( 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.]
( it's boasting, perhaps, or just a strong bluff, but either way, he finds himself meeting it with some measure of distaste--this is the sort of family that shinra is, the sort that takes advantage of luxuries and beautiful things, while the rest of them struggle to make ends meet. as a turk, he's one of the luckier ones, he knows, and should he pass veld's instruction, he will be able to live comfortably, bolstered by money and fear. he's still young enough that the thought of it leaves a small, sour tick at the back of his tongue; he swallows it down easily enough.
the bedroom, of course, would be the first place rufus hopes to take him--he doesn't bother rolling his eyes, but there is a sigh of dismay as he pushes himself up onto his feet. if rufus is moving, then he is required to follow him, lest he get out of his line of sight. it's important to know that the heir is safe, even like this, where the only risk of danger would be in the event of his own betrayal, or dark nation's, and neither are likely.
he ignores the hand, but nods, his head bowing in a playfully demure little gesture. )
Lead the way. I've never had my breath taken away.
( there's a hint of a challenge, almost warm, in his eyes, but he loops his hands at his back and makes to follow rufus out of the room. )
Is it exciting? You've probably felt it plenty of times.
I find that hard to believe but I don't mind being your first.
[Rufus chuckles when Tseng ignores his hand and heads towards the double doors leading to his bedroom. Dark Nation looks up, ears perked up, but lays down when they venture into the bedroom, content there is no threat at the moment.
The double doors lead to a large, dark bedroom that overlooks Midgar. In the low light, the room is bathed in the green light of mako revealing a large, perfectly made bed and neat room.
Everything is in its place and immaculate- the only personal touches in the room are some dog toys scattered across the floor and a large dog bed by the window.]
This is my bedroom, of course. Come-
[Rufus goes over to the window, looking back at Tseng as he waits for him to join him at the window. It was one thing to see it from an office and another to see the view from the intimacy of a dark room where the light seems to glow even brighter.]
It feels like you're almost at the top of the city, doesn't it?
( the room is predictably dark--at once, his gaze narrows in at the corners, as though seeking to determine that they are truly alone. there is no hint of a risk here, nothing that looks out of place outside of the toys that are scattered around, and it doesn't look as though anything has been moved. that is his duty, at least, to ensure that rufus is safe: and once that's done, he can cast his gaze around in a different way.
the bed looks comfortable. he doesn't like that he thinks it, but he also can't help but think it, as his eyes land on it again. the room is cast in the light of the city: but more than that, it's cast in the blue-green light of the mako reactors in the city, something that has him swallowing as he approaches rufus at the window. it makes the city below them look almost lonely; there's so much happening out there, and yet the room is almost eerily quiet.
without thinking, he shakes his head, slightly. ) You are at the top of the city. This room suits your position.
( quietly, his gaze traces over the shapes of buildings and signs below them, through the window. )
Is it usually just the two of you? In here. ( carefully, he looks up at rufus--a flicker of his eyes behind the both of them, to indicate he means dark nation. ) It feels...surreal.
[Rufus looks back at him, trying to read Tseng's expression in the soft light, trying to puzzle out why Tseng would have asked that question.
But then he smiles before looking back down at the city below them. From this high above it looks like a model, something that was a playtoy if he ignored the moving pieces far below]
Come closer- put your forehead against the glass and look down.
[Rufus moves aside for Tseng to let him come up beside him, leaning against the glass.]
It will feel like you're falling or standing right on the edge about ready to step off.
( he scoffs, slightly, and it's there: just the smallest hint of hesitation, something careful, betraying his usual nonchalance. it's not as though he's particularly afraid of heights, but he isn't entirely used to them, either, and there's always that strange lurching feeling when standing above a particular height; it feels like he could fall right through the glass.
still: he isn't one to reject a challenge, as he doubts it's an order. carefully, he comes up besides rufus with a short nod of his chin, and swings his gaze from the man to the view down below.
it's true--it does feel as though he's standing right on the edge, about to step off, and with a soft sound, he turns away from the window. )
... I hope you do not do that often. ( narrowed, his gaze focuses on rufus again. ) Stand so close, and wonder if you might fall. You will never fall, so long as I am here.
