Don't take it personally, Veld is never pleased. I think I've seen him smile once in my entire life.
[Rufus laughs, shaking his head. Veld certainly isn't happy with him either and even Rufus isn't spared the lecture and punishments that is handed down for being so reckless. His father never intervened nor did he care- Rufus had been given into Veld's care and all that the President cared about is Rufus being alive and able to play his part as Vice President.]
I am. I'm to stay here under Veld's close and personal supervision. And Veld has me practically under house arrest so I'm sure we're going to be seeing lots of each other.
[Rufus knew full well that getting kidnapped was practically his own fault- he had been reckless slipping his guards and trying to be on his own outside for once.
But all too often he felt the walls closing in around him and now it would be worse. Being allowed down to the infirmary was as much freedom as he was going to get outside his rooms.
But he smiles, laying his hand casually on Tseng's leg. For now he'll have to find other means of giving his life some sense of excitement if he can't go outside or do anything by himself.]
It doesn't matter what Veld thinks about this mission. My father is pleased with you and while you won't get any public credit you will still get some reward.
Perhaps you may be assigned to my guard detail even. I know Reno calls it babysitting when he thinks I'm not listening but I'm sure we can find ways to make it interesting if you get bored.
[Rufus hadn't gotten Veld to budge on learning to use a gun but he hoped that if Tseng said something it would carry more weight.]
I'm sure you can think of something we can occupy ourselves with.
( it's that hand on his leg, more than anything else, that has him casting a suspicious eye in rufus' direction: one, and then both of them, blinked back into existence, peering at him for a moment as though he's trying to ascertain whether he's reading between the lines correctly, or whether he's being teased.
certainly it must be so hard for someone so rich and privileged to have to be cursed with boredom--he hardly feels sorry for him, can't find it in himself to pity rufus for being well-protected or well taken care of; he doesn't like the little voice in his head, nagging him, telling him that's certainly not the way that things truly are for him, that rufus is a prisoner to shinra just as much as the rest of them are, albeit in a different capacity. in some ways it's better for rufus to be kept somewhere safe, after all: then he won't have to risk his own life chasing after him.
being assigned to guard duty does sound more like babysitting than anything else, and for once, he agrees with reno. then again, it doesn't much sound like he has a choice: rufus is deadset on having him there with him, it seems, and with the way things are going, he can't see himself wrestling his way out of it. at least not yet.
so he settles back against the pillows with a sigh--disgruntled, annoyed, but unable to really argue, or to even push rufus' hand aside. it stays, a heat on his leg through the thin blankets that he can't ignore, either. )
I would be far less lenient than Reno, you know. Are you sure you want me that close?
( his lips twist into a smile, bemused, but the humor is only barely there in his gaze. )
If you're hoping I'll let you do all sorts of wicked things, you're hoping incorrectly. While it may be pertinent for you to learn how to defend yourself, I'm not sure I would be capable of doing anything about your terrible driving.
( and then there's more of a smile: temporary, before he realizes that he's doing it and almost scowls it away. )
...But if it's your request, sir, there's little I can do to refuse it.
My driving is perfectly fine. [Which is said with a completely serious tone and a dismissive wave of his hand- it's not his fault that other people got in his way. That was their problem, not his.]
I need to learn to defend myself better, especially with a gun, but Veld shuts down the conversation every time I bring it up so I'm leaving it up to you to convince him.
[He laughs as he notices how Tseng smiles and then seems to catch himself and stops. He leans in, just a little closer as if this is an important secret just for the two of them. He's curious to see if Tseng can get more flustered, he's going to have fun seeing what he can get from Tseng.] Do that and I'll really be in your debt.
[He pats Tseng's leg before he moves away but just slightly. If Tseng is going to be assigned to his protection then he's going to have to stay on his toes and not let Rufus get the best of him.]
I don't want easy, Tseng. I'm expecting a great deal from you, actually. I know you won't let me down.
[Rufus is tired of being coddled and protected as if he's made of glass, just a pretty little thing to put on display when it suits his father. If he allows that to continue then he'll be a useless President even more than his father is.
Reno and Rude are capable, he doesn't doubt their abilities, but there is no challenge, they don't draw him in as Tseng does. Tseng isn't scared of him or intimidated which just makes him even more intriguing.]
I don't need someone to tell me what they think I want to hear or what they think will get them something from me.
[Rufus's eyes don't waver from Tseng's, as if picking away each part of him piece by piece. Tseng speaks to him like no one else has or would dare to and Rufus wants to see how far he can push that.]
You'll start as soon as you're back on active duty. I'll have it arranged.
( it's a curious thing to consider: and immediately, he knows that rufus is telling the truth, that there's no way, certainly, that veld would allow rufus to learn how to defend himself or anything of the sort. there's the problem that it's dangerous, certainly, but beyond that, it's likely something of the president's doing; he doesn't want rufus to become much of a threat to him, doesn't want rufus to possess any power that he himself does not possess, doesn't want him finding his place on the poisoned throne of the shinra company any sooner than he needs to. in a way, he imagines it must be frustrating to be in rufus' position: it must be hard to know that one is kept purposefully weakened for the sake of someone who, as far as tseng knows, cares very little about his family to begin with. an heir is necessary, and so an heir was made--he can't remember a time that he's ever heard the president speak of rufus' mother, or have any romantic notions towards her passing whatsoever.
it's always just been business as usual. at times, even, tseng has wondered if president shinra even has a heart to begin with--or if he's ripped it out in pursuit of the great power he possesses. is that an even trade? or did he give up much more than just that? and what does rufus shinra think of it all, does he even remember his mother?
for a moment, tseng looks at him almost calculated; but it's there and gone again, as rufus leans back and allows him a little more breathing room. he's learning, slowly, the ways that rufus wants to fluster him; like being dropped into a pool of cold water, he adjusts, learns, finds himself getting more used to the sensation. )
That should only be a matter of days, sir. It won't take long.
( likely he should be resting for longer, but does it much matter? he'll need to move his arm, his shoulder, engage in physical therapy to bring himself back to his usual standard--but in the meantime, there's nothing wrong enough with him to prevent him from being by rufus' side. and is that his agreement? with a sour press of his lips, he realizes that rufus has, once again, managed to best him somehow. )
...In which case, if you truly want me by your side, there are a few changes we should make. There's no reason for you to not know how to properly wield a firearm, and no reason you shouldn't learn hand-to-hand combat, either. It's highly unlikely that you will ever need it, but I would rather you be prepared than woefully undertrained.
( a breath of a sigh: convincing veld of something like this may be impossible; but that doesn't mean that tseng won't do it privately, without the knowledge of anyone else on the team. )
Are you willing to work for it, sir? I don't want to risk my job if you'll just complain the whole time.
( and there it is: another smile, small and succinct, before he recognizes it again and forces it off his lips. )
[Rufus can't stop himself from lighting up at Tseng's words, unable to hide his delight at the prospect of Tseng training him in private without Veld knowing. It was doubtful even Tseng could change Veld's mind so they would have to be careful about this.
He knew Tseng had more to risk than he did- if Veld found out Tseng would get the worst of the consequences. Rufus would just get a slap on the hand and his comfortable prison would become more confining. Tseng on the other hand- he didn't have to ask what would happen in that case.
He knew Veld's loyalty was to the Turks and then to his father, Rufus was just the heir and had no power of his own. And he knows his father wants to keep him powerless as much as possible, as long as Rufus was considered nothing more than a spoiled helpless child he would never have any allies of his own. He was aware he wasn't taken seriously as he was considered just the pretty, spoiled heir to the throne.
But Tseng was offering him a chance not just to disobey Veld and his father but also to chance to accomplish something for himself that meant something real. It was the first step to becoming stronger, someone who could command respect and get allies to take care of his father sooner rather than later. He was tired of waiting for his father to keel over from a heart attack.
His expression shifts to something more serious, his gaze unwavering. He loves seeing the way Tseng smiles before the man catches himself and hides it again.]
I want you to push me- I need to know what I'm capable of and I won't know that if you just go easy on me. I'm not going to fall apart, you know I'm not weak and helpless.
[But he knows that Tseng isn't going to coddle him. Now that they were in this secret together then they had to trust each other since this would bind them together for a very long time.]
I'm going to be President one day so this is your chance to make sure I'm the one you want to serve.
[Money can only buy so much, he wants Tseng's loyalty without having to spend a single gil.]
