[Everyting hurt when he came to. Rufus had to give his kidnappers some credit for being able to pull this off so far- he hadn't seen the blow to his head coming and by the time he had regained consciousness, he was bound in the back of some vehicle with a bag over his head that prevented him from seeing or hearing anything clearly. He tried to figure out what turns the car was making but gives up when he realizes that he most likely was unconscious for a while, he has no way of knowing where in Midgar they are, if they are in the city at all.
He almost has to laugh despite his current circumstances. Veld had always scolded him for being reckless and putting himself in danger, saying that something like this was going to happen one day and Rufus would come to regret it. He had been warned that while the Turks would always do their best to protect him, there was only so much that they could do, especially if Rufus was determined to make their lives difficult by his reckless antics.
He's scared, certainly. He's not dead yet so he figures that these people are looking to keep him alive at least long enough to see what kind of money they could get out of his father. He knew that his father was a businessman first and foremost, however, he would want to pay to get his one legitimate heir back but he would make sure he got a bargain beforehand. He had to be prepared that he might be here awhile.
That led him to the next realization- he had to survive at all costs until he was either freed or the Turks find him. Just because his captors needed him alive didn't mean that there aren't other possibilities. But he refuses to cower, he refuses to show fear even when they arrive at the destination, the hood is ripped from his face and he's shoved into a dark, dirty room. If they are hoping to get any kind of begging or tears from Rufus, they will be disappointed.
Days pass. His continued definence is an endless source of frustration for his kidnappers but he holds onto each ounce of strength no matter what. His father never made any secret that he thought Rufus was weak and pathetic, Rufus would make a point to prove him wrong. He would survive, he would wait for any moment to make his escape.
That opportunity came one day when he wakes suddenly to what he thinks is a gunshot. For a moment he lays there, wondering if he's dreaming but then there is another one followed by a muffled thud. Possibilities run through his head, perhaps one of the Turks, perhaps some rival thug looking to take control of this operation.
Either way, he's going to take no chances when the door suddenly opens and there is a dark figure in the doorway. Rufus is prepared and throws his weight at the man before he has a chance to react. This could be his only chance to escape. For a moment he holds the other man down, prepared to fight tooth and nail before he stops.
It takes him a moment for Rufus to register who he's sitting on, eyes moving up the black suit, the slightly long black hair, and deep brown eyes. Huh.
Well, this had just gotten a lot more interesting. He grins, staying right where he is for the moment.]
[ It's no surprise to him that he's come this far already--that he's clawed his way up from the sea of rosy-cheeked recruits just looking to be part of something bigger than themselves, the desperate throng of those seeking violence or the excitement of espionage, that he's neatly side-stepped falling into any shadows of suspicion or disappointment. It's true that he may have his own reasons for wanting to join the Turks, but those are reasons he keeps close to his chest, so far away from anything his tongue says or his eyes smile with, that it's nearly unreadable and impossible to pin down exactly why he's working so hard, or why it comes as no surprise to anyone that he's at the right hand of Veld before anyone else can make it.
Pending retirement--though that, really, is a joke as much as anything else is, given that there's really only one way to leave the Turks and he knows it--he thinks he'll be the one in charge. The one calling all the shots. And that, somehow, is enticing enough that he doesn't care how much everyone else hates him for being good.
That's not to say there aren't aspects of the job that irritate him. There's plenty, including the apparent need to have a partner for most things, and while he knows there are those among his ranks that work better together--he doesn't think Reno would be nearly as lethal without Rude there to tether him down--he hates the idea of having to depend on anyone. He works better alone: or with a team below him. And as much as it becomes clear that he should be doing something more, he earns respect simply by performing. He doesn't have the kind of sweetness that will get him far by way of a good personality; he's simply good at his job, and the honeyed words he says come only at the expense of the acid they hold.
Even more irritating, of course, is the president's son--who, apparently, can't keep himself out of trouble long enough for Tseng to take a breath. It's an important mission, he's told, to go and retrieve the young heir, but to him it's just another thing on the list of annoying things that he doesn't want to have to deal with. Assassinating a bunch of kidnappers? Isn't that child's play? So maybe he thinks a little too highly of himself--maybe he's giving his skills a little too much credit. Because infiltrating the base where Rufus is kept is one thing, but it's a whole other thing entirely to kill--his hand is shaking before he even realizes it, and though the first man goes down with ease, the second and the third suffer from his lack of precise aim. They die a rather painful death, rather than the clean shot through the head--but he's still young, he's learning.