Sometimes. It's like escaping for a few moments. For those few moments, I'm free. [Rufus stays where he's at looking down over the city before moving away from the glass slightly, looking at Tseng.
It's hard to read his expression in the dim green light of the dark room. His own expression is thoughtful. He knows it's Tseng job to save him without hesitation, Rufus knew that Tseng meant what he said but something about that statement was different, especially when they were alone like this.
He reaches out to take Tseng's hand, raising it to press his lips against the top of his hand before letting go.]
I'll hold you to that. If I fall, you'll catch me.
[He doesn't know what's going to happen when he puts his plan in motion to take his father's spot but for now it's just them in this dark room in a world of their own.]
( something feels different about this moment, and as much as he wants to scoff at it, or push it aside with the explanation being some method of manipulation, he finds himself at a loss when rufus takes his hand. even worse, he does nothing to prevent the way that rufus' mouth brushes against the top, a kiss that's hardly even a kiss and, in some ways, is the exact opposite of what should be happening.
if anything, he should be the one pledging himself to the touch: he should be on his knee like a knight in a fairytale, bidding rufus his life for the sake of his job, but instead, he stands at a distance and rufus lowers his head for him.
that's the sort of mistake that would make an assassin's job easy, he thinks, but doubts that anyone will be aiming a sniper rifle through the tallest windows of the shinra building at this hour, or will be close enough to see such a thing. instead, he finds himself bewildered with the complicated rush of feeling in his stomach; he doesn't like it, and stiffly, he lets his arm fall to his side.
if i fall, you'll catch me.
someday, those words will mean so much more. years and years from now, rufus will fall from the side of a building and tseng, injured and pained and desperate to save him, will catch him. for now, he nods, a clipped movement to agree with the sentiment. )
The drink might be a good idea after all. ( his voice is a bit quiet, almost hushed. ) Where would you like to enjoy it, sir? Here, or back at the table?
[There was something intimate about being able to see those fleeting moments when Tseng was off his guard.
Rufus had thought that it would be just a game, something to amuse himself with to see how he could throw Tseng off balance but there was something more to it, something he couldn't put his finger on.]
Yes, I agree. We'll have our drinks in here.
[He knew Tseng would protest or decline so he didn't give him the chance to, moving around him as he headed towards the bathroom as if he wasn't in a hurry and needed a moment to catch his breath.
He quickly changed, opting for loose black pajama pants and a white linen robe before coming out, settling on the bed to scroll on his phone as he waited for Tseng. This was far beyond any sense of professionalism but something made Rufus want to see how far they would cross that line.
When Tseng comes in Rufus sits up, puts his phone aside, and crosses his legs on the bed. He patted the space beside him with a smile.]
Sit with me, it would be weird if you stood over me when it's just us and there is plenty of room.
( it's true that he wants to argue, and yet he realizes, belatedly, that he shouldn't have even given rufus the choice. if he had instructed them to return to the other room, would rufus have protested? it's frustrating in a way to realize that somehow he's being manipulated without rufus even doing a damn thing; his actions are changing, adjusted to the way that rufus adjusts the situation rather than being deliberate, or based on his own needs to change the situation to fit his favor. and he's annoyed with himself, mouth pressing together against a sigh as rufus moves to the bathroom and he loses his opportunity.
it doesn't matter. he shouldn't argue with the shinra heir: that's not going to get him anywhere, and it may even get him into trouble.
so he does as he's bid, escaping rufus' bedroom quietly so that he can move back to the other room for their glasses--and, after a moment of consideration, he decides to take the decanter as well. hooking it into the crook of his elbow, he returns to the bedroom to find rufus dressed down and seated on the bed; his eyes glance up the length of rufus' body, then back down again. )
...Very well.
