at something else, though. "They haven't introduced themselves yet, but considering you are here rather than giving them a tour through the city, I... Assume you aren't necessarily friends." And then there is the little detail where Reeve is obviously planning to get drunk.

[plate_builder]

“Rufus is the sort to evaluate a situation and a place before making himself overly known,” Reeve answered with a shrug. Caution was needful in strange situations, and Rufus was a thinker.

“Our relationship was awkward. He had me do things that displeased me, but since the near end of my world he has tried to make up for what he did. We have become… allies at least. Perhaps friends. But his presence is a complication.”

[beholding_archivist]

"A complication?" Jon raises a brow. He doesn't expect a single person to overly complicate the overall restoration efforts made in the city. Even if certain cases such as Billy sure can cause significant distractions every once in a while.

"You don't expect him to hurt anyone, do you?" That's the other possibility, of course. Though Reeve called the man an ally, so that would be considerably odd.