( your chance to make sure i'm the one you want to serve.
isn't that curious? in what realm of possibility does he have much of a choice of the matter, in what realm could he even question such a thing? the fact that rufus wants him to choose to serve him is a peculiar turn of events. he can't think of the president as ever really wanting to be valued, or qualified, by his protectors or his staff; he has always simply gone with the assumption that he would be obeyed for no other reason than simply being the president and, therefore, worthy.
tseng has never really thought of president shinra as worthy.
but his son? his son wants his protectors to respect him, wants to even earn their respect, to a degree: and that surprises him, surprises him enough that he falls silent, at a loss on what to say. he doesn't want to discourage it, doesn't want to question it, and maybe in some childish way he even revels at the thought of rufus respecting his opinions enough to say something like that. his lips quirk again, but he lets the silence hang there, for a moment--not awkward, but simply appreciative. )
Alright. I won't go easy on you, sir. ( not like he had ever intended to, anyway. )
Give me a few days rest. I will send you a message with the location for our training. We will try to do it as frequently as we can manage, but you understand that it may be sporadic and short-lived, depending on what else I am assigned to do.
( a small swallow--he finds his gaze drawn to rufus' face, and jerks it away, closing his eyes. )
Allow me to rest, now. You are particularly exhausting, Rufus Shinra.
( but yes, he's still smiling. again. how ridiculous. )
[Rufus allows the silence to settle between them, he's sure that Tseng hadn't expected him to say anything like that.
His father depended on buying or just expecting obedience from those below him but Rufus suspected that there would be a day when all the gil in the world wouldn't be enough to save him. Rufus wanted to make sure that if he was ever in a position like that then he would have someone to would still be by his side.]
I'm going to hold you to that.
[He can't help but return Tseng's smile, even when the other man closes his eyes. He knows he's being dismissed and with anyone else Rufus would have refused to leave on principle but he has a feeling this is going to be the first of many exceptions he's going to grant Tseng so he doesn't comment on it.]
I know I am so you better get sleep while you can. There are going to be many long nights for both of us after this.
[He stands, patting Tseng's leg as he does so. He's excited for training and to have something real to do other than sitting around doing pointless busy work and try to escape Veld's supervision so he can do something by himself that's not decided for him.
The next few days had him sitting on the edge of his seat, unable to resist checking his phone every time it vibrated with a new message even in the middle of meetings even when it got him that deep frown of disapproval from his father. It didn't matter, Rufus could barely sit still with anticipation.
It was difficult to not ask Veld if Tseng had been discharged, the last thing he wanted was to give Veld any cause to suspect anything. No, Veld would just have to think that Tseng was just any other Turk to him for now, he would most likely send Tseng to somewhere remote on a permanent basis if he found out what they had planned.
Each day that passes feels like years. That day was exhausted and by the time he said good night to Reno who was on protection duty outside Rufus had a headache. He was just about to throw himself in a bath when he got the text notification, his heart leaping when he saw Tseng's name pop up finally.]
The eastern training floor. Fourth door down. Knock twice, pause, then knock twice again.
( --are the instructions he sends to rufus shinra, late enough now that he figures reno should surely be off duty. it's something that reno constantly bemoans: not that he dislikes keeping rufus company, but more that he dislikes how late it is when he's off, that he can't spend copious hours holed up in the local tavern and instead only has a precious few to get his drinking in for the evening, and so it's with that timing that tseng sticks with, his own mission, and paperwork, long done for the day. veld had instructed him to head home for a bit of well-deserved rest: after all, he's only been discharged for a few days, now, and it would be a shame to be put back into the infirmary for opening up his wound again or getting into worse trouble.
it doesn't much matter. the first day of rufus shinra's training won't be particularly strenuous, and he doesn't imagine that it will take much movement on his part, either.
the training room that he's picked is one of the last ones down the hallway--his favorite, for this purpose, because there are no windows, and with the door locked and shuttered, no one will be able to surprise them, or even peer in to see what it is they're doing. with shinra technology, this room can become anything: for now, he has it set up as a standard shooting range, with targets at one end of the large room, and a long line drawn on the floor to indicate how far away one should stand when aiming. for tonight, he's brought only two weapons: his own pistol and a standard issue shotgun, wondering if rufus will favor the latter again or find his interest more solidly drawn to it.
for now, tseng waits--he readjusts his gloves, checks his phone once, and then, with a sigh, thoroughly checks the weapons for ammunition again. he's already done it three times. maybe he's a little impatient. )
[Rufus doesn't waste any time in changing to clothes that are more practical than a suit. He opts for plain pants and simple button down shirt with no tie, not sure what to expect. With Tseng just recovering from a gunshot wound he assumes that they aren't going to start with the fitness part of training just yet.
The timing is perfect as he sees Reno strolling away as he peeks his head out of his room, waiting until he hears the ping of the elevator as Reno leaves the floor. It's exciting sneaking around like this but he's careful not to get carried away. He's learned where the cameras are positioned by now but also knows that if Veld isn't gone by this hour he's most likely meeting with his father.
That's confirmed when he hears the door of his father's office open followed by the sound of voices. He freezes until he hears the heavy door close, holding his breath until he's confident that it's safe to tiptoe past the door without being detected.
He knows he's free once he gets to the elevator and hits the button for the lower floors where the Turk offices are, fidgeting a little with excitement and by the time he reaches the correct floor.
He is relieved that he doesn't encounter other Turks who would have asked too many questions. But he manages to reach the door without incident, knocking twice, pausing, and knocking twice again as instructed.
As soon as Tseng opens the door Rufus give s him a bright smile but doesn't say anything until he's slipped inside.]
You seem to be doing a lot better. It's good to see you on your feet again, Tseng.
( is he doing a lot better? perhaps it's best for the both of them if rufus sticks with that lie, or rather, that his own face continues to encourage it. there's no hint of the pain that is still there, as the wound finishes to heal--no hint of the ache in his arm from having to continue, despite everything, to do his job as though nothing has happened. later on, maybe he'll be grateful for it: for the chance to increase his pain tolerance, little by little, to be able to withstand the aching and the tight pull of muscles trying to knit together again while having to endure mundane tasks like paperwork and phone calls. either way, his attention is more focused on getting rufus inside and the door shut behind him--which he does, quick and succinct.
surprisingly, the heir to the great shinra corporation has decided to dress down for this event, which is smart: he looks to be dressed in clothes that are far more casual than the pristine suit that he's seen the vice president walking around in, when he graces the halls with his presence--or, rather, when his father lets him out of his cage. there's a hint of approval, in the way his gaze rakes over rufus' body and then, smartly, settles back onto his face again. at least it looks like he's prepared for a bit of hard work--though likely, it won't be that hard at all, today.
back to the point: tseng offers no response to the words, instead, as usual, choosing to get right down to business. )
Thank you, sir. For today's lesson, I'm hoping you'll be able to master both a pistol and a shotgun marginally well enough that I will still be able to be on my feet, in the end.
( a hint, just the barest hint, of a smile: he shakes his head a little and draws his hand into his jacket, drawing out the pistol that he had just been fussing with earlier. )
The most important thing to start with is, of course, knowing the location of the safety, and ensuring that you are always aware of how much ammunition you have left. Do you know how to check the clip?
( he stretches an arm out, holds the weapon for rufus to take by the butt of it. )
We have plenty of time tonight. Veld is with my father and they won't be done until the early hours of the morning.
[Rufus watches Tseng's gaze move over his body and can't stop feeling satisfied at the hint of approval that Tseng shows. He's learning that Tseng only shows the briefest moments of real emotion, they are often slight so he knows he has to always look closely. If he really wants to understand Tseng then it will take close observation but he would have been disappointed if it were too easy.
He takes the weapon Tseng offers, taking time to thoughtfully look it over before answering the question. Before he had just picked up the gun and pointed it at the target, just following Tseng's lead without thinking about it. But that kind of luck couldn't be depended on, he had to know what he was doing in the future.
He's careful not to point it anywhere but the floor while he inspects it carefully, weighing in his hands. The safety he can find, remembering how Tseng flipped it before but he has to finally admit that the clip stumped him as he looks up at the other man.]
This is the safety - [He touches it but is careful not to switch it off. He's not going to bluff his way past something he doesn't know right now, he's here to learn and that means admitting when he doesn't know something.] But I don't know how to check the clip.