( to tseng's credit, he takes a seat on the edge of the bed to start, at least: politely, he passes rufus his glass first, setting the decanter down at his feet before he brings his own glass up to his lips and takes one slow, long swallow. )
It seems strange to me that you're spending your evening alone, though...
( --with what rufus told him, earlier, perhaps it makes sense. )
...I suppose no one has caught your eye, just yet.
What should I be spending my evenings doing instead?
[Rufus notices where Tseng's eyes venture, smiling a little as he takes the glass, taking a moment to take a drink.
He gives Tseng an amused look, raising an eyebrow.]
Ah yes, I should be spending my nights with some pretty socialite who I seduced with my money and position. But unfortunately for them, what I told you the other night was actually the truth. The act is just that, an act.
[The darkness in his room gives him a little protection to let go of the barriers he had build up around himself, barriers that Tseng seemed very adapt at getting around.
Or maybe Rufus was letting him, sharing with Tseng things that he had never dared share with anyone else. Either possibility was something he wasn't going to dwelling on tonight.]
I never said that no one has ever caught my eye, however.
[He wiggles his eyebrows at Tseng, making a show of dramatically flattering his eye lashes in a corny, exaggerated manner before taking another drink with a grin.
He leans forward a little to look closely at Tseng then, meeting his gaze.]
But if we're playing the truth game, you have to participate as well.
[He gestures towards the decanter Tseng had brought with him.]
And look, we have just the thing to give us liquid courage. Unless, of course, you have a different game for us to play.
( years later, his understanding of rufus will mean that he ends up smiling almost wryly every time the man decides to go off on some elaborate, obvious lie or make complaints about his status; for now, the stark truth of rufus' words despite their playful delivery means that his gaze moves up, studying, almost like he's trying to see how much to believe and how much he should take as truth. it's just like rufus said before, then: the act is just that, an act. there aren't pretty women tumbling into his bed that he dotes on with money and expensive jewelry--there is this wide room with that wide beast, huge windows and the glowing lights of a city that will someday be under his thumb.
it sobers him a little, wondering just how lonely rufus is. or if that even matters. with a glance, he looks at the glass in his hands, turning it slightly to see the reflection of the liquor, before he brings it back to his lips for a humbling swallow. )
...A game, why must everything be a game. ( there's a sigh on his breath, and given that he's nearly the picture of a night of no fun, he considers leaving it at that. but rufus is looking at him in a way that feels like he wants to pull back all his layers and reach inside to take what shouldn't be shown to anyone; that makes him a little nervous, a small, quick flutter of breath before he shakes his head a little. ) Very well.
I am sure you're familiar with the 'truth or drink' game, and if not, the rules are quite simple.
( speaking of--with his glass in one hand, he bends slightly to snag the decanter up with his other hand, reaching across the bed to top off rufus' glass, first, before adding to his own and returning the decanter to the ground between his feet. )
One person asks a question, and the other person can either answer the question, or drink. Then it switches to the other person's turn. Given that you seem rather keen to give up information tonight...
( with a swallow, tseng squares his shoulders, as though he's steadying himself for the worst. )
All of life is a game, Tseng. Ours are just a bit more fun and certainly more illuminating.
[Rufus holds out his glass for Tseng to fill it, pleased that Tseng is willing to make the night interesting.
He knows that he has an early meeting with his father tomorrow that he shouldn't do with a hangover but with any luck, he'll be just hungover and tired enough he would be able to get through it in one piece.
He sits up a little more, looking thoughtful as he thinks about what he would like to ask.]
I get to ask you anything I want?
[Rufus takes a moment to think, swirling the liquid in his glass thoughtfully as he peers over at Tseng thoughtfully.
Rufus had tried to do research on Tseng when he had pulled his file but it had been less than informative. But there was only so much a file could contain, there was so much more he wanted to learn about Tseng than what could be written on a piece of paper.
It's difficult to read Tseng's expression in the dark but Rufus hopes that will give Rufus a glimpse under that facade that is almost flawless. He's seen bits in the cracks but he wants to know who Tseng is beside the man in the suit.]
