[The upper part of Junon has wider streets, the crowd is spread out more so hopefully it will give him an advantage. But he's going in blind, he's risking hitting a dead-end with Tseng behind him.
Height. That's what he needs. Tseng will be looking on the ground for him, Rufus is going to get creative. He's careful as he enters the tallest building that is nearby, not sure if Tseng has made it this far without Rufus knowing but he's able to make it to the roof without incident.
Even in a simulation, the view of Junon is rather nice and he makes a note that he should come back sometime when he's not being kidnapped. The roof is flat and he crouches down as he makes his way towards the ledge. He feels like a sniper on the roof waiting to assassinate his target. He wonders if Tseng's ever done anything like that, he'll have to ask him about that later.
He lays low, balancing the edge of the gun against the ledge as he looks down at the wide street below. Time ticked past, he still didn't see Tseng which made him a little uneasy. Tseng surely had covered the lower levels by now so why was he hesitating.
The streets may be wide but thankfully the buildings in this distract were separated by short distances side by side. It may be a simulation but his heart was still beating hard as he makes the jump to the next building, pausing as he wobbled slightly before regainig his balance. Phew.
But the relief didn't last long as he made it to the ledge quietly, crouched down but he freezes at the slight of long black hair too close on the street below when he peers over.
Shit
He ducks down under the ledge, putting a hand over his mouth as he weighs his options. Tseng is practically just below, taking a shot would be risky if Tseng looks up before he could pull the trigger. Waiting out the clock may be better but he has to wait to see if Tseng will move along.]
( it's surprisingly quiet, the further up he moves--as though all the hustle and bustle of down below seems to grow distant, as though there is some measure of calm up here, among the buildings where he stalks the streets and thinks, funnily enough, that if he did this in the rea world, it would likely occur just like this. there wouldn't be anyone rushing out from buildings to stop him, wouldn't be anyone questioning his attire or his demeanor, no one to tell him that he doesn't belong, or to hush children away from him as though he might be some terrible monster here to rob them of their innocence. the turks aren't quite as infamous as they should be, yet: he's fairly certain that no one outside of midgar would even know his name.
gloved hands smooth out the sides of his jacket, drawing them closer together, and from up above, he hears something: the scrabbling of feet, perhaps, or arms, something that disturbs the relative quiet, or perhaps something that's just loud enough for keen ears to pick up on. his chin tilts up, eyes that catch on the eaves of the roof railing, but he can't see anything--no hint of blonde hair, or bright eyes, nothing to tell hi that it is indeed rufus shinra up there, and not just some rat digging around for scraps, or a pigeon there to eat it. bemused, he keeps his gaze focused there: nothing changes.
best, then, to actively root out the source of the sound. he has limited bullets; there aren't any extra clips in his pocket, and he would have to venture down to the general store below to buy more, something that would be a waste of time and effort. so he draws out one pistol, lifts it up and aims it, lightly, at the edge of the roof. the shot will ricochet off; but it will also startle whatever happens to be up there.
a small moment of consideration--and then he shoots, one shot, and another; it's loud, the sound of the bullets hitting metal and brick, casting off in unpredictable directions. then, carefully, he takes a few steps back, tilting his head this way and that as though to see if he can catch any glimpse of movement from there. )
[Of course Tseng had noticed something, he should have expected not to be able to get anything by the Turk. He couldn't stay in this spot now, he had to make a decision before Tseng comes to find him.
He winces as the shots land nearby, some of the dust from the brick being shattered landing on him but he doesn't move to brush it away, reminding himself it's a simulation.
Tseng is warning him. But he's not deterred, he takes a moment to catch his breath as he flips the safety off the gun. He would get one good shot, he would only have a second to aim, but he had to make it count.
If he didn't hit Tseng, he would have to use the opportunity to escape. He wasn't sure where that would be, it wasn't going to be easy to find a way around the Turk and find another hiding spot.
He doesn't give himself too long to think about it as he sits up, resting the barrel of the gun against the edge of the roof to steady it. When he has Tseng in sight he doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger, eyes narrowed with determination.
( there is a man inside of him that will one day be more expectant of things like this. there is a man that he will grow into, a man that will anticipate every different angle and detail of a situation, and try to account for it steadily. there is a man that will not be so comfortably inflated with his own abilities, or his own ambitions, one that will be instead weighed down by his failures, and settled firmly into the belief of what he can or cannot do. there is a man there who will train to become one of the most deadliest members of the shinra corporation--someone who could, and would, win against rufus shinra in a shoot out.
but today, he is this: young and mildly naive, the type that pedals back a few steps to see if there is any movement at the roof top--and there is, isn't there? the barrel of a shotgun, propped right up on the ledge.
it would be easy, of course, to dash forward and out of the range of the gun--and he does that, tries to do that, anyway, a lunge towards the awning of the building, wanting to grab for the doorway to throw himself up the stairs to find rufus waiting up there. but the aim, however slight, is at least good enough to get him; the round in the shotgun scatters, when it hits him, a solid shot through the leg that has pain lancing up through his thigh, branching out towards his knee and his waist. and that's the warning he gave, isn't it? that everything in this place would feel alarmingly similar to real life?
he's bleeding, through the fabric of his slacks; cursing under his breath, he swings himself to the doorway, collapses himself onto the first step that's waiting there and immediately starts to work his belt off from around his waist. his hands are splattered with his own blood--roughly, he makes short work of the belt, clamping it around his upper thigh to make something of a crude tourniquet. this is feeling all too familiar, now; how many times will he be shot, following rufus shinra? gritting his teeth against the pain, he forces himself to rise, gripping the railing as he hauls himself up one step, and then another, and another yet. how else will rufus make it off the roof? he has to survive to win, doesn't he?
his leg screams at him, as he forces it to bend; but he takes the stairs as quickly as he can manage, his guns both stashed so that he can use both hands to hobble his way towards the roof. )
[There is a moment of gloating and satisfaction as Rufus sees that he's able to hit Tseng. It's not a precise shot but it's enough to give him some satisfaction.
He knows he has to move, though, and figure out his next move. As he reloads he considers his options- if Tseng is moving up then he'll be up soon and getting back over to the next roof over will leave him too exposed for too long. There aren't any others that are within jumping distance.
That means he has to find the door to the roof- it's inevitable that Tseng will find him now so he has to do things on his own terms as much as he's able to.
He doesn't bother to block the door that opens onto the roof, he'll give that to Tseng, he's going to be ready, flattening himself on the wall around the corner from the door, shotgun at the ready. He'll have to act quickly and without mercy- Tseng may be expecting him to run away, it may be prudent to do so but he wants to try something different. He'll never learn unless he challenges himself to do the unexpected, pushing himself out of his comfort zone.
When the rooftop door opens Rufus is silent, steadying his breath with his finger on the trigger of the gun, waiting until he sees Tseng finally round that corner.]
Oh, hello there.
[With it being so close and having to act as soon as he sees Tseng he doesn't have time to properly aim when he pulls the trigger but all he has to do is disable Tseng, that would be enough, hopefully.]
