Looking through the snow-fogged window, Tseng narrowed his dark eyes when he spotted a different shade of white among the shining field. He wiped at the glass with a palm, and stared again. This time, he caught the gentle gleam of honey-gold. No sooner than his thoughts registered to the familiar color, the tall Turk turned on his heels and ran out of the room.
Although the season was almost spring, Icicle Lodge was still trapped under the thick layers of snow. Stinging coldness of morning and ice made Tseng shiver when he opened the front door. Soft gust of flaky breeze penetrated through cobalt suits jacket, but it didn't stop him from proceeding out. He waded through the thigh-deep obstruction, not stopping once until he reached his destination.
"Sir Rufus!?" Tseng reached for his thirteen-year-old master who was lying face up on the matress of virgin snow. The boy's pale skin seemed even more so in contrast to the surrounding whiteness, and ice-blue eyes were hidden under the lids. Penetrating azure gaze fixed on Tseng moment before his hand touched Rufus.
"...Tseng. What is it?" Rufus sat up, letting crumples of snow fall from his upper body. He was dressed in a white long coat and same-colored satin pajamas beneath it. The doll-like face didn't show any trace of chill, however. He patted rest of the accumulated flakes off of his lithe figure and rose to his feet before the Asian.
"Sir, how long have you been out here?" Frowning deeply, Tseng took the boy's hands and cursed inwardly at their bloodless lack of heat.
"I don't know." Rufus shrugged nonchalantly. "I woke up right when the sun was rising. It looked nice outside, so..."
"You were here since sunrise!?"
"...You can say that."
Tseng mumbled an irritated excuse and hastily lifted Rufus off the ground without permission. Holding the blond youth close, he stomped back into the mansion like a man on the run. He didn't stop until he reached the bathroom. Putting Rufus down on the tiled floor, Tseng quickly began to peel off the drenched clothing off of the boy.
"Tseng, what is the matter?" Rufus asked curiously as his bodyguard and caretaker stripped him bare.
"You are about to catch your death, Sir Rufus." Tseng returned brisquely and urged the boy into the tub. He turned on the hot shower, not bothering to make it lukeward like Rufus liked it. His suits sleeves wetted, but he couldn't care less.
"Yow! Tseng!!"
"No, you are not getting out until you are warm again, Sir."
Rufus scowled, but fell silent at Tseng's patronizing glare. The long-haired Turk stood watch until the color rose back to his young master's cheeks. Then, he allowed the boy to step out and wrapped him in a large towel.
"That was too hot."
"You were too cold, Sir."
"No, I wasn't. I liked it outside." Rufus sulked and scrubbed his hair dry with the cloth.
Tseng sighed exasperatedly at the boy. "Sir Rufus, it is well beyond freezing point outside. Why did you go out in your pajamas? If I hadn't found you, you may have lost a finger or two from frost bite."
The comely ShinRa turned a little sheepish at Tseng's concern. "All right, all right... I'm sorry, Tseng." Rufus flashed the smile which he knew Tseng could not remain angry at. And, as he had planned, the older man softened his expression.
"What were you doing out, Sir?" Tseng repeated, less forcively.
"I was waiting for the snow fall." The honey-blonde admitted. He tousled his bangs to the side and continued pleasantly. "It is beautiful when snow falls from clear blue sky."
Rufus looked dreamily out of the snow-rimmed window, his cool-colored eyes warming at the beautiful sight. His features, mature beyond his years and hardened by lack of love, softened significantly. Tseng narrowed his dark gaze in relief. Rufus was still capable of appreciating small things like snow; he was still a child enough. Tseng wished that the day would never come when his young master lose his underlying innocence.
"We will wait for it together indoors, Sir Rufus." The handsome Turk followed the boy's gaze outside. "Today will be a beautiful day for snow."
*****
"It is snowing outside, Sir Rufus." Tseng whispered and pulled the curtain open.
The honey-blond man grimaced slightly and slitted his ice-blue eyes open to the sunlight. He corrected his posture on the work desk, flinging his legs off of the desktop and sitting up once again. Irritably, he glanced out of the high-story window as if he couldn't care less.
Clear, pale sky rare for Midgar was flaking with sparkling white icicles. Snow carried in the breeze of high altitude, shining under the sun. Tseng watched his master's expression closely from the side. A moment of silence passed, and the Turk hid his sinking heart. Rufus's doll-like beauty did not shift from the haughty, cold demeanor.
"So what?" Rufus shrugged and dismissed the sight. He turned back to the desk and toyed boredly with his slick bangs. "Tseng, what else is there for me to do today?"
"...Appointment with executives at three o'clock, private meeting and dinner with President at five."
"I see." The blonde nodded detachedly. He threw his legs onto the desk again and made to go back to office hour napping. "You are dismissed. Come back at ten before three."
"Yes, Sir." Tseng obeyed quietly and made to leave. He intentionally left the curtains pulled open, hoping for the times past to return.
*****
Rufus heard the door close behind Tseng. He opened his eyes again to see out, his delicate features softening. Although the years had changed him and the world around him, snow dancing in the midday light remained the same. He slipped out of the chair and went to stand by the glass separating him from the chilly air outside. Thinking back to the isolated winter house in Icicle Lodge, he murmured to himself.
"...Today will be a beautiful day for snow..."