Since you know about my family I want to know about yours. Parents, siblings, the family dog if you had one.
( it's the sort of question that surprises him, if only because it feels so--well, tame compared to what rufus could ask. he's sure that he has a whole list of embarrassing things he's dying to get out of him, the sort of things that will likely have him with a stomach full of whiskey and a few poor hours of drunken sleep on the job, something he's never done before and hopefully never will. to ask about his family feels more personal, like he's trying to understand the way that tseng is as a person rather than what he's done or will do.
grimacing, he looks down into his glass, considering it--before he lets out a soft sigh. )
Very well. There isn't much to say about it, I'm afraid, so the tale of it is rather boring.
( and the liquor in his glass is looking more and more tempting. ) I had parents, of course. A sister as well. Younger. We did not keep any pets, but that isn't because I dislike animals. My mother was...very kind. Intelligent.
My father was very prideful, but a very fair man. He raised me to respect the lives of people, plants, animals...The world itself, I suppose.
( clearing his throat, he doesn't look at rufus--almost like he's embarrassed, or perhaps annoyed that he admitted anything at all. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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Date: 2022-09-07 01:11 am (UTC)the bedroom, of course, would be the first place rufus hopes to take him--he doesn't bother rolling his eyes, but there is a sigh of dismay as he pushes himself up onto his feet. if rufus is moving, then he is required to follow him, lest he get out of his line of sight. it's important to know that the heir is safe, even like this, where the only risk of danger would be in the event of his own betrayal, or dark nation's, and neither are likely.
he ignores the hand, but nods, his head bowing in a playfully demure little gesture. )
Lead the way. I've never had my breath taken away.
( there's a hint of a challenge, almost warm, in his eyes, but he loops his hands at his back and makes to follow rufus out of the room. )
Is it exciting? You've probably felt it plenty of times.
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Date: 2022-09-09 06:14 am (UTC)[Rufus chuckles when Tseng ignores his hand and heads towards the double doors leading to his bedroom. Dark Nation looks up, ears perked up, but lays down when they venture into the bedroom, content there is no threat at the moment.
The double doors lead to a large, dark bedroom that overlooks Midgar. In the low light, the room is bathed in the green light of mako revealing a large, perfectly made bed and neat room.
Everything is in its place and immaculate- the only personal touches in the room are some dog toys scattered across the floor and a large dog bed by the window.]
This is my bedroom, of course. Come-
[Rufus goes over to the window, looking back at Tseng as he waits for him to join him at the window. It was one thing to see it from an office and another to see the view from the intimacy of a dark room where the light seems to glow even brighter.]
It feels like you're almost at the top of the city, doesn't it?
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Date: 2022-09-11 10:55 pm (UTC)the bed looks comfortable. he doesn't like that he thinks it, but he also can't help but think it, as his eyes land on it again. the room is cast in the light of the city: but more than that, it's cast in the blue-green light of the mako reactors in the city, something that has him swallowing as he approaches rufus at the window. it makes the city below them look almost lonely; there's so much happening out there, and yet the room is almost eerily quiet.
without thinking, he shakes his head, slightly. ) You are at the top of the city. This room suits your position.
( quietly, his gaze traces over the shapes of buildings and signs below them, through the window. )
Is it usually just the two of you? In here. ( carefully, he looks up at rufus--a flicker of his eyes behind the both of them, to indicate he means dark nation. ) It feels...surreal.
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Date: 2022-09-12 04:58 am (UTC)[Rufus looks back at him, trying to read Tseng's expression in the soft light, trying to puzzle out why Tseng would have asked that question.
But then he smiles before looking back down at the city below them. From this high above it looks like a model, something that was a playtoy if he ignored the moving pieces far below]
Come closer- put your forehead against the glass and look down.
[Rufus moves aside for Tseng to let him come up beside him, leaning against the glass.]
It will feel like you're falling or standing right on the edge about ready to step off.
