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[A seemingly innocent question, but Rufus can nearly feel the animosity coming from it. Perhaps he's looking far too much into his words, but it's not unreasonable to believe that Ferran wouldn't use his powers against him when he feels like it. His answer will probably influence that decision.

Treading carefully is the plan still. He doesn't want this encounter to end too quickly with him being possessed.]

It's quite unfortunate that the world is far more complicated. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have these sort of situations to begin with, wouldn't we?

Perfect doesn't exist. There's no point to wishing for it.

[As idealistic as Ferran can be, he's become jaded enough over the past year to realize that the world's complications aren't going away any time soon.]

But we can always work towards improvement, even if we have to force it sometimes, right?

[Well, this certainly is going down a particular road. At this point, it's probably inevitable that Ferran will use his powers on him. There are few choices available to him and most are unappealing. He's not going to run away, he's not going to shoot him either; that will draw too much attention now.

He might as well face this head on.]

Well, what are you waiting for? I'm aware that you've been wanting to use your powers on me.

[He wonders how much he'll remember, if he'll be aware at all while he's under Ferran's influence.]

[The Iris-blessed laughs; it's a higher sound than his voice usually is, and almost sharp.]

You're that eager, huh?

[Oh, no. That would be too easy. It's much more fun to drag things out like this—really build the tension and see if he can further crack that stoic exterior.]

Alright, why don't you tell me what you think I'll use them for?

We've already delayed the inevitable.

[He doesn't crack, not just yet. Even with the thought that this will be the first time he won't have any control over his body, he'll just have to face it head on. Maybe he'll even find a way to resist it somehow. Asking Ferran would be entirely pointless, but it's possible that such a weakness could still be exploited.]

A chance to let me give my last thoughts before you control me? How considerate. [He remarks, though his comment isn't accompanied by his usual smirk.] Hm, I don't see why I should tell you.

Are you baiting me, or are you just an idiot?

[Does Rufus really think he can say no? (Even though Ferran's powers haven't worked as reliably since he's been on this planet, right now he feels like he could do anything.)]

You're right that it's incredibly useful, you know. People will tell me anything, let me in anywhere, forget they saw me at all...

[The possibilities are endless, really. Ferran's eyes flash red as he finally activates his magic again. Whether Rufus will remember... who knows? This place is mysterious.]

Say, where do you live, anyway?

[Rufus doesn't deign Ferran with a response. No reason to get riled up by such a ridiculous question.]

Such a truly awful person.

[For a moment, a flicker of that condescending amusement flashes across Rufus' face as he listens to Ferran 'gloat' about his powers. Perhaps not the correct term, but he doesn't have much time to think about it anyway, not when the kid's eyes finally flash red and--

Suddenly, he feels like he's under some sort of truth serum. He's aware enough to know where he's at, who he's speaking with, but things almost feel foggy. Maybe better than he expected this to be; it's definitely better than fully losing control of himself and his awareness.]

Where do I live? On this planet, just like everyone else.

[He might as well make this as difficult as possible.]

[Ferran's red-eyed gaze gets sharper, although there's no frown on his face. He's going to get the information he wants, regardless of whatever resistance Rufus thinks he can put up. If he has to put a little more force into the magic, a little more detail into his demands, so be it.]

You're so stubborn. I meant that I want to know your address.

[If nothing else, he's going to make this man afraid.]

So you're the type to think power corrupts, huh? Even though you'd use it yourself.

[Ah, there it is, the question that's specifically aimed to give Ferran information about his address. There's no way he can give a deliberately obtuse answer now, so the Shinra heir rattles off his address to Ferran with an unchanging sort of expression. Maybe a side effect of being possessed by his power, or just Rufus' normal facade at play.

He doesn't seem afraid either way.]

Do you disagree? What's the meaning of power to you?

[He puts on a cheery facade, happy for the moment to speak as if they're friends and he's planning a visit.]

You must have set it up nicely. I can't wait to see.

[Rufus might not seem afraid, but that doesn't necessarily mean he isn't. It's impossible not to be unsettled when someone takes information you weren't initially willing to give.]

Of course I disagree. If everyone who had power was automatically evil, every single world out there would collapse from war as soon as they had leaders, or anyone who showed a greater aptitude for anything. [He's fairly sure Rufus is being obtuse on purpose. Having the ability to do great things automatically makes a person awful? Please.]

The same goes with or without magic... you've seen the government here, right? The Magister is the most qualified of their magic and tech researchers, and the figurehead has special magic of her own. But you always see them working hard to solve the city's problems.

[Such a cheerful facade while pushing a threat towards his well-being... but it's definitely not surprising after dealing with Ferran for this long.]

We're quite alike, aren't we?

[Maybe he'll crash at Rude's place for a bit. It's not hard to find a second place to live in case something happens to his apartment. Better to play things safe.]

But of course. You're absolutely correct.

[He huffs, wondering if Rufus is trying to backtrack to avoid further hypnosis. Is it desperation, or something else?]

So you're saying you were either wrong or lying? I'm surprised you'd admit it so easily.

[Perhaps there are things Ferran is willing to do that might err on the side of questionable, but he really can't see the comparison between the two of them.]

How, exactly, do you think we're alike?

[Rufus doesn't answer Ferran's first question. He doesn't see the need to, and guess if the kid really wants to know, he'll just use his powers anyway. He wonders how many times he'll use such a method in one conversation.

It's both tempting to see and best to keep a somewhat safe distance from all this.]

You didn't notice? Or are you just blatantly refusing to recognize such an obvious thing?

You must get some kind of high from provoking people more powerful than you.

[That's going to be the main takeaway from this conversation, honestly, however it might end.]

I want to hear it from you.

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