( there's some amusement in his gaze, amusement that he doesn't get rid of: rather, he keeps it there, mounted in his eyes, as he reaches out to take the gun from rufus again, prying it out of his hands. with one deft touch, he shifts the lock to let the cartridge fall from the end of the gun; carefully, he takes it out, passes it over to rufus for inspection. it's loaded, of course--but only because he prepared it precisely for this lesson. instead, he passes both pieces of the gun over to rufus, allowing him to figure out how to put it back together.
the handgun, he imagines, should be rather easy for rufus to learn how to use: he had used something much larger before, and though there had been significant kickback, it's not like he's a poor shot, and not like he had much hesitation, either. although rufus looks interested in learning the basics, he imagines that, too, will not take much time for him to master. he watches him only for a moment before he nods down to the targets that he set up: the traditional paper sort, with the silhouette of a person painted onto them. )
There is a sight that you can use, on top of the gun. You'll find it rather easily, I assume, and though it's not something you can always have the time to rely on, practice using it until you feel comfortable. There's no shame in taking your time to line up your shots, at this point.
( empty-handed as he is, he still mimics the pose: one hand braced over the wrist of the other, his shoulders lined up, the invisible gun pointed out towards the targets. )
Get comfortable with the weight of it, the way the casing may hit you in the face, all of it. You'll need to learn to ignore it eventually.
( but for now--he just wants to see what rufus is capable of, and standing off to the side, he folds his arms against his chest and waits, patiently, to be able to examine the first couple shots. )
[It's a small thing but Rufus makes a mental note to ask Tseng how he got the gun so easily from Rufus without Rufus having let go of it at all. But for now, he focused on watching Tseng take the clip out.
From there it's easy enough to be able to slide it again and he makes sure that he can get the cartridge out again just as Tseng did. He's going to have to practice a lot more but knowing that he can do it is a good first step.
He weighs the gun in his hand, watching Tseng before following his direction and mimicking his movements. He brings the gun up, concentrating as he lines up the shot.
The first bullet only hits the edge of the paper target but the second and third hit the paper itself at the outside of the circles. He tries not to flinch when the casings fly into his face but when one hits his cheek he's distracted for a moment, lowering the gun slightly.
He can only imagine how much time and practice Tseng has had if this is second nature to him. Rufus may never reach that level but he's not going to give up so easily. Casings flying at his face was going to be the least of what he was going to have to learn to handle most likely.
The gun is raised once more and the fourth and final bullet hitting inside the target and just left to the center. Only then does Rufus fully lower the gun to look at Tseng with a smile.
He's starting from almost the bottom, this was hardly impressive but he still looks pleased with himself nonetheless.]
Certainly there's room for improvement but at least I hit the target most of the time.
( it doesn't surprise him, really, that rufus takes some mediocre pride in his shots--they're amateur-level, of course, and some of them, the first few, don't even make it to the paper. that's to be expected; he imagines that rufus' good shots from their earlier skirmish likely came from the rush of adrenaline and the wide barrel of the shotgun, but still, he does improve, and does so relatively quickly. one of his arms folds, presses against his chest, while the other lifts, fingers curved over his mouth to try to hide a smile. he shouldn't be pleased, but: rufus is actually listening to him, and that's certainly something of a marvel.
that doesn't mean there isn't still room for improvement, of course. he casts his gaze sidelong, looks at rufus' look of pleasure, and nods his chin, faintly--the only small indication that he approves of his improvement. )
You did. That is something to be proud of.
( then again, he's seen young turk recruits with better aim--but he decides not to say that. instead, he drops his arms, gives a faint roll of his shoulders, and moves to pick up the next weapon.
this one, at least, rufus will be more familiar with: tseng even shoulders it, slightly, given the weight of it, before he shows it off between his own gloved hands for rufus' perusal. )
For this one... You'll remember how much your body ached, before? It will ache again. The shotgun should be braced into your shoulder to reduce the kickback, your cheek against the stock.
( he doesn't like shotguns--clumsy things, really, taking too much effort to properly line up a shot; but rufus seems to like them, and so he lifts the gun, poses himself with it to show rufus the proper form, before he hands it over. his other hand curves his fingers into his palm to indicate that rufus should pass the pistol over. )
[Rufus tries not to show how pleased he is at Tseng's words and that faint nod. He's not going to let it get to him as he switches the safety on the gun. He'll need a lot more practice and he's going to have to try to find a way to practice regularly even when Tseng is away on a mission.
The shotgun makes him smile with more excitement as he watched Tseng bring it up. There was something about the weight of the large gun in his hand, the way it rested against his shoulder, feeling the recoil of the gun as if it an extension of himself.
Not to mention it was fun to use.
He watches Tseng intently, his eyes following every moment as Tseng poses with the gun. His shoulder had been sore after he had gotten back, there had been bruising but it hadn't discouraged him. He carefully hands the pistol over to Tseng and takes the shotgun in return.]
Thank you, Tseng.
[He gives Tseng a smile before turning his focus to the shotgun in his hands.The gun feels almost natural in his hands in a way he can't explain as he brings it up, copying what Tseng had done. He takes a deep breath as he braces the gun against his shoulder to line up the shot.
This time the shot hits closer to center as Rufus stands his ground against the recoil, not wincing. Now that he had time to adjust the position and learn how to properly hold the gun the recoil didn't hurt as much as it had before.]
Can the gun be adjusted to reduce the recoil? [He lowers the gun to hold out a hand for another round, wanting to try again. His shoulder aches but not as bad as it had before, he was still going to have to learn how to get used to that.
If this was going to be his preferred weapon then he wanted to make sure he could use it effectively without hurting himself in the process.]
( it's not the shot itself that is impressive--but rather the attitude that rufus has about it. a part of him had expected him to complain: that he would recognize the painful kickback from the butt of the gun and register it more keenly than in their prior skirmish. that too, he imagines, had been lessened due to adrenaline; the bruising afterward had likely been both painful, and timely, to heal, but rufus likely didn't notice it as much. but this, here? there are no distractions, and the only thing that rufus is capable of focusing on at the moment is the shotgun itself.
his brows lift in surprise: rufus holds his hand out, almost impatient, asking for another round, and wordlessly, tseng reaches for more ammunition, sets it down carefully in that waiting palm. he won't instruct him how to swap the rounds out: he'll let rufus figure that out for himself as he considers the question. )
I suppose...that if you were to truly favor this weapon, there could be some modifications made to it.
( this is something he considers quietly, as he tucks the pistol away into his own holster, and smooths out his sleeves. would such a thing even be possible? perhaps, if coming as a request from rufus shinra himself: but even so, they would need veld's permission, first, and he imagines that would be rather hard-won. )
But I doubt they could ever reduce it entirely, so you're better off getting somewhat used to it here.
( with his hands behind his back, he approaches: not so much as to get in rufus' way, but simply to help instruct him, with the disapproving click of his tongue. gloved hands reach, surprisingly gentle, for rufus' elbows; he adjusts one, and then the other, and the way that his hand runs along the length of his back afterward is certainly unnecessary. he isn't even entirely aware of why he did it, either. )
Try again, like this. Remember to exhale. You'll need practice, and eventually it will get easier, but if you do not correct your form, you'll develop bad habits that will become impossible to fix.
Hmm I suppose you're right. Veld would never allow me to keep a shotgun anyway. [Rufus tries to roll his shoulder to ease some of the soreness- he's going to have another bruise but at least this time it will be easier to hide from Veld. He'll just have to be careful to not look like it hurts him while he's training.
Rufus takes the round as he takes a moment to reload it, deciding to do it on his own this time. He needs to learn to do it himself even if it takes him a moment to figure out to load the gun correctly.
As he brings the gun up again he's aware of Tseng moving closer to him, not aware he's holding his breath as Tseng adjusts his position, allowing him to move his elbows without protest.
He keeps his eyes on the target but he's very aware of Tseng's hand moving across his back, how close he is now to Rufus. He only lets out his breath when Tseng reminds him to exhale, bringing his mind back to focusing on the target, the feeling of his finger squeezing the trigger of the gun. Alliowing himself to linger on other thoughts would be dangerous to them both.
The shot hits closer to center, right next to the previous one and Rufus can't help but gloat a bit to himself. His father had always remarked how useless that he believed Rufus to be, even after Rufus had survived being kidnapped. But Rufus had held his tongue, he wasn't going to prove how capable he was, it was better his father and Veld underestimated him. At least, until it was too late for the old man to save himself.]