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Date: 2022-10-10 12:57 am (UTC)( he scoffs, slightly, and it's there: just the smallest hint of hesitation, something careful, betraying his usual nonchalance. it's not as though he's particularly afraid of heights, but he isn't entirely used to them, either, and there's always that strange lurching feeling when standing above a particular height; it feels like he could fall right through the glass.
still: he isn't one to reject a challenge, as he doubts it's an order. carefully, he comes up besides rufus with a short nod of his chin, and swings his gaze from the man to the view down below.
it's true--it does feel as though he's standing right on the edge, about to step off, and with a soft sound, he turns away from the window. )
... I hope you do not do that often. ( narrowed, his gaze focuses on rufus again. ) Stand so close, and wonder if you might fall. You will never fall, so long as I am here.
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Date: 2022-10-12 09:16 am (UTC)It's hard to read his expression in the dim green light of the dark room. His own expression is thoughtful. He knows it's Tseng job to save him without hesitation, Rufus knew that Tseng meant what he said but something about that statement was different, especially when they were alone like this.
He reaches out to take Tseng's hand, raising it to press his lips against the top of his hand before letting go.]
I'll hold you to that. If I fall, you'll catch me.
[He doesn't know what's going to happen when he puts his plan in motion to take his father's spot but for now it's just them in this dark room in a world of their own.]
I owe you my life already.
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Date: 2022-11-28 07:16 am (UTC)if anything, he should be the one pledging himself to the touch: he should be on his knee like a knight in a fairytale, bidding rufus his life for the sake of his job, but instead, he stands at a distance and rufus lowers his head for him.
that's the sort of mistake that would make an assassin's job easy, he thinks, but doubts that anyone will be aiming a sniper rifle through the tallest windows of the shinra building at this hour, or will be close enough to see such a thing. instead, he finds himself bewildered with the complicated rush of feeling in his stomach; he doesn't like it, and stiffly, he lets his arm fall to his side.
if i fall, you'll catch me.
someday, those words will mean so much more. years and years from now, rufus will fall from the side of a building and tseng, injured and pained and desperate to save him, will catch him. for now, he nods, a clipped movement to agree with the sentiment. )
The drink might be a good idea after all. ( his voice is a bit quiet, almost hushed. ) Where would you like to enjoy it, sir? Here, or back at the table?
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Date: 2022-12-01 03:33 am (UTC)Rufus had thought that it would be just a game, something to amuse himself with to see how he could throw Tseng off balance but there was something more to it, something he couldn't put his finger on.]
Yes, I agree. We'll have our drinks in here.
[He knew Tseng would protest or decline so he didn't give him the chance to, moving around him as he headed towards the bathroom as if he wasn't in a hurry and needed a moment to catch his breath.
He quickly changed, opting for loose black pajama pants and a white linen robe before coming out, settling on the bed to scroll on his phone as he waited for Tseng. This was far beyond any sense of professionalism but something made Rufus want to see how far they would cross that line.
When Tseng comes in Rufus sits up, puts his phone aside, and crosses his legs on the bed. He patted the space beside him with a smile.]
Sit with me, it would be weird if you stood over me when it's just us and there is plenty of room.
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Date: 2022-12-05 01:40 am (UTC)it doesn't matter. he shouldn't argue with the shinra heir: that's not going to get him anywhere, and it may even get him into trouble.
so he does as he's bid, escaping rufus' bedroom quietly so that he can move back to the other room for their glasses--and, after a moment of consideration, he decides to take the decanter as well. hooking it into the crook of his elbow, he returns to the bedroom to find rufus dressed down and seated on the bed; his eyes glance up the length of rufus' body, then back down again. )
...Very well.
( to tseng's credit, he takes a seat on the edge of the bed to start, at least: politely, he passes rufus his glass first, setting the decanter down at his feet before he brings his own glass up to his lips and takes one slow, long swallow. )
It seems strange to me that you're spending your evening alone, though...
( --with what rufus told him, earlier, perhaps it makes sense. )
...I suppose no one has caught your eye, just yet.