Just like he's learning, still, that Rufus Shinra can be an even bigger pain in the ass--when he opens the door and has the entire weight of the other launching at him, catching him by surprise as his knees buckle and he hits the ground.]
You're a nuisance.
[ He says, his eyes narrowed, as he stares up at Rufus--there's a bit of blood splatter on his face, staining the collar of his suit, and a bit of his chin-length hair sticks to his jaw with sweat. ]
If you would, sir, I would like you rescue you, but I cannot take you from here if you insist on sitting on me.
Are you going to sweep me off my feet like I'm a damsel in distress?
[He still doesn't move yet, reaching out to touch some of the blood splatters on Tseng's cheek without thinking about it, mesmorized. His gaze shifts to the bodies around them and this time he can't control his expression as his eyes widen.
He had lived a sheltered life up until this point. Anything unpleasant was kept away from him, he was to be protected from the harsh realities of what Shinra did outside of the public light until his father deemed that he was ready to know the truth. It was one thing to read about death but it was an entirely different thing to see the reality in front of him.
There are no tears, no nausea twisting his stomach at the grisley scene. He didn't feel fe He finally stands though, holding out a hand to help Tseng up.]
I can't say I feel sorry for them. They had to know this was a possibility when they kidnapped me. [he remarks as his eyes move away from the bodies to look back at Tseng. He felt almost nothing. No relief, no fear as he would have expected to feel at this moment. Maybe it would sink in later once the adrenaline wore off and he would have a stronger reaction but he felt oddly calm at the moment.
Perhaps it was just the adrenaline and the realization that he wasn't in danger of his kidnappers deciding he was more trouble than he was worth or something else happening to him hadn't truly sunk in. It was easier and more practical to focus on Tseng, taking in the details of the blood soaking into the fabric of a spotless white shirt, the way black hair fell to narrow shoulders.
But there was something in Tseng's eyes that drew Rufus in, he wanted to know more about this Turk he hadn't met before. Clearly, he was someone Veld trusted if he had been given the mission to rescue the heir to the throne instead of Reno and Rude who he was familiar with.
There was some emotional reaction that he felt suddenly but it was something he didn't recognize. He gives Tseng a smile instead, brushing off the sleeve of suit that was hopelessly dirty and stained. It wasn't as if his kidnappers did his laundry or give him any kind of change of clothes but he acted as if it didn't matter.]
Well, I'm ready to be rescued. You don't have to sweep me off my feet if you don't want to, I'm not hurt. But I wouldn't say no.
[Flirting a little despite the danger of the situation? He can't help himself.]
Edited (oops missing words) Date: 2021-01-04 04:16 am (UTC)
( surprisingly, the words come out far less controlled than he would like them to be--there's amusement there, yes, but a bit more vitriol than he can hide away, a little too much realness that he immediately hates. truthfully, he can't tell whether it would be more or less annoying, were rufus to be a girl instead; he would perhaps feel about ten times more awkward about being so flippant to a female, though if she had rufus shinra's personality, maybe it wouldn't matter so much after all. still, he takes the hand to help him back to his feet, letting go the moment he's steady on the heels of his smart black shoes, reaching up pointedly to adjust his tie. it feels a bit tighter now, around his neck, or maybe it's just the result of the sweat beading up beneath the collar of his shirt. maybe it's the fact that he'd like to rip all his clothes off, be rid of the blood staining his shirt from the bodies around them. still--he has to fight through the feeling. after all, this is what being a turk is about, right?
rufus doesn't look much better, anyway; he knows that the heir is a sucker for all sorts of pristine white prints and delicate fabric and other ridiculous choices that have, in the past, made him roll his eyes just to hear about them. here, now, after days spent surely reviling in this dank, dirty little room, he looks dusty and worn out, streaks of staining along his sleeves and down his waist, some on his knees. at the very least, as tseng gives him a cursory up-and-down, he doesn't look injured--which means that he may get even higher praise for returning the heir to the shinra building unharmed. )
Just try to keep up. ( --is the answer he gives, curt and to the point. was that... flirting? how can someone still flirt when under such duress? or is it that rufus just doesn't understand how serious this is? annoyed, tseng turns away from him, moves back to the door and elbows it open, slightly, checking the hall. )
I secured an exit route earlier, but we'll have to be quick about it.