( the agony that he feels, scorching through his body, is almost too much. a weaker man would give into it, he thinks--that's the thought that has him continuing up the stairs, dragging his leg with him as the blood pools out from the bottom of his pant leg, leaving sticky puddles of mess behind in his wake. he's never felt so annoyed by a flight of stairs before this; by the time he makes it to the top, his forehead feels matted with sweat. a few strands of short hair stick to his cheekbones, smeared against his jawline. rufus hadn't bolted down the staircase yet, so what would that mean? he could have jumped to another roof, of course, but he's not sure he would be stupid enough to do that.
that means that he knows, as he nears the door, that this will likely be a trap that he's walking into. rufus has all the time in the world to prepare himself for it, to load that shotgun back up and take aim; he's on the losing side, for now, and for a moment, that panic takes him over. he isn't used to having to think of so many alternative plans, yet--usually veld has laid out quite a few of them for him in missions, so all he has to do is pick which one is most viable. at the top of the stairs, he forces himself to take a breath.
he feels dizzy. one of his hands feels for the door--the other reaches inside his jacket for one of his pistols.
he knows he'll have to take a hit. that is the grisly realization he's come to, as the roof door opens, and he squints into the evening light that spills out. rufus is probably waiting for him, and as he rounds the corner, he finds he isn't disappointed. that's good--he can count on rufus for his bravery, at least, and not only his bravado; rufus says oh, hello there and tseng, desperate as he is, almost wants to laugh.
the shotgun, queued up, fires its shot. rufus didn't have much time to aim. the shot hits him in the shoulder--
--as planned.
the weight of it knocks him back; he staggers, and his leg gives out, and he ends up trembling down onto his good knee, raising his other arm with the pistol still clenched in his grip. all he sees is the harrowing shadow of pain; he can't aim well, and lines up the shot at rufus' knee, firing once, then again, just to be certain. yes, he may be going down himself, and yes, the pain is blinding: but he isn't planning on going out alone. )
[There is really no time to be pleased when Rufus sees that his shot makes contact, he has to think quickly but all those plans come to a stop when Tseng fires, hitting him in the knee.
At first, he's ready to taunt Tseng for missing since he didn't feel anything right away but then the pain hits, taking away his breath. There is no stopping himself from hitting the ground on his ass with the most undignified grunt of pain and shock. The second shot hits his shoulder, causing the shotgun to fall from his fingers.]
Fuck...
[He's not sure how Tseng manages to do anything after being shot, the pain is radiating through him and it's very difficult to try to think of what to do. Maybe he just has to get used to it, learn how to think through the pain, because when he's facing down an enemy he knows they won't hesitate.
He has to be stronger.
He knows he's lost but he still forces his fingers to close around the shotgun that had fallen from his grasp. There is no way he can reload it, he can barely think through the pain, his breaths coming in shallow gasps.
He tries to pick up the shotgun but his fingers won't close around it, the pain from moving his shoulder radiating down his arm and through his entire body, making it difficult to draw breath.
Instead, he raises his eyes to look at Tseng, smirking. He may lose but that doesn't mean he has to be gracious about it.]
( and it should be easy enough, right? all he has to do is somehow make it through the blinding pain, lift up the pistol, and fire off a shot at rufus' head; maybe two, right between the eyes, force him to jolt out of the simulation and back into the room in the shinra building where he knows the two of them really are. he should be proud of winning--he shouldn't hesitate, shouldn't give rufus the chance to scramble for that shotgun or, with shaking hands, switch out the spent casings for new rounds. rufus has more ammunition than just the shots he's spared so far; he knows that much, accounted for that much in the simulation rules to give him, at the very least, a fighting chance.
but it's hard, at first, to focus. he doesn't have quite the level of sanity he wants to have, after being struck twice--learning to move while in pain is something that's taught to every turk, and he certainly has better sense of it than rufus, but even so, he can feel his thoughts float in above the pain, screaming at him that he's losing too much blood. his leg might be one thing, but the additional shot bleeds into his shirt and jacket; he can feel himself stagger, his breath haggard and weak.
let's finish this, rufus says, taunting him, and tseng breaks into a smile--there's some blood in his mouth. rufus hit too close to his chest. he spits it out in disgust. )
Well. Would you like to call this one a draw? I'm afraid that my aim is not what it should be. ( there's almost a laugh, delirious, as he stretches his arm out with the pistol, watching it waver slightly. ) It will take what's left of my clip to put you down, and that will be quite the mess indeed.
( why does he care so much about the spoiled vice president, and the amount of pain the simulation will force him to endure before ending? )
Tell me you surrender, and we'll wait for it to end naturally.
[Between the pain and the spreading stain of blood down his shoulder. He almost imagines how lightheaded he must be from the blood loss and it's frustrating since he knows if he was stronger then he could push past the pain then he might have a chance to win this.
He laughs unevenly and brealthlessly even though the movement made pain radiate through his body, he has to focus on Tseng and he loves the choice of words that the Turk uses.]
An entire clip? I'm flattered.
[He doesn't like to surrender but he knows he can't do anything further, the pain is making even his vision shaky. He's sure Tseng can guess how much pain he's in but Rufus makes an effort to not to show it, something he knows he's going to have to practice.
The gun falls from his weak grasp and he lets it clatter to the ground beside him.
Alright- it's a draw. That means we both have to confess something.
[He make a point of not being in a hurry to take off the simulated mask even though the effort shifts his shoulder, leaving him breathless with pain but he doesn't want to give Tseng that sense of satisfaction even if it's a draw and not a complete defeat.
But once it's off he lays on the floor of the training room for a few minutes to wait for Tseng and get his bearings once more, looking up at the dim lights above.]
( the wait for rufus to agree is entirely excruciating--there's a hiss of breath through his bloodied teeth, impatient and annoyed, and when his eyes close, it almost feels like they won't open again; but he waits, and learns how to wait, and when rufus says it's a draw he can't help the anguished chuckle that escapes his throat, wry and bemused. it must be hard to convince a shinra that he's lost: and will this be something he can use in the future? something he can bring up, when rufus becomes president, if he becomes president?
it's jarring as always, to shift from one reality to the next--first there's the air of junon around them, a breeze that casts the scent of his blood, and rufus' blood, towards him; the next moment he's back in the reality of the training room, the headset pushed abruptly from his head, his hair in a brief state of disarray. it's dark, compared to the twilight of junon--it takes his eyes a few moments to adjust, and then, slightly, he flexes his arms.
nothing feels amiss. the pain is good, a sudden relief, and he pushes up onto his feet, smoothing himself out as though to make some show of being entirely unaffected. one hand takes his own headset, while the other reaches, almost gently, to rid rufus of his as well. )
A deal is a deal. ( --said calmly, slowly, as he returns the headsets, taps a few buttons to power down the simulation system. ) Would you like to go first?
( it's a little cowardly to force rufus to reveal something, but: at the same time, rufus had been the one cornered, hadn't he? with a glint in his gaze, tseng turns, bracing his hip against the computer console as he folds his arms against his chest and waits. )
[Rufus pulls himself up onto his feet without asking for help, handing over the headset. It's a bit disorienting to go from the light of Junon to the cold chill of this dimly lit room. He rolls his shoulder to loosen it up a bit as the sensation of pain fades away now.
He watches Tseng as he puts the headsets away, taking in the state of disaray of his hair. He wonders how many have seen Tseng so disheleved, if there is someone he allows such an intimate moments with. But the moment is over before he can say something and he turns his mind towards Tseng's question.]