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Date: 2022-12-06 07:03 am (UTC)[Rufus notices where Tseng's eyes venture, smiling a little as he takes the glass, taking a moment to take a drink.
He gives Tseng an amused look, raising an eyebrow.]
Ah yes, I should be spending my nights with some pretty socialite who I seduced with my money and position. But unfortunately for them, what I told you the other night was actually the truth. The act is just that, an act.
[The darkness in his room gives him a little protection to let go of the barriers he had build up around himself, barriers that Tseng seemed very adapt at getting around.
Or maybe Rufus was letting him, sharing with Tseng things that he had never dared share with anyone else. Either possibility was something he wasn't going to dwelling on tonight.]
I never said that no one has ever caught my eye, however.
[He wiggles his eyebrows at Tseng, making a show of dramatically flattering his eye lashes in a corny, exaggerated manner before taking another drink with a grin.
He leans forward a little to look closely at Tseng then, meeting his gaze.]
But if we're playing the truth game, you have to participate as well.
[He gestures towards the decanter Tseng had brought with him.]
And look, we have just the thing to give us liquid courage. Unless, of course, you have a different game for us to play.
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Date: 2022-12-12 02:15 am (UTC)it sobers him a little, wondering just how lonely rufus is. or if that even matters. with a glance, he looks at the glass in his hands, turning it slightly to see the reflection of the liquor, before he brings it back to his lips for a humbling swallow. )
...A game, why must everything be a game. ( there's a sigh on his breath, and given that he's nearly the picture of a night of no fun, he considers leaving it at that. but rufus is looking at him in a way that feels like he wants to pull back all his layers and reach inside to take what shouldn't be shown to anyone; that makes him a little nervous, a small, quick flutter of breath before he shakes his head a little. ) Very well.
I am sure you're familiar with the 'truth or drink' game, and if not, the rules are quite simple.
( speaking of--with his glass in one hand, he bends slightly to snag the decanter up with his other hand, reaching across the bed to top off rufus' glass, first, before adding to his own and returning the decanter to the ground between his feet. )
One person asks a question, and the other person can either answer the question, or drink. Then it switches to the other person's turn. Given that you seem rather keen to give up information tonight...
( with a swallow, tseng squares his shoulders, as though he's steadying himself for the worst. )
...You can ask me, first. Go on then.
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Date: 2022-12-12 08:28 am (UTC)[Rufus holds out his glass for Tseng to fill it, pleased that Tseng is willing to make the night interesting.
He knows that he has an early meeting with his father tomorrow that he shouldn't do with a hangover but with any luck, he'll be just hungover and tired enough he would be able to get through it in one piece.
He sits up a little more, looking thoughtful as he thinks about what he would like to ask.]
I get to ask you anything I want?
[Rufus takes a moment to think, swirling the liquid in his glass thoughtfully as he peers over at Tseng thoughtfully.
Rufus had tried to do research on Tseng when he had pulled his file but it had been less than informative. But there was only so much a file could contain, there was so much more he wanted to learn about Tseng than what could be written on a piece of paper.
It's difficult to read Tseng's expression in the dark but Rufus hopes that will give Rufus a glimpse under that facade that is almost flawless. He's seen bits in the cracks but he wants to know who Tseng is beside the man in the suit.]
Since you know about my family I want to know about yours. Parents, siblings, the family dog if you had one.
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Date: 2022-12-18 06:24 am (UTC)grimacing, he looks down into his glass, considering it--before he lets out a soft sigh. )
Very well. There isn't much to say about it, I'm afraid, so the tale of it is rather boring.
( and the liquor in his glass is looking more and more tempting. ) I had parents, of course. A sister as well. Younger. We did not keep any pets, but that isn't because I dislike animals. My mother was...very kind. Intelligent.
My father was very prideful, but a very fair man. He raised me to respect the lives of people, plants, animals...The world itself, I suppose.
( clearing his throat, he doesn't look at rufus--almost like he's embarrassed, or perhaps annoyed that he admitted anything at all. )
Does that suffice?
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