( and then, begrudgingly, he stretches out a gloved hand in rufus' direction, offering it to him to take. his other is occupied with pulling one of pistols from the holster beneath his jacket. )
[Rufus doesn't hesitate to reach out to take Tseng's hand, letting his fingers curl around it. It's not difficult to tell that Tseng is bothered by something more than just the rescue operation at hand by the curt responses he receives and he laughs inwardly, wondering if he's already gotten under Tseng's skin.
But the next moment he's distracted by the sounds of shouting and men running towards their position. The danger makes his heart race and his first thought is wondering if Tseng feels the same, his heart beating as hard as Rufus's is. This is a rush he could easily get addicted to despite the danger. He could be killed, they both could. But when he squeezes Tseng's hand and leans in closer, his lips just a whisper away from Tseng's neck, it's not out of fear.]
It's brave that you came here alone to rescue me and while I don't doubt your abilities, you need someone to back you up.
[He lets go of Tseng's hand to turn back towards the fallen kidnappers. It takes a little bit of effort to pry one of the larger guns from the hands of one of the dead men, ignoring the blood on it even when it smears against his white suit.
He had once asked Veld if he could learn to shoot to at least be able to defend himself but had been given a stern lecture about responsibility and that he would teach him when Rufus was more mature.
But Veld wasn't here and it seems they're about to be overrun as the voices get louder. He doesn't think it should be too difficult to figure out how to use the gun even though it's heavier in his hands than he had expected.][He gives Tseng a wink as he returns to his side eagerly, staying just behind him. He doesn't care or seem to remember that he's still covered in dirt and now blood, he's caught up in how it feels to hold the gun close, how he's almost pressed against Tseng's side so he could see out the door as well.]
Just tell me where to point and shoot- I think I can manage that enough. You will teach me properly later.
( the sound makes him curse--he'd really thought they'd have more time than this, perhaps enough to sneak out without being realized, but that's wishful thinking that he shouldn't be afforded, and just another one of those things he'll have to work to break out of his mindset. he should be more prepared than this, should be used to it, should have anticipated a messy escape from the beginning, and veld would scold him about it if he were here. instead, there's the whisper of rufus' voice, so close to his skin that he can feel himself almost prickle in complaint; and he knows precisely what rufus is about to do before he even does it.
and that it's definitely one of the things veld told him to be absolutely certain didn't happen at all.
but what the hell is he supposed to do? wrench that gun out of rufus' hands, smack him on the knuckles and tell him no? that's a parent's job, that's not what he's here for. he doesn't want to play leader any more than he truly wants to in this place with rufus, doesn't want to have to scold him, and more than that, he doesn't necessarily want to earn the ire of someone who could make his life very difficult in the future--should he himself live long enough to see it.
so, with rufus practically nestled into his side, he just gives an impatient, disapproving huff--and turns back to look out the door. )
Will I, now. ( his voice is low and quiet, dry as firewood. ) What an exciting prospect.
( his free hand moves to elbow the door open, slightly; his other hand grips for rufus, feels for his arm and gives it a pointed squeeze. )
Back to back. You cover behind us, I'll cover in front of us. If I say run, you run.
( is rufus even listening? does it matter? commanding, tseng flings the door open all the way, steps out into the hall, and immediately fires off a shot, nailing a man right between the eyes. he hopes he doesn't have to tell rufus to follow after him, now; another man turns the corner, and tseng nails him, too, nails him and keeps moving forward, clearing the path ahead of them with relatively little trouble for the time being. )
[Rufus can't hold in a soft laugh as Tseng steps out of the door. He only pauses a moment as he watches Tseng take out a man with a perfect shot right between the eyes.