The recoil didn't hit as strong on that one. [Rufus lowers the gun as he looks at Tseng, rolling his shoulder to get relieve some of the stiffness.]
I'm going to have to get used to the weight of the gun as well. I didn't think about heavy a shotgun was before until we were back.
( it would be a mistake to praise him, but the shot hits closer to the center and tseng's brows lift in surprise--his lips part, threatening to spill with words, but he closes his mouth up tight, nods his chin in the faintest sight of approval, and leaves it at that. rufus shinra is already far too full of himself to need this kind of praise; but even after such a small correction, to be able to hit the target that well? perhaps it's more to his own assistance than anything else--yes, he'll rely on that, for now.
with a chuckle, he looks at the way rufus rolls his shoulder, and shakes his head a little. ) You will need far more practice, but you are making progress, however small.
( with a brief wave of his hand, he moves to the table again, picks up another round, and hands it over to rufus from the palm of his hand. )
Once more, and then I fear we will turn in for the night. If the static targets bore you... Perhaps we could find something more enticing, for next time. What do you think?
( he has a few ideas--and none of them would be proper, and none of them would be sanctioned by veld for anyone other than a turk or turk recruit. putting the precious heir to the shinra throne in any kind of danger? he would be killed himself, immediately; and yet he greedily hopes for it, hopes that rufus will take the bait, that his ego will outweigh his sense of danger.
with another chuckle, he leans against the edge of the table behind him, folds his arms across his chest, and looks out at the target again, comfortable. )
[Rufus can't help but laugh inwardly at Tseng's suggestion as he takes the round from him.
He can tell Tseng is playing to his pride and ego- they may not have known each other for long but he's sure Tseng knows the answer to the challenge he's posed to Rufus already. He wouldn't have dared suggested it otherwise.
But he makes a show of considering the offer with a thoughtful expression as he loads the gun once more. He's getting better at this now, his fingers steady despite the soreness in his shoulder and the way his arms slightly ache.]
Something enticing? It sounds like you want me to go out in the field with you, Tseng.
[It's a dangerous proposition for them both, Tseng especially. But he can't stop from smirking as he lines up the shot once more. This shot hits a bit more off-center but Rufus isn't discouraged- he's just going to have to work on his strength to be able to maintain a steady aim with the heavy gun.]
What do you propose, Tseng?
[Rufus doesn't need to explicitly state his agreement. His blue eyes are bright with anticipation, already excited for whatever Tseng is thinking of.
He sits around far too often as it is during the day- he remembers the thrill of danger that he had felt in Junon, how it made him feel more alive than he had ever felt before. He wanted to feel that same excitement again.]
We both know that targets aren't going to sit static in reality. I'm going to need more realistic training if I'm going to learn anything useful.
( and yes, it all makes sense, doesn't it? the way that rufus words it is certainly the sort of pathetic reasoning that he would make to plead his case, should veld or, even worse, the president catch some sort of inkling as to their continued training. he wonders how little rufus has ever been trained--does he know hand to hand combat? can he use a knife? has he been taught any of these survival skills, or has he been purposefully left in the dark? that is something curious to think of: after all, the precious shinra heir should know how to protect himself, should anything befall him without the turks present, or any of the other security detail there.
so why would the president want his son to be defenseless? what could he possibly gain from it?
and it's not to say that he has ever really respected the president himself, which is likely why he finds so little in him that wants to respect rufus, all the same. president shinra is a man who seeks monetary gain above all else, who values power and the destruction of anyone, or anything, that might challenge it. to crush other foes in order to remain on top is, of course, a viable scheme--but to crush others because they are stronger, to ruin them with petty misdeeds or lies, to stab backs, to use money and well-being as a bargaining chip: it disgusts him.
so tseng watches for a moment, lets rufus load up the shot on his own and aim for the target; it still isn't dead center, but he doesn't scold him, and doesn't praise him, either. instead, he lets out a soft, thoughtful sigh: )
Let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. After all, we have access to all of the wonders of the Shinra Company, here. Such marvelous technology, right at our fingertips.
( there's some bemusement, in the flicker of his gaze; his voice is drawling, like he doesn't truly believe a word he's saying. )
We could use one of the virtual training modules. See if you are able to track down an opponent... Or at least defend yourself from an assassination.
( his lips, curved into a smile: ) I can play the part of your pursuer, if you think that you can handle it.
[Rufus lowers the gun, not wanting to let it go so quickly. But he can't keep it in his rooms, it would be found and he would find himself under even stricter house arrest.
So he slowly hands the gun back to Tseng carefully. Training had gone by too quickly but he knew that they had to be careful if they wanted to continue their lessons. His father and Veld would be finishing up soon and Rufus would need to be back in his rooms soon in order to avoid getting caught.
He can't hold back a laugh at Tseng's mention of Shinra's training technology. He remembers how proud his father had been at the demonstration but there seemed something hollow about it. It was fake, there were no real stakes because there were fail-safes.
But it was better than nothing.]
What a tantalizing idea.
[He knew that in reality, Tseng wouldn't kill him or significantly hurt him in the simulation but something about someone so dangerous pursuing him made his heart race still.]
Then that's what we'll do. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before someone tries to just shoot me since kidnapping didn't go so well.
[He's angry with himself that he had let his father render him powerless for so long- he knew the reasons why all too well the President would do that but he wasn't going to let this continue. He couldn't.
If he was going to take his father down, he needed to be prepared.]
I assume you'll also teach me other things such as hand-to-hand fighting. I will need to know how to defend myself with more than just firearms since I can't carry one around with me.
( he takes the gun back, carefully, from rufus' hands--truthfully it surprises him that the man even gives it back at all, but still, he's pleasantly surprised at the amount of common sense rufus seems to have, despite the way that he's managed to grow up. with deft hands, practiced, he sets the safety and lays the gun aside; his gaze is focused on rufus himself, not any of the tasks at his fingertips. )
Let us see how you do in training. This will help me assess where you are weakest.
( he does imagine, of course, that rufus will lack severe talent in things like hand-to-hand combat--but it's true, he needs to know more about the situation before he can declare where to train rufus or what to focus on. he needs to see him in action; the kidnapping attempt had been a taste, but this will be something entirely different.
with a deft glance, he swings his gaze up to the room around them--calculating, assessing, thinking. )
In four days, we will meet here again. The equipment is adequate. ( there is a bit of a bemusing scoff as he says it. ) Come well-rested, or I may very well get the best of you.
( the smile is almost serpentine--but he links his hands behind his back, offers a succinct sort of bow, bent at the waist, as though remembering that he at least must show the shinra heir some small modicum of respect. )
Get back to your chambers, sir. You will be noticed missing, soon.
Same time, I assume. I'll try to give you a challenge.
[It gives him something to look forward to during days filled with pointless board meetings, pointless busywork, and then empty evenings where his only semblance of a social life is the dinners his father sometimes orders him to attend. For him, days stretched endlessly, one blurring into the next until he feels his mind going numb.
Which is no doubt what his father wants. To wear him down until all he has the presence of mind to do is to just go along with whatever the President wants him to do.
He wasn't going to allow that. He looks at Tseng bowing, raising his eyebrows with a frown. That wasn't going to do.]
No bowing. At least not here. You can just call me Rufus when it's just us.
[He knew Tseng was right, he would be missed soon but he doubted he would be able to sleep at all. He was going to be exhausted for the morning board meeting but it was worth it.
As he opens the door he looks back at Tseng, a smile on his lips.]
I'll see you in four days.
[He doesn't wait for Tseng to respond before he's slipping out of the door- he knows he's going to be cutting it close and indeed he is, he has to sprint down the hall as the door to his father's office opens and he and Veld come out. He has time to put a robe and dive into bed just as Veld peers in before leaving for the night.
And now,he waits until the next session with anticipation.]