A deal is a deal and I will try to make it a good one then.
[He peers at Tseng thoughtfully, taking a moment to decide on what secret to disclose this time. It's a risk sharing so many secrets with Tseng but at the same time, he can't resist the opportunity to find out more about the other man. ]
I'm sure you've read my file by now and now know I've never had a girlfriend. The whole playboy act is just that- the truth is I have no interest in such things. It's a convenient distraction, though, as my interests lay elsewhere.
[He leans in a little closer to Tseng, smiling a little more as he looks the Turk up and down before meeting his gaze once more.]
I meant it when I said there was no reason to be jealous. Now, it's your turn.
( an interesting revelation, isn't it? the fact that rufus decides to share with him about his love life, of all things, makes him wonder what other caliber of secrets he has hidden within. does he have anything else to reveal? is this the biggest secret he has, or simply the safest? it's hard to tell. even when rufus peers at him, as though trying to deduce how much to share, he can't say that he can read much in those blue eyes, can't really tell for himself.
and no interest? that could mean a great deal. unaffected, he keeps his arms folded against his chest, lips pursed as though uncertain. )
You mean you have no interest in love and relationships?
( it's not particularly cruel, but the corner of his mouth turns up in amusement. )
Or no interest in women?
( there's a slight shrug--as though the information, either way, wouldn't affect him in the slightest. it would make more sense for rufus to have some sort of lover hidden within the folds of the company itself, anyway; it would make more sense for him to have manipulated some poor fool into keeping his bed warm. it annoys him a little, though he can't quite say why: something about it just rubs him the wrong way.
with a deep sigh, irritated, his eyes cast up towards the ceiling. he's never been good about giving up secrets. )
I'm sure you've read my file as well. I wasn't recruited from Midgar. I have no real attachments to the city. In fact, I would sooner see the President perish.
( a small, sloping smile, as he angles his gaze back to rufus. )
love is a liability and relationships are a waste of time. I have other things to do. [There was so little of his life that was just his, relationships would just add another complication he doesn't need while he tries to take his father's seat.]
As for your other question, I'm sure you can figure that one out.
[Rufus decides he'll leave a little room for Tseng to find the answers for himself, amused. He's sure that Tseng is the kind to get attached either, the Turk didn't seem to be the sentimental type but then again, there was so much he's learning about him.
But he doesn't hide his surprise at Tseng's admission, raising his eyebrows. He knew Tseng wasn't a true believer of Shinra nor someone who was seduced by the mako green lights of Midgar but to say something like that aloud was taking a significant risk.
But at this point, they were already past the point of no return. He's pleased to get such a good secret from Tseng despite how displeased he seems about parting with one. It just makes him more determined to win the next round to see what else he can draw out.]
So hypothetically, if you had the opportunity, would you kill him? Like-
[Rufus steps closer to Tseng, holding his hand as if he was aiming a pistol, two fingers just coming within a breath of touching between Tseng's eyes.]
- put the bullet right between his eyes yourself and pull the trigger.
( there's very little reaction, with rufus' movement: he watches him, with narrowed eyes, as his hand lifts, as he closes the distance between them and those two fingers, shaped into an imaginary pistol, line up at the spot between his eyes. even if rufus had a gun in his hand, he imagines that his reaction would be relatively the same; he doubts that rufus would even fire. not that he doesn't think he has the guts, but more that he thinks rufus knows just how useful he might be.
case in point--that question doesn't feel like it comes from nowhere. peculiar, then, to ask if he would intend on killing his father: shouldn't he be at least a little more troubled about it? or is this what he's wanted all along?
with a sigh, he lifts one hand: his fingers curve around rufus' wrist, gentle, but firm enough to force his hand down. those fingers slide along his cheek, brush along his jaw, before he forces rufus' arm away entirely. )
That sounds like another secret. ( there's amusement in his voice. ) Which means I believe you'll have to earn the answer.
( he glances towards the door--there's no sound of anyone just yet, and so he decides to push, idly, for an answer himself: ) Unless you'd like to answer the same question? Would you, if you had the opportunity, kill him?
[Rufus doesn't resist as Tseng moves his hand away - while he knows Tseng isn't a true believer, someone who is completely and devoted to the President this is still venturing into dangerous territory.
There is no quick denial either, no outrage that Rufus would even suggest anything like that. It's one thing to not buy into the propaganda, it's entirely something else to be willing and wanting to be the one to pull the trigger.
His breath catches as his fingers skim along Tseng's jaw, he finds himself distracted by something so simple, thrown off center for a moment before he brings himself back to the conversation.
He doesn't answer Tseng right away, weighing the options. He never played the part of the dutiful son, perhaps Tseng already suspects the answer, but Rufus decides that he's not going to give up the truth just yet.]
Like you said, I think that's another secret that needs to be earned. And not by a draw- I'm not going to give it up that easily.
[He's not sure what time it is tonight, he's not tired, but if the Turk on duty realizes he's missing it would be a whole thing he wants to avoid.]
Veld said you're on my guard detail next late evening- perhaps we can make use of that time.
( it's annoying, really, that the thing which annoys him about the statement isn't rufus at all. he should be annoyed by him, by his behavior, by the fact that he clearly thinks--and knows--that he's more important than everyone else, but it's more the fact that rufus knows things that he doesn't which really gets to him, makes his jaw slack for a moment in irritation before he presses his lips together and tries to act as though he can ignore it.
veld hasn't gone over the schedule with him, just yet: which means that he told rufus first, before he told him. it's a petty little thing, but it still gets to him.
with a slight lift of a brow, he glances towards the door, and then back to rufus. they both know who will be the one getting in trouble if rufus is noticed to be missing; he can claim he had nothing to do with it, after all. )
Very well. I suppose we'll both get our answers that night, then.
( there's a permissive nod of his chin, as though rufus really needs the consent to leave. )
Go on. Be careful through the halls. Go straight back to your quarters.
( it's an odd thing, to feel as though he cares for him, even a little--even enough to question after his well-being. it's easy enough to explain it away by saying it's only his duty, that he's only looking after the heir as he should, but that doesn't feel quite right to say; there's something else here, something that he doesn't quite like. it makes him uneasy. )
No good night kiss? [Rufus knew Tseng was right to urge him to leave. It was early morning when the most dedicated Shinra employees would begin to arrive and Rufus going through the building alone would get some attention.
But as much as he wants to linger, to reach out and brush that stray strand of black hair from Tseng's cheek, he knows he has to go before he's caught. An offhanded comment made by some employee to the wrong person would be all that would take for Veld or worse, his father to suspect something. ]
Sleep well, Tseng.
[Rufus gives him a smile before slipping out of the room. There is a moment when he is almost spotted by Reeve coming in and decides to take the stairs for the last few floors, out of breath by the time he reaches his rooms. But it was worth it and he falls into bed with a smile, completely exhausted.
The next day drags on as it always does until their next meeting. At least tonight they won't have to meet in secret which makes things easier. Rufus decides to set the mood a little just because he can- by the time Tseng arrives there is soft classical music playing in the background, a decanter of brandy set out along with two crystal glasses.