He may be a little impressed. He's heard rumors of what the Turks do and though Veld has always refused to tell him any of the grisly details he had picked up a few things from details Reno would let slip. This mission must be beneath someone of Tseng's skill even if he's rescuing the President's son.
The gun is heavy in his hands but he doesn't hesitate to take up position as Tseng dictates without any protest. When another thug runs up to them from behind Rufus brings the gun up, his finger on the trigger. There is no hesitation to think about what he's doing when he pulls the trigger. He feels the recoil of the gun going into his shoulder but that doesn't keep him from moving on with Tseng, the only confirmation he hit his mark was the cry of pain, then silence behind him as they move ahead.
Everything hits him as once as soon as they make it outside without further opposition. Fresh air, bright light, the blood splatter that showed bright even against his dirty white suit. His shoulder aches, he's clutching the gun too tightly. But he knows that he doesn't want to give up flush of power that had surged through him when he had pulled the trigger. Learning to hone his skill will be something of his own, separate from the role his father has set out for him already.
The gun stays in his hands as he follows Tseng down a narrow alleyway but he's focused on the Turk now that they don't seem to be in any immediate danger anymore.]
So, does my dashing hero have a name or will you be my handsome dark and mysterious stranger?
[He already has plans to dig up any information on Tseng that he was able to as soon as he got back to the Shinra Building but he's curious to see what Tseng is willing to share about himself.]
( honestly, it surprises him, somewhat, how little instruction he has to give rufus: he hears the gunshot, crisp and loud behind him, just as he feels the way it backfires, the jerk of the shotgun into rufus' shoulder and then, slightly, the way their own bodies brush together because of it. he could have warned him, probably, maybe should have, but if the young heir wants to learn how to do things on his own terms, who is he to stop him? better, and easier, to learn regrets by experience rather than simply by being prevented to do something. so he doesn't say anything, continues to clear the path ahead of them with the careful precision that's gotten him this far to begin with. there aren't too many men left over, but there's enough that he has to use his free hand to pull at rufus' elbow, keeping him from tripping over the bodies as they continue on.
the sudden onslaught of sunlight, even to his eyes, is enough to have him wince, as they make it outside--but there's no time for either of them to adjust. rather, he's gesturing silently for rufus to continue to follow him, out across the small parking lot and down to where there's a cluster of other buildings, slipping them both into the safe darkness of an alley. there, he presses his back against the dirty concrete, fingers working at his weapon to drop the spent clip into his hand and start, methodically, swapping it out for a full one.
the words make his eyes go up, narrowed, before dropping back down to his work. )
The praise is inappropriate. ( matter-of-fact, though there's a hint of amusement in his voice. ) You're not a princess, are you? So you don't need a hero.
( still, there's no harm in giving his name: surely he'll have to, once they make it back to the shinra building, and there's nothing to keep rufus from looking up his file once they get there, either. it's a secret that won't remain a secret for long, anyway, so what's the point?
still, he hears it before rufus does: the sound of someone rushing past, on the street, and immediately, he straightens, reaches out to put a leather-gloved hand across rufus' mouth, silencing any protest. the moment goes on for as long as it takes the sound to disappear; he drops his hand after that, brushes it off wordlessly against his pant leg as though rufus may have dirtied it with his breath. )
Tseng. ( he says, as he's jerking his gaze out towards the opening of the alley. ) We may need to find a place to stay before we head back.
Not a name he will forget. He doesn't respond when Tseng puts a hand over his mouth, keeping his eyes on Tseng's instead of the person rushing past them. It wasn't fear that made his heart beat hard in his throat.
But he stays quiet until the sounds of the other people around fades, only quietly scoffing with amusement as he watches Tseng wiping his hand against his pants. He knew that he was dirty after days without at least a shower but really.
Tseng fascinates him- Rude and Reno had their own mysteries but Rufus knows them well enough by now to know, enough that he needs to know. He can't help but wonder what may lay behind those dark eyes now and the possibilities send a thrill of excitement through him. Tseng's company files, even the ones only accessible to a few in the company, wouldn't tell him nearly enough.
But that is a matter for later- there will be time to do his research when they make it back to the company. He keeps the gun in his hands just in case, not wanting to let it go. There could still be people after them and then there was the fact that he didn't want to let it go so soon.]