( the days pass as they always do--it's something of a blur, for someone like him, with such promise, they declare, with such potential. he tags along on missions where he can, but much of his field work, for now, is cut short: mostly he learns how to do much of the clerical, organizational tasks that veld also tends to, as though slowly but surely, he's studying to become just like him. he imagines that it will be years, of course, until veld steps down: he still has such a presence, such power that he can't imagine much will get in his way until he is ready to retire. for four days, at least, he is busy; he hardly thinks of rufus shinra at all, save for those idle moments when he has a moment to make a cup of coffee or to look out the windows at the far expanse of the city of midgar. there is some small part of him that wonders what rufus could be doing: is he also tied up in meetings, impossibly busy with his own tasks?
he knows it's likely untrue. he knows most of the detail that goes along with rufus--and they've been quiet lately, as though he is truly under some sort of mock home arrest. it seems strange, really, for the president not to treat his son as a successor; then again, the president likely wants to keep rufus as far away from his silly mock throne as possible. to not even trust one's own flesh and blood: what level of greed could inspire such a thing?
he keeps track of the time, of course, despite how quickly it goes by. at the same time, four days later, he meets rufus in the same room, meets him with the same cool gaze and half-smile that he met him with before, but this is different: this time, there are no weapons around, and this time, the only equipment he's prepared are the battle simulation masks that they will wear. he's already set up the computers for the training; he's picked the streets of junon as the background for their little session, knowing that rufus will at least be marginally familiar with the city's layout, and that will give him an advantage he likely needs to have.
he hands one of the masks off to rufus, one-handed. )
It won't hurt. You'll have your shotgun in the training session, it should manifest once you get inside. ( he starts to adjust the straps on his own headset, careful and sure. ) I will have my pistols. No materia for either of us, no potions, nothing. Pain will still register, though you will be uninjured in reality.
Twenty minutes. If you can evade me for twenty minutes, and remain alive, I will consider it a great success. ( there's a small twitch to his smile: almost a smirk. ) Put on the headset. I'll give you a few minutes to acclimate and hide, before I join you.
[The only way he keeps track of the days is by the morning board meetings he's allowed to sit in on even though everyone in the room knows he has no power or input on any decisions made.
It takes all his willpower to sit there and not react even when Heidegger or Scarlet smugly throws it back in his face by asking for his thoughts on one thing or another knowing full well his father will dismiss his input if he even lets Rufus get a word out before talking over him.
For the rest of the day, he's on his own. There are some assigned readings on economics and other suitable topics for him to learn that don't involve specifics of how the company functions, which would be giving him too much power. But the day of his training arrives eventually and Rufus decides to have dinner with his father that night. They have their inevitable fight, the one they've had many times so Rufus is energized by the time he joins Tseng in that room.]
What do I get other than bragging rights if I survive? [He laughs as he takes the mask, excited to take on Tseng. He doesn't expect to win the first time but he does plan on putting up a fight against the Turk and make him work for that victory.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2021-09-11 12:08 am (UTC)[Rufus laughs, shaking his head. Veld certainly isn't happy with him either and even Rufus isn't spared the lecture and punishments that is handed down for being so reckless. His father never intervened nor did he care- Rufus had been given into Veld's care and all that the President cared about is Rufus being alive and able to play his part as Vice President.]
I am. I'm to stay here under Veld's close and personal supervision. And Veld has me practically under house arrest so I'm sure we're going to be seeing lots of each other.
[Rufus knew full well that getting kidnapped was practically his own fault- he had been reckless slipping his guards and trying to be on his own outside for once.
But all too often he felt the walls closing in around him and now it would be worse. Being allowed down to the infirmary was as much freedom as he was going to get outside his rooms.
But he smiles, laying his hand casually on Tseng's leg. For now he'll have to find other means of giving his life some sense of excitement if he can't go outside or do anything by himself.]
It doesn't matter what Veld thinks about this mission. My father is pleased with you and while you won't get any public credit you will still get some reward.
Perhaps you may be assigned to my guard detail even. I know Reno calls it babysitting when he thinks I'm not listening but I'm sure we can find ways to make it interesting if you get bored.
[Rufus hadn't gotten Veld to budge on learning to use a gun but he hoped that if Tseng said something it would carry more weight.]
I'm sure you can think of something we can occupy ourselves with.
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Date: 2021-09-18 01:54 am (UTC)certainly it must be so hard for someone so rich and privileged to have to be cursed with boredom--he hardly feels sorry for him, can't find it in himself to pity rufus for being well-protected or well taken care of; he doesn't like the little voice in his head, nagging him, telling him that's certainly not the way that things truly are for him, that rufus is a prisoner to shinra just as much as the rest of them are, albeit in a different capacity. in some ways it's better for rufus to be kept somewhere safe, after all: then he won't have to risk his own life chasing after him.
being assigned to guard duty does sound more like babysitting than anything else, and for once, he agrees with reno. then again, it doesn't much sound like he has a choice: rufus is deadset on having him there with him, it seems, and with the way things are going, he can't see himself wrestling his way out of it. at least not yet.
so he settles back against the pillows with a sigh--disgruntled, annoyed, but unable to really argue, or to even push rufus' hand aside. it stays, a heat on his leg through the thin blankets that he can't ignore, either. )
I would be far less lenient than Reno, you know. Are you sure you want me that close?
( his lips twist into a smile, bemused, but the humor is only barely there in his gaze. )
If you're hoping I'll let you do all sorts of wicked things, you're hoping incorrectly. While it may be pertinent for you to learn how to defend yourself, I'm not sure I would be capable of doing anything about your terrible driving.
( and then there's more of a smile: temporary, before he realizes that he's doing it and almost scowls it away. )
...But if it's your request, sir, there's little I can do to refuse it.
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Date: 2021-09-19 06:32 am (UTC)I need to learn to defend myself better, especially with a gun, but Veld shuts down the conversation every time I bring it up so I'm leaving it up to you to convince him.
[He laughs as he notices how Tseng smiles and then seems to catch himself and stops. He leans in, just a little closer as if this is an important secret just for the two of them. He's curious to see if Tseng can get more flustered, he's going to have fun seeing what he can get from Tseng.] Do that and I'll really be in your debt.
[He pats Tseng's leg before he moves away but just slightly. If Tseng is going to be assigned to his protection then he's going to have to stay on his toes and not let Rufus get the best of him.]
I don't want easy, Tseng. I'm expecting a great deal from you, actually. I know you won't let me down.
[Rufus is tired of being coddled and protected as if he's made of glass, just a pretty little thing to put on display when it suits his father. If he allows that to continue then he'll be a useless President even more than his father is.
Reno and Rude are capable, he doesn't doubt their abilities, but there is no challenge, they don't draw him in as Tseng does. Tseng isn't scared of him or intimidated which just makes him even more intriguing.]
I don't need someone to tell me what they think I want to hear or what they think will get them something from me.
[Rufus's eyes don't waver from Tseng's, as if picking away each part of him piece by piece. Tseng speaks to him like no one else has or would dare to and Rufus wants to see how far he can push that.]
You'll start as soon as you're back on active duty. I'll have it arranged.
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Date: 2021-10-01 10:47 pm (UTC)it's always just been business as usual. at times, even, tseng has wondered if president shinra even has a heart to begin with--or if he's ripped it out in pursuit of the great power he possesses. is that an even trade? or did he give up much more than just that? and what does rufus shinra think of it all, does he even remember his mother?
for a moment, tseng looks at him almost calculated; but it's there and gone again, as rufus leans back and allows him a little more breathing room. he's learning, slowly, the ways that rufus wants to fluster him; like being dropped into a pool of cold water, he adjusts, learns, finds himself getting more used to the sensation. )
That should only be a matter of days, sir. It won't take long.
( likely he should be resting for longer, but does it much matter? he'll need to move his arm, his shoulder, engage in physical therapy to bring himself back to his usual standard--but in the meantime, there's nothing wrong enough with him to prevent him from being by rufus' side. and is that his agreement? with a sour press of his lips, he realizes that rufus has, once again, managed to best him somehow. )
...In which case, if you truly want me by your side, there are a few changes we should make. There's no reason for you to not know how to properly wield a firearm, and no reason you shouldn't learn hand-to-hand combat, either. It's highly unlikely that you will ever need it, but I would rather you be prepared than woefully undertrained.
( a breath of a sigh: convincing veld of something like this may be impossible; but that doesn't mean that tseng won't do it privately, without the knowledge of anyone else on the team. )
Are you willing to work for it, sir? I don't want to risk my job if you'll just complain the whole time.
( and there it is: another smile, small and succinct, before he recognizes it again and forces it off his lips. )
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Date: 2021-10-02 04:08 am (UTC)He knew Tseng had more to risk than he did- if Veld found out Tseng would get the worst of the consequences. Rufus would just get a slap on the hand and his comfortable prison would become more confining. Tseng on the other hand- he didn't have to ask what would happen in that case.