He dresses casually, just a button up shirt and slacks as usual but this time he unbuttons the top three buttons. As soon as he hears the door open he soflty commands Dark Nation to go lay down on her dog bed, rewarding her with a kiss on the head before settling down on one of the couches with a glass of brandy casually as can be.]
( it's gotten to a strange point, he thinks, where he isn't even sure anymore who is manipulating who, or who is hoping to garner favor with who--which is concerning. after all, what would rufus really need with a turk at his side when he has the rest of them already? his father is sure to keep him safe, no matter how much rufus may or may not despise him, and veld is certainly far more experienced and better trained. there are so many other turks now, too, that rufus could easily pick through them like flipping through a recipe book, deciding which ones to pass over and which ones to dog-ear for later. should he be concerned that rufus' attention seems fixated solely on him? should he be worried? or should he take some measure of pride in it, or use it to his advantage?
it isn't the first time that he's been assigned to guard duty at rufus' door for the evening, but it's the first time that he's felt something might actually happen. rather than standing at the post outside of it, waiting for something treacherous to come down the hallway, he's been invited into the suite itself--something that makes him slightly nervous, a little tick to his heartbeat as he carefully opens the door and lets himself inside. there's the slight skitter of clawed feet on the floor; he imagines that must be the guard dog that rufus keeps, dark nation, who doesn't make him nervous so much as interests him. it's the first beast of its kind that he's seen be seemingly loyal out of affection and not just orders.
rufus looks--done up, as though he's taken the time to change into something more formal for the evening, and tseng's eyes narrow as he steps further into the suite, beckoned by rufus' words. his hands are at his back, gloved and still, but his fingers clasp over his other wrist, twisting at it slightly in irritated nervousness. there's a table set out with some sort of liquor, beautiful glasses, an empty seat--and bemused, tseng stops, cordially, a good few feet from the table. )
Are we expecting company this evening, sir? ( his gaze goes sharp, tracing over rufus' features--he looks alarmingly good like this, a bit of pale skin bared by the open buttons of his shirt; immediately, he swings his gaze towards one of the windows, annoyed with himself. )
Would you be upset if I was? [Tseng is a difficult man to read but there are signs that Rufus is committed to learning. Is Tseng jealous? That would be interesting.
For the first time, it occurs to him that Tseng may have someone else already but he decides to ignore that thought. Even if that was true, no one could possibly compete with Rufus but there is still a twinge of something at the thought of Tseng being with someone else.
That was something, if he had to admit it, he didn't want.
He lets his gaze linger on Tseng before going over to pour one glass and then after a pause, fills the second glass.] I wasn't sure what you preferred so I wagered that you would like brandy for at least an evening.
[He holds out the glass for Tseng to take with a smile without asking what he wants. He knows Tseng is on duty but as he steps closer, just a bit, he wonders if Tseng will still take the glass.]
I thought we could do something a little different this evening. You've been spending so much time training me that I thought you would like to take things at a different pace this evening.
[Rufus takes a seat on one of the couches, crossing his legs as he gives Tseng a smile. Dark Nation eyes Tseng but stays where she's at on her bed, stretching before laying back down.]
We have all night and I don't want to spend it alone.
( it works the same, and he finds himself frustrated by it: he's used to being told that he's unreadable, used to the other turks calling him a creep or a robot, used to being feared by some of them. honing his emotions down into nothing, expressionless, is a task that he has slowly worked on--and it isn't as though he's perfected it. even now, like this, his jaw flexes with the question, his eyes flashing with annoyance; he sees his reflection in the window, framed by the warm lights of the room, and hates that he can pinpoint so many things in it. irritation, jealousy, annoyance, and something odd, something that he's never seen on his own face before: a sort of betrayed interest, like he should know better but feels it anyway. his fingers twist around his wrist and he tries to swallow it all down, but his face is still screwed up with it all; his lips press together.
rufus, on the other hand, seems to have more practice with this sort of thing. his expression is nearly unreadable, save for the smug pleasure that he sees there, and perhaps this is something that, oddly, tseng could learn from him, instead. he seems to be quite adept at handling this sort of thing: being a mostly blank slate, keeping his emotions locked behind his eyes. the only emotion that tseng has really seen rufus have is the expression of pain: when they had been escaping, when they had been training. everything else appears to slip right off of him like water.
terrifying, in some ways. fascinating, in others. and, unfortunately, wordlessly attractive.
he shouldn't take the glass, but he does. it feels like a challenge, at that point, and he holds it carefully between his gloved fingertips, looking down at the brandy within. this is the expensive stuff: he doesn't doubt it. slowly, with a breath of a sigh, he brings the glass to his lips--the small swallow goes down, smooth. )
...Rice wine. ( he says this after a long moment of letting the brandy twist on his tongue. ) And whiskey.
( --and why is he telling rufus what kind of liquor he likes? just because he thinks he wanted to know? with a breath, he inches closer to the table, but doesn't take a seat at it. )
You don't want to spend it alone? You want me to sleep here with you?
[Rufus smiles as if he had won some great victory when Tseng finally takes a sip of the brandy. He makes a note for next time- rice wine and whiskey.
Because he's already decided that there will be another time. Tseng may be the expert when it comes to staying alive when being shot at but the upper floors of the Shinra Building are Rufus's domain. Rufus had never thought about seducing someone else, at least nothing seriously, but decides that this is another learning experience for him.
And the fact that Tseng was willing to tell him no doubt that meant, on some level, Tseng would be willing to come have a drink with him on another night.
He knows Tseng won't believe some silly thing like he's afraid of the Dark but Rufus still pats the cushion on the couch next to him. Tseng has already taken the first step when he took a drink of the brandy, Rufus wonders how far he'll go tonight.]
You're so dedicated. There is plenty of room in my bed so I wouldn't object.
[He knows they're going to be alone until the next day. Veld had entrusted Rufus to Tseng's care for the evening and he's sure that his father is already too drunk to care about anything else by this time.
That means it's just the two of them, without any interruptions.]
You might as well be comfortable, at the very least. It would be weird if you just stood there all evening.
[Rufus takes a sip of his own brandy before setting the glass on the table before him, flicking a strand of blond hair from his eyes.]
You may be on duty but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the evening, does it?
( it feels--like he's just walked him into a trap, and it teaches him another lesson. he should never make assumptions, especially not when it comes to the precious shinra heir; instead, he should force him to explain himself, so that he doesn't end up in situations like this one, where it feels like now he's obligated to stay. a part of him had been looking forward to getting some sleep in his own bed, but now? now it sounds like he'll be here all night.
betraying himself, his narrowed gaze glances towards the rest of the room, as though searching for this too-large bed that rufus speaks of, but he jerks his eyes back to the table. and then, pointedly, to the couch. rufus pats the seat next to him pointedly; it may not be an order, but it's as good of one as any.
he should stand there all evening. he should be just a thing in the background, something silent, something ready to spring up should danger come. he shouldn't be making himself comfortable in the suite like he owns it. but rufus asks, and with a look of displeasure, he answers. )
Do the others not simply stand there, sir?
( it's a bit of a dig, perhaps, but said in amusement--with measured steps, he clears the distance between them and takes a seat on that sofa cushion, next to rufus; he settles on it lightly, his back straight, both hands holding the glass of brandy in his lap. )
I imagine I will not measure up to previous Turk company, if that is the case.