If we're going to be out here for much longer then perhaps it may be a good idea to get me a change of clothes and find somewhere to clean off.
Even if someone doesn't recognize me, being covered in blood will attract attention I doubt we want.
[Not to mention he doesn't like feeling dirty and those days in that dark room had stretched on. He supposes that he could endure another day without lounging in a luxurious bath but that doesn't mean he has to like looking- and smelling- like he does at the moment. It's not exactly much of a turn on so he supposes he can't blame Tseng for wiping his hand.]
Where are we anyway? The sooner we find a place the better.
( the unfortunate truth is that rufus is right. they're too noticeable in this place: the least of all being that rufus is covered in dirt and blood and looks to be thrumming with the excitement of a good four cups of coffee. he needs a shower, yes, and a change of clothes wouldn't be a bad idea, either; and tseng doesn't like that something that had sounded so simple, ordered from veld's lips, has now become something lengthy and complicated, as though this is the sort of mission that will take days to complete. can't he just drag rufus shinra to the doors of the shinra building and leave him there like a kitten in a basket? surely that should be enough? his lips purse, trying to level out a sigh without letting it escape outright. )
Near the outskirts of Junon, if you'll believe it.
( not exactly the smartest place to have kidnapped the heir of shinra, but he's not exactly calling any of those kidnappers geniuses to begin with. the whole thing has been sloppy work, all of it. )
There are approximately three inns in this tiny place, and I already know one of them is off the table.
( he's not going to say why--but his eyes dart out beyond the alley, ascertaining, considering, mentally going over the map of this place in his head as though his memory will be far more reliable than what his eyes can see. pointedly, he reaches to tuck his gun back into his holster, smoothing out his suit jacket before he nods, pointedly, to rufus. )
Hide that away somewhere. And act natural. ( does the heir apparent even know what natural means? he highly doubts it. but toting around a shotgun, gripping it like his life depends on it: that's going to draw attention. but tseng isn't going to ask him to drop it, and he's not going to take it, either; if rufus wants to keep it, then rufus needs to learn what to do with it. whether he does or not, tseng eases past him to take the lead, slipping out of the alley as though he's leaving a building or another street, casual and calm, and lets his hands hang loose at his sides as he moves down the path with steps that are pointed only to someone who knows his usual gait. to anyone else, they may simply seem brisk.
it's all a ruse, because inside he's annoyed: inside, he's afraid that if they don't move quick enough, the men will circle back for them, and he doesn't know what he's supposed to do in that scenario. he only has so many contingencies mapped out, and surprisingly only a small number of them included having to haul rufus shinra to an inn room for the night. still: it's not a bad idea, is it? the men probably think they're trying to hightail it to junon proper; better to linger here, without too much suspicion, and he elbows open the door of the inn only so that he can reach for rufus, take him by the elbow, and practically push him through the doorway, following in after to close it behind him. )
Go on, then. ( he murmurs, soft and sharp and amused, just beyond rufus' shoulder. ) Show me you know how to be normal, and get us a room, now.
[Act natural. He's certain Tseng is mocking him. He's Rufus Shinra- he doesn't know the first thing about how to be common. What he considers normal is something that most people couldn't even begin to imagine.
But he's not going to let Tseng get the best of him so easily and get the satisfaction of seeing him flounder around out of his depth. He does obey the direction to hide away the shotgun the best he's able to while keeping up with him. He takes in every detail of where they are- nothing about this is similar to the life he lives high above the Plate in Midgar and he knows that once they get back, he's going to be locked away for a long time under Veld's watchful eye. He's going to take in every bit of this experience and despite the danger, they're still in, he's going to make the most of it.
He lets Tseng maneuver him into the door of the inn but he only hesitates for just a moment as a plan falls into place in his mind. Act normal, ha. If Tseng wants his version of normal then Rufus is more than happy to oblige]
Follow my lead then. It will be weird if you just loom over my shoulder.
[There is no warning as he grabs Tseng's hand and drags him along the way to the front desk where a wary desk clerk watches them approach. He's put on acts his entire life, he learned early on how important it was that he presents the perfect facade not only to the world but to his father and the executives. This was just another role he has to play.