He knew Veld's loyalty was to the Turks and then to his father, Rufus was just the heir and had no power of his own. And he knows his father wants to keep him powerless as much as possible, as long as Rufus was considered nothing more than a spoiled helpless child he would never have any allies of his own. He was aware he wasn't taken seriously as he was considered just the pretty, spoiled heir to the throne.
But Tseng was offering him a chance not just to disobey Veld and his father but also to chance to accomplish something for himself that meant something real. It was the first step to becoming stronger, someone who could command respect and get allies to take care of his father sooner rather than later. He was tired of waiting for his father to keel over from a heart attack.
His expression shifts to something more serious, his gaze unwavering. He loves seeing the way Tseng smiles before the man catches himself and hides it again.]
I want you to push me- I need to know what I'm capable of and I won't know that if you just go easy on me. I'm not going to fall apart, you know I'm not weak and helpless.
[But he knows that Tseng isn't going to coddle him. Now that they were in this secret together then they had to trust each other since this would bind them together for a very long time.]
I'm going to be President one day so this is your chance to make sure I'm the one you want to serve.
[Money can only buy so much, he wants Tseng's loyalty without having to spend a single gil.]
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Date: 2021-10-07 03:32 am (UTC)isn't that curious? in what realm of possibility does he have much of a choice of the matter, in what realm could he even question such a thing? the fact that rufus wants him to choose to serve him is a peculiar turn of events. he can't think of the president as ever really wanting to be valued, or qualified, by his protectors or his staff; he has always simply gone with the assumption that he would be obeyed for no other reason than simply being the president and, therefore, worthy.
tseng has never really thought of president shinra as worthy.
but his son? his son wants his protectors to respect him, wants to even earn their respect, to a degree: and that surprises him, surprises him enough that he falls silent, at a loss on what to say. he doesn't want to discourage it, doesn't want to question it, and maybe in some childish way he even revels at the thought of rufus respecting his opinions enough to say something like that. his lips quirk again, but he lets the silence hang there, for a moment--not awkward, but simply appreciative. )
Alright. I won't go easy on you, sir. ( not like he had ever intended to, anyway. )
Give me a few days rest. I will send you a message with the location for our training. We will try to do it as frequently as we can manage, but you understand that it may be sporadic and short-lived, depending on what else I am assigned to do.
( a small swallow--he finds his gaze drawn to rufus' face, and jerks it away, closing his eyes. )
Allow me to rest, now. You are particularly exhausting, Rufus Shinra.
( but yes, he's still smiling. again. how ridiculous. )
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Date: 2021-10-08 09:30 am (UTC)His father depended on buying or just expecting obedience from those below him but Rufus suspected that there would be a day when all the gil in the world wouldn't be enough to save him. Rufus wanted to make sure that if he was ever in a position like that then he would have someone to would still be by his side.]
I'm going to hold you to that.
[He can't help but return Tseng's smile, even when the other man closes his eyes. He knows he's being dismissed and with anyone else Rufus would have refused to leave on principle but he has a feeling this is going to be the first of many exceptions he's going to grant Tseng so he doesn't comment on it.]
I know I am so you better get sleep while you can. There are going to be many long nights for both of us after this.
[He stands, patting Tseng's leg as he does so. He's excited for training and to have something real to do other than sitting around doing pointless busy work and try to escape Veld's supervision so he can do something by himself that's not decided for him.
The next few days had him sitting on the edge of his seat, unable to resist checking his phone every time it vibrated with a new message even in the middle of meetings even when it got him that deep frown of disapproval from his father. It didn't matter, Rufus could barely sit still with anticipation.
It was difficult to not ask Veld if Tseng had been discharged, the last thing he wanted was to give Veld any cause to suspect anything. No, Veld would just have to think that Tseng was just any other Turk to him for now, he would most likely send Tseng to somewhere remote on a permanent basis if he found out what they had planned.
Each day that passes feels like years. That day was exhausted and by the time he said good night to Reno who was on protection duty outside Rufus had a headache. He was just about to throw himself in a bath when he got the text notification, his heart leaping when he saw Tseng's name pop up finally.]
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Date: 2021-10-14 03:00 am (UTC)( --are the instructions he sends to rufus shinra, late enough now that he figures reno should surely be off duty. it's something that reno constantly bemoans: not that he dislikes keeping rufus company, but more that he dislikes how late it is when he's off, that he can't spend copious hours holed up in the local tavern and instead only has a precious few to get his drinking in for the evening, and so it's with that timing that tseng sticks with, his own mission, and paperwork, long done for the day. veld had instructed him to head home for a bit of well-deserved rest: after all, he's only been discharged for a few days, now, and it would be a shame to be put back into the infirmary for opening up his wound again or getting into worse trouble.
it doesn't much matter. the first day of rufus shinra's training won't be particularly strenuous, and he doesn't imagine that it will take much movement on his part, either.
the training room that he's picked is one of the last ones down the hallway--his favorite, for this purpose, because there are no windows, and with the door locked and shuttered, no one will be able to surprise them, or even peer in to see what it is they're doing. with shinra technology, this room can become anything: for now, he has it set up as a standard shooting range, with targets at one end of the large room, and a long line drawn on the floor to indicate how far away one should stand when aiming. for tonight, he's brought only two weapons: his own pistol and a standard issue shotgun, wondering if rufus will favor the latter again or find his interest more solidly drawn to it.
for now, tseng waits--he readjusts his gloves, checks his phone once, and then, with a sigh, thoroughly checks the weapons for ammunition again. he's already done it three times. maybe he's a little impatient. )
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Date: 2021-10-14 07:18 am (UTC)[Rufus doesn't waste any time in changing to clothes that are more practical than a suit. He opts for plain pants and simple button down shirt with no tie, not sure what to expect. With Tseng just recovering from a gunshot wound he assumes that they aren't going to start with the fitness part of training just yet.
The timing is perfect as he sees Reno strolling away as he peeks his head out of his room, waiting until he hears the ping of the elevator as Reno leaves the floor. It's exciting sneaking around like this but he's careful not to get carried away. He's learned where the cameras are positioned by now but also knows that if Veld isn't gone by this hour he's most likely meeting with his father.
That's confirmed when he hears the door of his father's office open followed by the sound of voices. He freezes until he hears the heavy door close, holding his breath until he's confident that it's safe to tiptoe past the door without being detected.
He knows he's free once he gets to the elevator and hits the button for the lower floors where the Turk offices are, fidgeting a little with excitement and by the time he reaches the correct floor.
He is relieved that he doesn't encounter other Turks who would have asked too many questions. But he manages to reach the door without incident, knocking twice, pausing, and knocking twice again as instructed.
As soon as Tseng opens the door Rufus give s him a bright smile but doesn't say anything until he's slipped inside.]
You seem to be doing a lot better. It's good to see you on your feet again, Tseng.
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Date: 2021-10-21 09:41 pm (UTC)surprisingly, the heir to the great shinra corporation has decided to dress down for this event, which is smart: he looks to be dressed in clothes that are far more casual than the pristine suit that he's seen the vice president walking around in, when he graces the halls with his presence--or, rather, when his father lets him out of his cage. there's a hint of approval, in the way his gaze rakes over rufus' body and then, smartly, settles back onto his face again. at least it looks like he's prepared for a bit of hard work--though likely, it won't be that hard at all, today.
back to the point: tseng offers no response to the words, instead, as usual, choosing to get right down to business. )
Thank you, sir. For today's lesson, I'm hoping you'll be able to master both a pistol and a shotgun marginally well enough that I will still be able to be on my feet, in the end.
( a hint, just the barest hint, of a smile: he shakes his head a little and draws his hand into his jacket, drawing out the pistol that he had just been fussing with earlier. )
The most important thing to start with is, of course, knowing the location of the safety, and ensuring that you are always aware of how much ammunition you have left. Do you know how to check the clip?
( he stretches an arm out, holds the weapon for rufus to take by the butt of it. )
Show me.
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Date: 2021-10-22 12:59 am (UTC)[Rufus watches Tseng's gaze move over his body and can't stop feeling satisfied at the hint of approval that Tseng shows. He's learning that Tseng only shows the briefest moments of real emotion, they are often slight so he knows he has to always look closely. If he really wants to understand Tseng then it will take close observation but he would have been disappointed if it were too easy.