( and then, to show that he isn't quite so intimidated: he lifts the glass to his lips, and takes another sip. )
[When Tseng actually sits on the couch next to him it's another victory and Rufus doesn't hide how pleased he is that Tseng accepted his offer.
He moves a little closer to Tseng, peering at him with amusement.]
Most do and it's dreadfully boring and sometimes a little weird especially when they're standing right outside my bedroom door all night. But- [Rufus leans a little closer as Tseng takes another sip of his brandy, blue eyes still bright in the low light] - we don't have to make it weird tonight, do we?
[It's dangerous, what he's thinking of, but what's life with a little excitement? He had loved the taste of true danger he had gotten in Junon, the way his heart raced when he knew that it was down to him and Tseng to survive the situation.
Rufus gives him a warm smile, reaching out to brush a stray black hair over Tseng's shoulder, brushing an imaginary piece of lint off.]
I think you're doing wonderfully so far. You may be assigned guard duty on a more permanent basis if Veld thinks you do a good job tonight.
[Rufus isn't sure how far things will go this evening but he's looking forward to finding out. He's not even sure how far he himself wants things to go so that will be another thing to find out as the evening progresses.]
( he isn't entirely convinced by the movements--they're not innocent, the way that rufus leans in towards him like he's about to tell him some great secret, or the way that his blue eyes study him, the way that he curves his words like a cat that's wanting attention or how he reaches out to touch him when it's unnecessary. at first, he thinks there may truly be something on him, perhaps a piece of dust, or lint, but the lazy way that rufus' fingers sweep across, disturbing his hair, makes him swallow. it isn't honest, the way that he's working at him, or rather, it's honest in a completely different way. he's not used to this.
and if that's true, then the rest of the turks are not subject to this kind of attention; they stand at rufus' door the way that they should, protect him the way they're supposed to, and that should have been his experience all the same. instead. he has a glass of expensive liquor in his hands and the heir of shinra breathing against him like he wants to take a bite right out of him.
steadying himself, he looks down at the brandy in his glass, trying to see his reflection in it. )
You'd love that, wouldn't you? ( and then, as if that may be too bold, too bemused of him: ) Sir.
( he can't help but remember the secret rufus imparted to him; could this be the reason? with little interest in women, of course, that would mean he would be far more interested in something else. or does he only enjoy the chase?
with one smooth hand, he lifts the glass to his lips and swallows. )
Tell me how you intend to pass the evening. I'll see if I want to participate.
Of course I would. I'm sure you would do a fine job as my bodyguard. [Rufus grins at Tseng's boldness, pleased as he takes another drink. When Tseng lowers the glass Rufus leans over to take it from his hand, finishing off the whiskey before setting the empty glass aside.]
Now that we have had a drink, I should show you around. You haven't been here before and I would hate for you to get lost.
[Rufus's suite isn't that big, he's sure Tseng knows the layout without having been here before, but a personal tour is the least he could do.]
Since it's going to be a long night, we can make ourselves comfortable. My bedroom has the best view in Midgar that will simply take your breath away.
[Not exactly subtle but Rufus doesn't care as he gets up, holding out a hand for Tseng to come with him.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2022-03-07 12:42 pm (UTC)Height. That's what he needs. Tseng will be looking on the ground for him, Rufus is going to get creative. He's careful as he enters the tallest building that is nearby, not sure if Tseng has made it this far without Rufus knowing but he's able to make it to the roof without incident.
Even in a simulation, the view of Junon is rather nice and he makes a note that he should come back sometime when he's not being kidnapped. The roof is flat and he crouches down as he makes his way towards the ledge. He feels like a sniper on the roof waiting to assassinate his target. He wonders if Tseng's ever done anything like that, he'll have to ask him about that later.
He lays low, balancing the edge of the gun against the ledge as he looks down at the wide street below. Time ticked past, he still didn't see Tseng which made him a little uneasy. Tseng surely had covered the lower levels by now so why was he hesitating.
The streets may be wide but thankfully the buildings in this distract were separated by short distances side by side. It may be a simulation but his heart was still beating hard as he makes the jump to the next building, pausing as he wobbled slightly before regainig his balance. Phew.
But the relief didn't last long as he made it to the ledge quietly, crouched down but he freezes at the slight of long black hair too close on the street below when he peers over.
Shit
He ducks down under the ledge, putting a hand over his mouth as he weighs his options. Tseng is practically just below, taking a shot would be risky if Tseng looks up before he could pull the trigger. Waiting out the clock may be better but he has to wait to see if Tseng will move along.]
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Date: 2022-03-21 12:56 am (UTC)gloved hands smooth out the sides of his jacket, drawing them closer together, and from up above, he hears something: the scrabbling of feet, perhaps, or arms, something that disturbs the relative quiet, or perhaps something that's just loud enough for keen ears to pick up on. his chin tilts up, eyes that catch on the eaves of the roof railing, but he can't see anything--no hint of blonde hair, or bright eyes, nothing to tell hi that it is indeed rufus shinra up there, and not just some rat digging around for scraps, or a pigeon there to eat it. bemused, he keeps his gaze focused there: nothing changes.
best, then, to actively root out the source of the sound. he has limited bullets; there aren't any extra clips in his pocket, and he would have to venture down to the general store below to buy more, something that would be a waste of time and effort. so he draws out one pistol, lifts it up and aims it, lightly, at the edge of the roof. the shot will ricochet off; but it will also startle whatever happens to be up there.
a small moment of consideration--and then he shoots, one shot, and another; it's loud, the sound of the bullets hitting metal and brick, casting off in unpredictable directions. then, carefully, he takes a few steps back, tilting his head this way and that as though to see if he can catch any glimpse of movement from there. )
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Date: 2022-03-23 06:57 pm (UTC)He winces as the shots land nearby, some of the dust from the brick being shattered landing on him but he doesn't move to brush it away, reminding himself it's a simulation.
Tseng is warning him. But he's not deterred, he takes a moment to catch his breath as he flips the safety off the gun. He would get one good shot, he would only have a second to aim, but he had to make it count.
If he didn't hit Tseng, he would have to use the opportunity to escape. He wasn't sure where that would be, it wasn't going to be easy to find a way around the Turk and find another hiding spot.
He doesn't give himself too long to think about it as he sits up, resting the barrel of the gun against the edge of the roof to steady it. When he has Tseng in sight he doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger, eyes narrowed with determination.
If he loses, then he won't be defeated easily.]