There is only a breath of hesitation to gather his thoughts as he pulls Tseng closer, as if they were lovers. Appearances were everything.
He doesn't hold back in how he flirts with the desk clerk, giving the man long looks under blond lashes, every small gesture seemingly mindless but carefully done to keep the intention on him as he explains that he and Tseng just got into a little bit of trouble on their adventurous night out and how it would be wonderful if they were able to stay somewhere they could have a little fun tonight, somewhere there wouldn't be any questions.
Once a deal is reached, he glances at Tseng, pulling him a little closer to press a kiss just under his ear. Tseng had asked for normal and Rufus was playing this up as much as he could.]
Pay our friend here a little extra for his trouble since he's been so helpful, darling.
( i'm not looming, is what he wants to say, but he knows better--just barely, as though his sarcastic attitude is still in the process of being ironed out. maybe later, years and years from now, he'll lose it completely, let it melt into subtleties of hearsay and the kind of manipulative lies he'll fall into the habit of telling. for now, he's scoffing, audible and annoyed, but he takes to rufus' side just as the other man tries to pull him in. ah. an easy ploy, then--he can follow rufus' logic perfectly, no matter how much he actively dislikes it. for one, he's never really been someone's lover before, and two, he feels about as much attraction to rufus as he does to an alley cat that won't stop meowing for food.
but rufus does his best, and surprisingly, it works out quite well. he has the exact level of codependency and flirtatious wobbling that hooks the inn staff, that slimy smile and those glittering blue eyes, and though tseng doesn't like it, he does appreciate the mastery. it means that the man behind the desk is already retrieving them a key when rufus leans in--and his lips ghost, just beneath his ear, a touch so soft he shivers before he can stop himself. )
Of course. ( he mumbles--darling?--and reaches his free hand inside of his jacket; there's a small stash of gil there, and he offers enough to pay for the room plus a little extra, exactly as instructed. his gloved hand slides over the ky once it's laid on the table, and with his free arm hooked loosely around rufus' waist, he guides them away from the desk: slowly, not like they're running away or trying to hide from it, but more as though they're a couple just enjoying each other's company.
he only gives it up once they're taking the stairs to the second floor, far out of ear shot, and then his hand drops, automatically, so he can glide a few steps ahead of rufus. )
... Such a sweet pet name. ( it's definitely sarcastic; he plays it with a twitch of a smile, but he's looking from room placard to the key and back, and then he finds theirs, twisting the lock open and holding the door to gesture rufus inside. ) Is that what you call your girlfriend, back in Midgar?
I thought it was a nice touch, wasn't it, dearest. [He feels something inside of him shift as Tseng's arm wraps around his waist but does his best to brush it off as adrenaline and nothing more. Tomorrow they'll be back at the Shinra Building, Tseng will go back to working in the darkness and Rufus back to his gilded prison.
He's relieved once they make it into their room and as soon as Tseng shuts the door, the shotgun is placed on the dresser and he starts shedding his clothes. Everything is ruined- there is no hope to make his suit white again with all the dirt and blood practically baked in.
He laughs at Tseng's comment as he sits on the only bed in the room to pull off his boots, unable to stop himself as he looks at the other man. He did have a girlfriend for public appearances for a time until she had made the mistake of trying to take things further at his father's direction. He was already the family disappointment as it was so the charade wasn't necessary.]
Hardly.
[Once his boots are off, he stands up, meeting Tseng's gaze. He's fighting exhaustion now that they are alone in their room and he's looking forward to a long shower before being able to sleep in a real bed for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
He didn't bother to tell Tseng to turn away as he starts to unbutton his shirt, letting one side down his shoulder at a purposefully terrible attept to flirt.]
Don't worry, you're my only darling, Tseng. There is no need to be jealous. But I'm going to take a shower now so we can properly enjoy our evening.
[He's going to need a change of clothes but he's too tired to think in specifics, that can wait until later. He finishes with the buttons on his shirt, pulling it off and holding it out for Tseng to take with a wink before heading to the bathroom. It's dingy, a far cry from the bathroom in his suite but it doesn't matter. So long as there is hot water he'll be content.]