He takes the weapon Tseng offers, taking time to thoughtfully look it over before answering the question. Before he had just picked up the gun and pointed it at the target, just following Tseng's lead without thinking about it. But that kind of luck couldn't be depended on, he had to know what he was doing in the future.
He's careful not to point it anywhere but the floor while he inspects it carefully, weighing in his hands. The safety he can find, remembering how Tseng flipped it before but he has to finally admit that the clip stumped him as he looks up at the other man.]
This is the safety - [He touches it but is careful not to switch it off. He's not going to bluff his way past something he doesn't know right now, he's here to learn and that means admitting when he doesn't know something.] But I don't know how to check the clip.
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Date: 2021-10-29 02:11 am (UTC)( there's some amusement in his gaze, amusement that he doesn't get rid of: rather, he keeps it there, mounted in his eyes, as he reaches out to take the gun from rufus again, prying it out of his hands. with one deft touch, he shifts the lock to let the cartridge fall from the end of the gun; carefully, he takes it out, passes it over to rufus for inspection. it's loaded, of course--but only because he prepared it precisely for this lesson. instead, he passes both pieces of the gun over to rufus, allowing him to figure out how to put it back together.
the handgun, he imagines, should be rather easy for rufus to learn how to use: he had used something much larger before, and though there had been significant kickback, it's not like he's a poor shot, and not like he had much hesitation, either. although rufus looks interested in learning the basics, he imagines that, too, will not take much time for him to master. he watches him only for a moment before he nods down to the targets that he set up: the traditional paper sort, with the silhouette of a person painted onto them. )
There is a sight that you can use, on top of the gun. You'll find it rather easily, I assume, and though it's not something you can always have the time to rely on, practice using it until you feel comfortable. There's no shame in taking your time to line up your shots, at this point.
( empty-handed as he is, he still mimics the pose: one hand braced over the wrist of the other, his shoulders lined up, the invisible gun pointed out towards the targets. )
Get comfortable with the weight of it, the way the casing may hit you in the face, all of it. You'll need to learn to ignore it eventually.
( but for now--he just wants to see what rufus is capable of, and standing off to the side, he folds his arms against his chest and waits, patiently, to be able to examine the first couple shots. )
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Date: 2021-10-30 04:49 am (UTC)[It's a small thing but Rufus makes a mental note to ask Tseng how he got the gun so easily from Rufus without Rufus having let go of it at all. But for now, he focused on watching Tseng take the clip out.
From there it's easy enough to be able to slide it again and he makes sure that he can get the cartridge out again just as Tseng did. He's going to have to practice a lot more but knowing that he can do it is a good first step.
He weighs the gun in his hand, watching Tseng before following his direction and mimicking his movements. He brings the gun up, concentrating as he lines up the shot.
The first bullet only hits the edge of the paper target but the second and third hit the paper itself at the outside of the circles. He tries not to flinch when the casings fly into his face but when one hits his cheek he's distracted for a moment, lowering the gun slightly.
He can only imagine how much time and practice Tseng has had if this is second nature to him. Rufus may never reach that level but he's not going to give up so easily. Casings flying at his face was going to be the least of what he was going to have to learn to handle most likely.
The gun is raised once more and the fourth and final bullet hitting inside the target and just left to the center. Only then does Rufus fully lower the gun to look at Tseng with a smile.
He's starting from almost the bottom, this was hardly impressive but he still looks pleased with himself nonetheless.]
Certainly there's room for improvement but at least I hit the target most of the time.
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Date: 2021-11-28 11:31 pm (UTC)that doesn't mean there isn't still room for improvement, of course. he casts his gaze sidelong, looks at rufus' look of pleasure, and nods his chin, faintly--the only small indication that he approves of his improvement. )
You did. That is something to be proud of.
( then again, he's seen young turk recruits with better aim--but he decides not to say that. instead, he drops his arms, gives a faint roll of his shoulders, and moves to pick up the next weapon.
this one, at least, rufus will be more familiar with: tseng even shoulders it, slightly, given the weight of it, before he shows it off between his own gloved hands for rufus' perusal. )
For this one... You'll remember how much your body ached, before? It will ache again. The shotgun should be braced into your shoulder to reduce the kickback, your cheek against the stock.
( he doesn't like shotguns--clumsy things, really, taking too much effort to properly line up a shot; but rufus seems to like them, and so he lifts the gun, poses himself with it to show rufus the proper form, before he hands it over. his other hand curves his fingers into his palm to indicate that rufus should pass the pistol over. )
Let's see how you do, Mr. Shinra.
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Date: 2021-11-29 07:50 am (UTC)The shotgun makes him smile with more excitement as he watched Tseng bring it up. There was something about the weight of the large gun in his hand, the way it rested against his shoulder, feeling the recoil of the gun as if it an extension of himself.
Not to mention it was fun to use.
He watches Tseng intently, his eyes following every moment as Tseng poses with the gun. His shoulder had been sore after he had gotten back, there had been bruising but it hadn't discouraged him. He carefully hands the pistol over to Tseng and takes the shotgun in return.]
Thank you, Tseng.
[He gives Tseng a smile before turning his focus to the shotgun in his hands.The gun feels almost natural in his hands in a way he can't explain as he brings it up, copying what Tseng had done. He takes a deep breath as he braces the gun against his shoulder to line up the shot.
This time the shot hits closer to center as Rufus stands his ground against the recoil, not wincing. Now that he had time to adjust the position and learn how to properly hold the gun the recoil didn't hurt as much as it had before.]
Can the gun be adjusted to reduce the recoil? [He lowers the gun to hold out a hand for another round, wanting to try again. His shoulder aches but not as bad as it had before, he was still going to have to learn how to get used to that.
If this was going to be his preferred weapon then he wanted to make sure he could use it effectively without hurting himself in the process.]
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Date: 2021-12-11 12:25 am (UTC)his brows lift in surprise: rufus holds his hand out, almost impatient, asking for another round, and wordlessly, tseng reaches for more ammunition, sets it down carefully in that waiting palm. he won't instruct him how to swap the rounds out: he'll let rufus figure that out for himself as he considers the question. )
I suppose...that if you were to truly favor this weapon, there could be some modifications made to it.
( this is something he considers quietly, as he tucks the pistol away into his own holster, and smooths out his sleeves. would such a thing even be possible? perhaps, if coming as a request from rufus shinra himself: but even so, they would need veld's permission, first, and he imagines that would be rather hard-won. )
But I doubt they could ever reduce it entirely, so you're better off getting somewhat used to it here.
( with his hands behind his back, he approaches: not so much as to get in rufus' way, but simply to help instruct him, with the disapproving click of his tongue. gloved hands reach, surprisingly gentle, for rufus' elbows; he adjusts one, and then the other, and the way that his hand runs along the length of his back afterward is certainly unnecessary. he isn't even entirely aware of why he did it, either. )
Try again, like this. Remember to exhale. You'll need practice, and eventually it will get easier, but if you do not correct your form, you'll develop bad habits that will become impossible to fix.
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Date: 2021-12-13 08:36 am (UTC)Rufus takes the round as he takes a moment to reload it, deciding to do it on his own this time. He needs to learn to do it himself even if it takes him a moment to figure out to load the gun correctly.
As he brings the gun up again he's aware of Tseng moving closer to him, not aware he's holding his breath as Tseng adjusts his position, allowing him to move his elbows without protest.
He keeps his eyes on the target but he's very aware of Tseng's hand moving across his back, how close he is now to Rufus. He only lets out his breath when Tseng reminds him to exhale, bringing his mind back to focusing on the target, the feeling of his finger squeezing the trigger of the gun. Alliowing himself to linger on other thoughts would be dangerous to them both.
The shot hits closer to center, right next to the previous one and Rufus can't help but gloat a bit to himself. His father had always remarked how useless that he believed Rufus to be, even after Rufus had survived being kidnapped. But Rufus had held his tongue, he wasn't going to prove how capable he was, it was better his father and Veld underestimated him. At least, until it was too late for the old man to save himself.]
The recoil didn't hit as strong on that one. [Rufus lowers the gun as he looks at Tseng, rolling his shoulder to get relieve some of the stiffness.]
I'm going to have to get used to the weight of the gun as well. I didn't think about heavy a shotgun was before until we were back.
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Date: 2021-12-31 02:29 am (UTC)with a chuckle, he looks at the way rufus rolls his shoulder, and shakes his head a little. ) You will need far more practice, but you are making progress, however small.