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Date: 2022-03-28 12:43 am (UTC)but today, he is this: young and mildly naive, the type that pedals back a few steps to see if there is any movement at the roof top--and there is, isn't there? the barrel of a shotgun, propped right up on the ledge.
it would be easy, of course, to dash forward and out of the range of the gun--and he does that, tries to do that, anyway, a lunge towards the awning of the building, wanting to grab for the doorway to throw himself up the stairs to find rufus waiting up there. but the aim, however slight, is at least good enough to get him; the round in the shotgun scatters, when it hits him, a solid shot through the leg that has pain lancing up through his thigh, branching out towards his knee and his waist. and that's the warning he gave, isn't it? that everything in this place would feel alarmingly similar to real life?
he's bleeding, through the fabric of his slacks; cursing under his breath, he swings himself to the doorway, collapses himself onto the first step that's waiting there and immediately starts to work his belt off from around his waist. his hands are splattered with his own blood--roughly, he makes short work of the belt, clamping it around his upper thigh to make something of a crude tourniquet. this is feeling all too familiar, now; how many times will he be shot, following rufus shinra? gritting his teeth against the pain, he forces himself to rise, gripping the railing as he hauls himself up one step, and then another, and another yet. how else will rufus make it off the roof? he has to survive to win, doesn't he?
his leg screams at him, as he forces it to bend; but he takes the stairs as quickly as he can manage, his guns both stashed so that he can use both hands to hobble his way towards the roof. )
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Date: 2022-03-29 07:53 am (UTC)He knows he has to move, though, and figure out his next move. As he reloads he considers his options- if Tseng is moving up then he'll be up soon and getting back over to the next roof over will leave him too exposed for too long. There aren't any others that are within jumping distance.
That means he has to find the door to the roof- it's inevitable that Tseng will find him now so he has to do things on his own terms as much as he's able to.
He doesn't bother to block the door that opens onto the roof, he'll give that to Tseng, he's going to be ready, flattening himself on the wall around the corner from the door, shotgun at the ready. He'll have to act quickly and without mercy- Tseng may be expecting him to run away, it may be prudent to do so but he wants to try something different. He'll never learn unless he challenges himself to do the unexpected, pushing himself out of his comfort zone.
When the rooftop door opens Rufus is silent, steadying his breath with his finger on the trigger of the gun, waiting until he sees Tseng finally round that corner.]
Oh, hello there.
[With it being so close and having to act as soon as he sees Tseng he doesn't have time to properly aim when he pulls the trigger but all he has to do is disable Tseng, that would be enough, hopefully.]
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Date: 2022-04-04 02:23 am (UTC)that means that he knows, as he nears the door, that this will likely be a trap that he's walking into. rufus has all the time in the world to prepare himself for it, to load that shotgun back up and take aim; he's on the losing side, for now, and for a moment, that panic takes him over. he isn't used to having to think of so many alternative plans, yet--usually veld has laid out quite a few of them for him in missions, so all he has to do is pick which one is most viable. at the top of the stairs, he forces himself to take a breath.
he feels dizzy. one of his hands feels for the door--the other reaches inside his jacket for one of his pistols.
he knows he'll have to take a hit. that is the grisly realization he's come to, as the roof door opens, and he squints into the evening light that spills out. rufus is probably waiting for him, and as he rounds the corner, he finds he isn't disappointed. that's good--he can count on rufus for his bravery, at least, and not only his bravado; rufus says oh, hello there and tseng, desperate as he is, almost wants to laugh.
the shotgun, queued up, fires its shot. rufus didn't have much time to aim. the shot hits him in the shoulder--
--as planned.
the weight of it knocks him back; he staggers, and his leg gives out, and he ends up trembling down onto his good knee, raising his other arm with the pistol still clenched in his grip. all he sees is the harrowing shadow of pain; he can't aim well, and lines up the shot at rufus' knee, firing once, then again, just to be certain. yes, he may be going down himself, and yes, the pain is blinding: but he isn't planning on going out alone. )
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Date: 2022-04-05 02:31 am (UTC)At first, he's ready to taunt Tseng for missing since he didn't feel anything right away but then the pain hits, taking away his breath. There is no stopping himself from hitting the ground on his ass with the most undignified grunt of pain and shock. The second shot hits his shoulder, causing the shotgun to fall from his fingers.]
Fuck...
[He's not sure how Tseng manages to do anything after being shot, the pain is radiating through him and it's very difficult to try to think of what to do. Maybe he just has to get used to it, learn how to think through the pain, because when he's facing down an enemy he knows they won't hesitate.
He has to be stronger.
He knows he's lost but he still forces his fingers to close around the shotgun that had fallen from his grasp. There is no way he can reload it, he can barely think through the pain, his breaths coming in shallow gasps.
He tries to pick up the shotgun but his fingers won't close around it, the pain from moving his shoulder radiating down his arm and through his entire body, making it difficult to draw breath.
Instead, he raises his eyes to look at Tseng, smirking. He may lose but that doesn't mean he has to be gracious about it.]
Go ahead, Tseng. Let's finish this.
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Date: 2022-05-16 02:09 am (UTC)but it's hard, at first, to focus. he doesn't have quite the level of sanity he wants to have, after being struck twice--learning to move while in pain is something that's taught to every turk, and he certainly has better sense of it than rufus, but even so, he can feel his thoughts float in above the pain, screaming at him that he's losing too much blood. his leg might be one thing, but the additional shot bleeds into his shirt and jacket; he can feel himself stagger, his breath haggard and weak.
let's finish this, rufus says, taunting him, and tseng breaks into a smile--there's some blood in his mouth. rufus hit too close to his chest. he spits it out in disgust. )
Well. Would you like to call this one a draw? I'm afraid that my aim is not what it should be. ( there's almost a laugh, delirious, as he stretches his arm out with the pistol, watching it waver slightly. ) It will take what's left of my clip to put you down, and that will be quite the mess indeed.
( why does he care so much about the spoiled vice president, and the amount of pain the simulation will force him to endure before ending? )
Tell me you surrender, and we'll wait for it to end naturally.
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Date: 2022-05-16 04:59 am (UTC)He laughs unevenly and brealthlessly even though the movement made pain radiate through his body, he has to focus on Tseng and he loves the choice of words that the Turk uses.]
An entire clip? I'm flattered.
[He doesn't like to surrender but he knows he can't do anything further, the pain is making even his vision shaky. He's sure Tseng can guess how much pain he's in but Rufus makes an effort to not to show it, something he knows he's going to have to practice.
The gun falls from his weak grasp and he lets it clatter to the ground beside him.
Alright- it's a draw. That means we both have to confess something.
[He make a point of not being in a hurry to take off the simulated mask even though the effort shifts his shoulder, leaving him breathless with pain but he doesn't want to give Tseng that sense of satisfaction even if it's a draw and not a complete defeat.
But once it's off he lays on the floor of the training room for a few minutes to wait for Tseng and get his bearings once more, looking up at the dim lights above.]
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Date: 2022-05-30 04:57 am (UTC)it's jarring as always, to shift from one reality to the next--first there's the air of junon around them, a breeze that casts the scent of his blood, and rufus' blood, towards him; the next moment he's back in the reality of the training room, the headset pushed abruptly from his head, his hair in a brief state of disarray. it's dark, compared to the twilight of junon--it takes his eyes a few moments to adjust, and then, slightly, he flexes his arms.
nothing feels amiss. the pain is good, a sudden relief, and he pushes up onto his feet, smoothing himself out as though to make some show of being entirely unaffected. one hand takes his own headset, while the other reaches, almost gently, to rid rufus of his as well. )
A deal is a deal. ( --said calmly, slowly, as he returns the headsets, taps a few buttons to power down the simulation system. ) Would you like to go first?