( he's not quite in the place that he will be, eventually: he doesn't move with an urgency, or the fluid motion fueled into practiced movements, to scoop up the clothes that rufus scatters around the room. instead, his nose wrinkles, a sigh of disdain, and pointedly, he bends to start picking up rufus' soiled clothes, laying them out across his arm like he doesn't quite know what to do with them. likely he'll send them down to the front desk with a bit of maneuvering to get them cleaned for the following day--his own suit is merely wrinkled, slightly scuffed up, but wearable, so he doesn't worry too much about it.
he barely even recognizes that rufus is meant to be flirting, when he slips the material down off his shoulder; tseng just offers him a wry smile and plucks the shirt right up to add to the pile. )
Take as long as you need. There should be towels, inside.
( he's not entirely sure of that, but following at rufus' heels, hovering in the bathroom doorway tells him he's right: there's two, folded on the counter, which surely isn't as many as rufus is used to, but it is what it is. after confirming, with a brief sweep of his gaze, that the bathroom doesn't have any other viable ways of entry--that it's safe for him to be alone there--he closes the door and starts to get to work.
the first order of business is getting rufus' clothes cleaned. luckily, the front desk remembers the pair of them, and with a bit of unfortunate smoozing about his darling, the clothes will be washed and dried for the morning. next is finding rufus something to wear in the interim: a robe will suffice, he figures, so long as he closes it around himself completely. so that's what he carries back to the room, letting himself in and then clearing his throat as he gives a succinct knock to the closed bathroom door. )
I've brought you something to wear. ( a pause. ) I'll leave it on the counter.
( he opens the door only as far as he has to, gently setting the folded white robe there near the towels for rufus. )
Thank you, Tseng. [Rufus lets Tseng inspect the bathroom while he finishes undressing, the last of his clothes being discarded somewhere, it doesn't matter where. He's not sure what can be salvaged, he supposes they only need to be cleaned enough so they can return to the Shinra Building tomorrow. That's something he'll let Tseng take care of. He doesn't know a lot about Tseng yet but so far the Turk seems to be full of surprises here and there.
He lets Tseng go while he steps under the water as soon as it's remotely warm, letting himself lose himself for a bit. He doesn't want to think about what he's going back to tomorrow. He knew his father didn't miss him on any personal level- this was all about public appearance and making sure that he had a suitable heir who was alive. Maybe being kidnapped wasn't entirely awful, it gave him a break from having to deal with his father.
But those thoughts float away as he hears Tseng knock on the door, shutting off the water to pull back the curtain to see what Tseng had brought him. Not ideal, but the robe would do. Where it came from, he wasn't going to ask. He's sure Tseng has his ways to just find things.
When Rufus finally emerges from the bathroom he's wrapped in the robe, the sash loosely tied in a lopsided bow to the side.]
I was going to ask if this place has any kind of room service but I doubt it. You can just treat me to breakfast on our way back.
[He stretches out on one side of the bed on his side, probing himself up on one elbow as he pats the spot beside him on bed. What would seem a friendly gesture from someone else is an implied order from Rufus as he meets Tseng's gaze.]
Sit with me for a bit. We're going going anywhere for awhile so we might as well make ourselves comfortable.
( in terms of comfort, there's not much here for him, either. the bed is for rufus, of course, not be shared by a turk, and the best he'll be able to do is sink into the chair and try, for maybe fifteen minutes, to close his eyes. he shouldn't be too complacent, even if he thinks they're relatively well-hid here; veld would never approve of him sleeping on the job, no matter how tired he is. so he's poking around the room, reassuring that he knows every available point of entry, when rufus emerges from the bathroom. he's wearing the robe, and at the question of room service, tseng gives a very undignified snort. )
I believe their best attempt at room service would be a hard-boiled egg and stale toast, sir.