( with a brief wave of his hand, he moves to the table again, picks up another round, and hands it over to rufus from the palm of his hand. )
Once more, and then I fear we will turn in for the night. If the static targets bore you... Perhaps we could find something more enticing, for next time. What do you think?
( he has a few ideas--and none of them would be proper, and none of them would be sanctioned by veld for anyone other than a turk or turk recruit. putting the precious heir to the shinra throne in any kind of danger? he would be killed himself, immediately; and yet he greedily hopes for it, hopes that rufus will take the bait, that his ego will outweigh his sense of danger.
with another chuckle, he leans against the edge of the table behind him, folds his arms across his chest, and looks out at the target again, comfortable. )
Unless, of course, you're afraid.
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Date: 2021-12-31 11:43 am (UTC)He can tell Tseng is playing to his pride and ego- they may not have known each other for long but he's sure Tseng knows the answer to the challenge he's posed to Rufus already. He wouldn't have dared suggested it otherwise.
But he makes a show of considering the offer with a thoughtful expression as he loads the gun once more. He's getting better at this now, his fingers steady despite the soreness in his shoulder and the way his arms slightly ache.]
Something enticing? It sounds like you want me to go out in the field with you, Tseng.
[It's a dangerous proposition for them both, Tseng especially. But he can't stop from smirking as he lines up the shot once more. This shot hits a bit more off-center but Rufus isn't discouraged- he's just going to have to work on his strength to be able to maintain a steady aim with the heavy gun.]
What do you propose, Tseng?
[Rufus doesn't need to explicitly state his agreement. His blue eyes are bright with anticipation, already excited for whatever Tseng is thinking of.
He sits around far too often as it is during the day- he remembers the thrill of danger that he had felt in Junon, how it made him feel more alive than he had ever felt before. He wanted to feel that same excitement again.]
We both know that targets aren't going to sit static in reality. I'm going to need more realistic training if I'm going to learn anything useful.
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Date: 2022-01-09 03:40 am (UTC)so why would the president want his son to be defenseless? what could he possibly gain from it?
and it's not to say that he has ever really respected the president himself, which is likely why he finds so little in him that wants to respect rufus, all the same. president shinra is a man who seeks monetary gain above all else, who values power and the destruction of anyone, or anything, that might challenge it. to crush other foes in order to remain on top is, of course, a viable scheme--but to crush others because they are stronger, to ruin them with petty misdeeds or lies, to stab backs, to use money and well-being as a bargaining chip: it disgusts him.
so tseng watches for a moment, lets rufus load up the shot on his own and aim for the target; it still isn't dead center, but he doesn't scold him, and doesn't praise him, either. instead, he lets out a soft, thoughtful sigh: )
Let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. After all, we have access to all of the wonders of the Shinra Company, here. Such marvelous technology, right at our fingertips.
( there's some bemusement, in the flicker of his gaze; his voice is drawling, like he doesn't truly believe a word he's saying. )
We could use one of the virtual training modules. See if you are able to track down an opponent... Or at least defend yourself from an assassination.
( his lips, curved into a smile: ) I can play the part of your pursuer, if you think that you can handle it.
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Date: 2022-01-09 12:49 pm (UTC)So he slowly hands the gun back to Tseng carefully. Training had gone by too quickly but he knew that they had to be careful if they wanted to continue their lessons. His father and Veld would be finishing up soon and Rufus would need to be back in his rooms soon in order to avoid getting caught.
He can't hold back a laugh at Tseng's mention of Shinra's training technology. He remembers how proud his father had been at the demonstration but there seemed something hollow about it. It was fake, there were no real stakes because there were fail-safes.
But it was better than nothing.]
What a tantalizing idea.
[He knew that in reality, Tseng wouldn't kill him or significantly hurt him in the simulation but something about someone so dangerous pursuing him made his heart race still.]
Then that's what we'll do. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before someone tries to just shoot me since kidnapping didn't go so well.
[He's angry with himself that he had let his father render him powerless for so long- he knew the reasons why all too well the President would do that but he wasn't going to let this continue. He couldn't.
If he was going to take his father down, he needed to be prepared.]
I assume you'll also teach me other things such as hand-to-hand fighting. I will need to know how to defend myself with more than just firearms since I can't carry one around with me.
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Date: 2022-01-14 01:31 am (UTC)Let us see how you do in training. This will help me assess where you are weakest.
( he does imagine, of course, that rufus will lack severe talent in things like hand-to-hand combat--but it's true, he needs to know more about the situation before he can declare where to train rufus or what to focus on. he needs to see him in action; the kidnapping attempt had been a taste, but this will be something entirely different.
with a deft glance, he swings his gaze up to the room around them--calculating, assessing, thinking. )
In four days, we will meet here again. The equipment is adequate. ( there is a bit of a bemusing scoff as he says it. ) Come well-rested, or I may very well get the best of you.
( the smile is almost serpentine--but he links his hands behind his back, offers a succinct sort of bow, bent at the waist, as though remembering that he at least must show the shinra heir some small modicum of respect. )
Get back to your chambers, sir. You will be noticed missing, soon.
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Date: 2022-01-15 11:42 am (UTC)[It gives him something to look forward to during days filled with pointless board meetings, pointless busywork, and then empty evenings where his only semblance of a social life is the dinners his father sometimes orders him to attend. For him, days stretched endlessly, one blurring into the next until he feels his mind going numb.
Which is no doubt what his father wants. To wear him down until all he has the presence of mind to do is to just go along with whatever the President wants him to do.
He wasn't going to allow that. He looks at Tseng bowing, raising his eyebrows with a frown. That wasn't going to do.]
No bowing. At least not here. You can just call me Rufus when it's just us.
[He knew Tseng was right, he would be missed soon but he doubted he would be able to sleep at all. He was going to be exhausted for the morning board meeting but it was worth it.
As he opens the door he looks back at Tseng, a smile on his lips.]
I'll see you in four days.
[He doesn't wait for Tseng to respond before he's slipping out of the door- he knows he's going to be cutting it close and indeed he is, he has to sprint down the hall as the door to his father's office opens and he and Veld come out. He has time to put a robe and dive into bed just as Veld peers in before leaving for the night.
And now,he waits until the next session with anticipation.]
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Date: 2022-02-05 05:03 am (UTC)he knows it's likely untrue. he knows most of the detail that goes along with rufus--and they've been quiet lately, as though he is truly under some sort of mock home arrest. it seems strange, really, for the president not to treat his son as a successor; then again, the president likely wants to keep rufus as far away from his silly mock throne as possible. to not even trust one's own flesh and blood: what level of greed could inspire such a thing?
he keeps track of the time, of course, despite how quickly it goes by. at the same time, four days later, he meets rufus in the same room, meets him with the same cool gaze and half-smile that he met him with before, but this is different: this time, there are no weapons around, and this time, the only equipment he's prepared are the battle simulation masks that they will wear. he's already set up the computers for the training; he's picked the streets of junon as the background for their little session, knowing that rufus will at least be marginally familiar with the city's layout, and that will give him an advantage he likely needs to have.
he hands one of the masks off to rufus, one-handed. )
It won't hurt. You'll have your shotgun in the training session, it should manifest once you get inside. ( he starts to adjust the straps on his own headset, careful and sure. ) I will have my pistols. No materia for either of us, no potions, nothing. Pain will still register, though you will be uninjured in reality.
Twenty minutes. If you can evade me for twenty minutes, and remain alive, I will consider it a great success. ( there's a small twitch to his smile: almost a smirk. ) Put on the headset. I'll give you a few minutes to acclimate and hide, before I join you.
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Date: 2022-02-05 07:17 am (UTC)It takes all his willpower to sit there and not react even when Heidegger or Scarlet smugly throws it back in his face by asking for his thoughts on one thing or another knowing full well his father will dismiss his input if he even lets Rufus get a word out before talking over him.
For the rest of the day, he's on his own. There are some assigned readings on economics and other suitable topics for him to learn that don't involve specifics of how the company functions, which would be giving him too much power. But the day of his training arrives eventually and Rufus decides to have dinner with his father that night. They have their inevitable fight, the one they've had many times so Rufus is energized by the time he joins Tseng in that room.]
What do I get other than bragging rights if I survive? [He laughs as he takes the mask, excited to take on Tseng. He doesn't expect to win the first time but he does plan on putting up a fight against the Turk and make him work for that victory.]
If you win, name your price.
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