( it's a little cowardly to force rufus to reveal something, but: at the same time, rufus had been the one cornered, hadn't he? with a glint in his gaze, tseng turns, bracing his hip against the computer console as he folds his arms against his chest and waits. )
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Date: 2022-05-31 02:36 am (UTC)He watches Tseng as he puts the headsets away, taking in the state of disaray of his hair. He wonders how many have seen Tseng so disheleved, if there is someone he allows such an intimate moments with. But the moment is over before he can say something and he turns his mind towards Tseng's question.]
A deal is a deal and I will try to make it a good one then.
[He peers at Tseng thoughtfully, taking a moment to decide on what secret to disclose this time. It's a risk sharing so many secrets with Tseng but at the same time, he can't resist the opportunity to find out more about the other man. ]
I'm sure you've read my file by now and now know I've never had a girlfriend. The whole playboy act is just that- the truth is I have no interest in such things. It's a convenient distraction, though, as my interests lay elsewhere.
[He leans in a little closer to Tseng, smiling a little more as he looks the Turk up and down before meeting his gaze once more.]
I meant it when I said there was no reason to be jealous. Now, it's your turn.
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Date: 2022-06-13 12:12 am (UTC)and no interest? that could mean a great deal. unaffected, he keeps his arms folded against his chest, lips pursed as though uncertain. )
You mean you have no interest in love and relationships?
( it's not particularly cruel, but the corner of his mouth turns up in amusement. )
Or no interest in women?
( there's a slight shrug--as though the information, either way, wouldn't affect him in the slightest. it would make more sense for rufus to have some sort of lover hidden within the folds of the company itself, anyway; it would make more sense for him to have manipulated some poor fool into keeping his bed warm. it annoys him a little, though he can't quite say why: something about it just rubs him the wrong way.
with a deep sigh, irritated, his eyes cast up towards the ceiling. he's never been good about giving up secrets. )
I'm sure you've read my file as well. I wasn't recruited from Midgar. I have no real attachments to the city. In fact, I would sooner see the President perish.
( a small, sloping smile, as he angles his gaze back to rufus. )
My apologies, sir. I hope I haven't offended you.
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Date: 2022-06-14 03:48 am (UTC)As for your other question, I'm sure you can figure that one out.
[Rufus decides he'll leave a little room for Tseng to find the answers for himself, amused. He's sure that Tseng is the kind to get attached either, the Turk didn't seem to be the sentimental type but then again, there was so much he's learning about him.
But he doesn't hide his surprise at Tseng's admission, raising his eyebrows. He knew Tseng wasn't a true believer of Shinra nor someone who was seduced by the mako green lights of Midgar but to say something like that aloud was taking a significant risk.
But at this point, they were already past the point of no return. He's pleased to get such a good secret from Tseng despite how displeased he seems about parting with one. It just makes him more determined to win the next round to see what else he can draw out.]
So hypothetically, if you had the opportunity, would you kill him? Like-
[Rufus steps closer to Tseng, holding his hand as if he was aiming a pistol, two fingers just coming within a breath of touching between Tseng's eyes.]
- put the bullet right between his eyes yourself and pull the trigger.
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Date: 2022-06-21 01:39 am (UTC)case in point--that question doesn't feel like it comes from nowhere. peculiar, then, to ask if he would intend on killing his father: shouldn't he be at least a little more troubled about it? or is this what he's wanted all along?
with a sigh, he lifts one hand: his fingers curve around rufus' wrist, gentle, but firm enough to force his hand down. those fingers slide along his cheek, brush along his jaw, before he forces rufus' arm away entirely. )
That sounds like another secret. ( there's amusement in his voice. ) Which means I believe you'll have to earn the answer.
( he glances towards the door--there's no sound of anyone just yet, and so he decides to push, idly, for an answer himself: ) Unless you'd like to answer the same question? Would you, if you had the opportunity, kill him?
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Date: 2022-06-21 08:27 am (UTC)There is no quick denial either, no outrage that Rufus would even suggest anything like that. It's one thing to not buy into the propaganda, it's entirely something else to be willing and wanting to be the one to pull the trigger.
His breath catches as his fingers skim along Tseng's jaw, he finds himself distracted by something so simple, thrown off center for a moment before he brings himself back to the conversation.
He doesn't answer Tseng right away, weighing the options. He never played the part of the dutiful son, perhaps Tseng already suspects the answer, but Rufus decides that he's not going to give up the truth just yet.]
Like you said, I think that's another secret that needs to be earned. And not by a draw- I'm not going to give it up that easily.
[He's not sure what time it is tonight, he's not tired, but if the Turk on duty realizes he's missing it would be a whole thing he wants to avoid.]
Veld said you're on my guard detail next late evening- perhaps we can make use of that time.
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Date: 2022-07-03 08:18 am (UTC)veld hasn't gone over the schedule with him, just yet: which means that he told rufus first, before he told him. it's a petty little thing, but it still gets to him.
with a slight lift of a brow, he glances towards the door, and then back to rufus. they both know who will be the one getting in trouble if rufus is noticed to be missing; he can claim he had nothing to do with it, after all. )
Very well. I suppose we'll both get our answers that night, then.
( there's a permissive nod of his chin, as though rufus really needs the consent to leave. )
Go on. Be careful through the halls. Go straight back to your quarters.
( it's an odd thing, to feel as though he cares for him, even a little--even enough to question after his well-being. it's easy enough to explain it away by saying it's only his duty, that he's only looking after the heir as he should, but that doesn't feel quite right to say; there's something else here, something that he doesn't quite like. it makes him uneasy. )
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Date: 2022-07-05 04:05 am (UTC)But as much as he wants to linger, to reach out and brush that stray strand of black hair from Tseng's cheek, he knows he has to go before he's caught. An offhanded comment made by some employee to the wrong person would be all that would take for Veld or worse, his father to suspect something. ]
Sleep well, Tseng.
[Rufus gives him a smile before slipping out of the room. There is a moment when he is almost spotted by Reeve coming in and decides to take the stairs for the last few floors, out of breath by the time he reaches his rooms. But it was worth it and he falls into bed with a smile, completely exhausted.
The next day drags on as it always does until their next meeting. At least tonight they won't have to meet in secret which makes things easier. Rufus decides to set the mood a little just because he can- by the time Tseng arrives there is soft classical music playing in the background, a decanter of brandy set out along with two crystal glasses.
He dresses casually, just a button up shirt and slacks as usual but this time he unbuttons the top three buttons. As soon as he hears the door open he soflty commands Dark Nation to go lay down on her dog bed, rewarding her with a kiss on the head before settling down on one of the couches with a glass of brandy casually as can be.]
Come in, Tseng. You're just on time.
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Date: 2022-07-18 12:24 am (UTC)it isn't the first time that he's been assigned to guard duty at rufus' door for the evening, but it's the first time that he's felt something might actually happen. rather than standing at the post outside of it, waiting for something treacherous to come down the hallway, he's been invited into the suite itself--something that makes him slightly nervous, a little tick to his heartbeat as he carefully opens the door and lets himself inside. there's the slight skitter of clawed feet on the floor; he imagines that must be the guard dog that rufus keeps, dark nation, who doesn't make him nervous so much as interests him. it's the first beast of its kind that he's seen be seemingly loyal out of affection and not just orders.
rufus looks--done up, as though he's taken the time to change into something more formal for the evening, and tseng's eyes narrow as he steps further into the suite, beckoned by rufus' words. his hands are at his back, gloved and still, but his fingers clasp over his other wrist, twisting at it slightly in irritated nervousness. there's a table set out with some sort of liquor, beautiful glasses, an empty seat--and bemused, tseng stops, cordially, a good few feet from the table. )
Are we expecting company this evening, sir? ( his gaze goes sharp, tracing over rufus' features--he looks alarmingly good like this, a bit of pale skin bared by the open buttons of his shirt; immediately, he swings his gaze towards one of the windows, annoyed with himself. )
Do you have a date?
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Date: 2022-07-20 05:00 am (UTC)For the first time, it occurs to him that Tseng may have someone else already but he decides to ignore that thought. Even if that was true, no one could possibly compete with Rufus but there is still a twinge of something at the thought of Tseng being with someone else.
That was something, if he had to admit it, he didn't want.
He lets his gaze linger on Tseng before going over to pour one glass and then after a pause, fills the second glass.] I wasn't sure what you preferred so I wagered that you would like brandy for at least an evening.
[He holds out the glass for Tseng to take with a smile without asking what he wants. He knows Tseng is on duty but as he steps closer, just a bit, he wonders if Tseng will still take the glass.]
I thought we could do something a little different this evening. You've been spending so much time training me that I thought you would like to take things at a different pace this evening.
[Rufus takes a seat on one of the couches, crossing his legs as he gives Tseng a smile. Dark Nation eyes Tseng but stays where she's at on her bed, stretching before laying back down.]
We have all night and I don't want to spend it alone.
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Date: 2022-07-29 03:08 am (UTC)rufus, on the other hand, seems to have more practice with this sort of thing. his expression is nearly unreadable, save for the smug pleasure that he sees there, and perhaps this is something that, oddly, tseng could learn from him, instead. he seems to be quite adept at handling this sort of thing: being a mostly blank slate, keeping his emotions locked behind his eyes. the only emotion that tseng has really seen rufus have is the expression of pain: when they had been escaping, when they had been training. everything else appears to slip right off of him like water.
terrifying, in some ways. fascinating, in others. and, unfortunately, wordlessly attractive.
he shouldn't take the glass, but he does. it feels like a challenge, at that point, and he holds it carefully between his gloved fingertips, looking down at the brandy within. this is the expensive stuff: he doesn't doubt it. slowly, with a breath of a sigh, he brings the glass to his lips--the small swallow goes down, smooth. )
...Rice wine. ( he says this after a long moment of letting the brandy twist on his tongue. ) And whiskey.
( --and why is he telling rufus what kind of liquor he likes? just because he thinks he wanted to know? with a breath, he inches closer to the table, but doesn't take a seat at it. )
You don't want to spend it alone? You want me to sleep here with you?
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Date: 2022-07-30 06:11 am (UTC)Because he's already decided that there will be another time. Tseng may be the expert when it comes to staying alive when being shot at but the upper floors of the Shinra Building are Rufus's domain. Rufus had never thought about seducing someone else, at least nothing seriously, but decides that this is another learning experience for him.
And the fact that Tseng was willing to tell him no doubt that meant, on some level, Tseng would be willing to come have a drink with him on another night.
He knows Tseng won't believe some silly thing like he's afraid of the Dark but Rufus still pats the cushion on the couch next to him. Tseng has already taken the first step when he took a drink of the brandy, Rufus wonders how far he'll go tonight.]
You're so dedicated. There is plenty of room in my bed so I wouldn't object.
[He knows they're going to be alone until the next day. Veld had entrusted Rufus to Tseng's care for the evening and he's sure that his father is already too drunk to care about anything else by this time.
That means it's just the two of them, without any interruptions.]
You might as well be comfortable, at the very least. It would be weird if you just stood there all evening.
[Rufus takes a sip of his own brandy before setting the glass on the table before him, flicking a strand of blond hair from his eyes.]
You may be on duty but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the evening, does it?
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Date: 2022-07-31 01:09 am (UTC)betraying himself, his narrowed gaze glances towards the rest of the room, as though searching for this too-large bed that rufus speaks of, but he jerks his eyes back to the table. and then, pointedly, to the couch. rufus pats the seat next to him pointedly; it may not be an order, but it's as good of one as any.
he should stand there all evening. he should be just a thing in the background, something silent, something ready to spring up should danger come. he shouldn't be making himself comfortable in the suite like he owns it. but rufus asks, and with a look of displeasure, he answers. )
Do the others not simply stand there, sir?
( it's a bit of a dig, perhaps, but said in amusement--with measured steps, he clears the distance between them and takes a seat on that sofa cushion, next to rufus; he settles on it lightly, his back straight, both hands holding the glass of brandy in his lap. )
I imagine I will not measure up to previous Turk company, if that is the case.
( and then, to show that he isn't quite so intimidated: he lifts the glass to his lips, and takes another sip. )
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Date: 2022-07-31 09:35 am (UTC)He moves a little closer to Tseng, peering at him with amusement.]
Most do and it's dreadfully boring and sometimes a little weird especially when they're standing right outside my bedroom door all night. But- [Rufus leans a little closer as Tseng takes another sip of his brandy, blue eyes still bright in the low light] - we don't have to make it weird tonight, do we?
[It's dangerous, what he's thinking of, but what's life with a little excitement? He had loved the taste of true danger he had gotten in Junon, the way his heart raced when he knew that it was down to him and Tseng to survive the situation.
Rufus gives him a warm smile, reaching out to brush a stray black hair over Tseng's shoulder, brushing an imaginary piece of lint off.]
I think you're doing wonderfully so far. You may be assigned guard duty on a more permanent basis if Veld thinks you do a good job tonight.
[Rufus isn't sure how far things will go this evening but he's looking forward to finding out. He's not even sure how far he himself wants things to go so that will be another thing to find out as the evening progresses.]
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Date: 2022-08-14 07:24 am (UTC)and if that's true, then the rest of the turks are not subject to this kind of attention; they stand at rufus' door the way that they should, protect him the way they're supposed to, and that should have been his experience all the same. instead. he has a glass of expensive liquor in his hands and the heir of shinra breathing against him like he wants to take a bite right out of him.
steadying himself, he looks down at the brandy in his glass, trying to see his reflection in it. )
You'd love that, wouldn't you? ( and then, as if that may be too bold, too bemused of him: ) Sir.
( he can't help but remember the secret rufus imparted to him; could this be the reason? with little interest in women, of course, that would mean he would be far more interested in something else. or does he only enjoy the chase?
with one smooth hand, he lifts the glass to his lips and swallows. )
Tell me how you intend to pass the evening. I'll see if I want to participate.
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Date: 2022-09-04 05:53 am (UTC)Now that we have had a drink, I should show you around. You haven't been here before and I would hate for you to get lost.
[Rufus's suite isn't that big, he's sure Tseng knows the layout without having been here before, but a personal tour is the least he could do.]
Since it's going to be a long night, we can make ourselves comfortable. My bedroom has the best view in Midgar that will simply take your breath away.
[Not exactly subtle but Rufus doesn't care as he gets up, holding out a hand for Tseng to come with him.]
But if you wish to stay here I won't stop you.
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