( he knew that rufus would, yet something twitches in annoyance when the other man stretches out along the bed. he just takes everything he has for granted, doesn't he? pampered and spoiled and completely unaware of the world around him. it's the offer that he doesn't expect: but then again, it's not an offer at all, and he knows it. his gaze lifts, livid, to match rufus' cool blue eyes, and he stifles another sound, even his own breath of irritation.
why did he agree to do this, again?
carefully, fluidly, he makes his way to the bed. it's probably not good for him to get into it in his clothes, so he takes a seat on the edge, the mattress sinking with a springing sound beneath him. clearly high quality. he bends down to unlace and work out of his shoes, first, and then starts to shrug out of his jacket--which means revealing his holster, where he draws the weapons out and sets them on the bedside table. )
You don't want to rest? I'm afraid I'm not very interesting, and I don't play any sort of fun games.
[Rufus doesn't say anything as he watches Tseng, not flinching at the anger he sees there. He knows what the Turks think of him and Tseng doesn't do a good job at hiding what he thinks of Rufus behind that soft snort.
To the Turks, Rufus is nothing more than a spoiled rich brat with a pretty face and an empty head who just makes their jobs more difficult. He knows that none of them are fond of being assigned as his security for the day, a duty he knows many of them still refer to as babysitting even after he reached adulthood.
The sound of irritation doesn't go unnoticed but Rufus doesn't waver. Tseng could disobey him, argue, reason with him but he doesn't.]
Modesty doesn't suit you, Tseng. Veld has chosen you as his second in command- or you will be soon enough. That makes you interesting to me.
[Rufus's tone is pleasant but his eyes remain calculating. It's an assumption, of course, he doesn't know for certain that's what Veld decided but he has a feeling he's not wrong in this case. He knows Veld isn't stupid- he's not going to waste an opportunity like this to send just anyone to get Rufus. Rufus is the future of Shinra- his father's health was deteriorating each day so it wouldn't be long before Rufus became president. Rufus would need a suitable Turk by his side by then, someone suitableVeld could trust.
And Rufus knows that he'll need an ally eventually to survive. Tseng would be an interesting choice but he hasn't made up his mind.
He stifles a yawn, as tired as he is and needs to sleep, he won't get a real chance to talk to Tseng like this for awhile without knowing someone else is listening though he knows that this isn't going to be the last they will see of each other.
But he's going to take advantage of this night that they had alone, away from everything and everyone.]
So what games do you like to play then, Tseng? We can be honest with each other tonight at least.
( in terms of professional interest, of course, he understands it. even if for some reason things don't pan out the way he expects them to, if veld chooses someone else, or if he fails to live up to expectation, he'll still be a turk, and he'll still be under rufus' thumb once he takes his father's seat; of course rufus would find him interesting, in the sense that he would want to know the sort of person he would be forced to work with. or have for his protection, at the very least. tseng may not think much of him (yet) but he won't disobey the rules of the company: he's protected rufus this far, hasn't he? no matter his disinterest.
sighing, he drapes his suit jacket over the bedside table, concealing the guns. the holster he slips out of, too, and leaves it inside the jacket; but the gloves he keeps on, swinging a leg up onto the mattress to recline back against the headboard. )
I don't like to play games. ( he's looking straight ahead, but there's the tiniest twitch of amusement on his lips, like he's actually fighting a smile. ) I've given you my honesty, sir, now it's your turn.
( neat, he laces his own hands together, rests them down against his stomach; both legs fit onto the mattress, now, crossed at the ankle. he's clearly intending to sit up while rufus rests, eventually, whenever that is; he has to make sure he'll be alright, after all, no time to really sleep. )
What games are you interested in? I could make one exception, for you, if I must.
[Rufus nearly laughs when he notices that Tseng leaves his gloves on but doesn't comment on it. He decides that one day that he wants to see Tseng's hands- he has a feeling that it's not something that not many have seen.
It was almost tempting to reach out and run a finger along the seam of one of the gloves but he manages to resist the strange urge, fingers curling in.]
Alright, let's play the honesty game. When we get back tomorrow we'll go back to playing our games and telling our lies.
[Not that he trusts Tseng to be the least bit honest, he's never trusted the Turks to begin with. He would wager the company fortune that if it came down to it their true loyalty would be with Veld and not the President. He has no doubt Tseng is no exception but that doesn't mean that Rufus isn't intrigued.
But that's something for him to handle when he's closer to taking his father's place. There is a lot that he has to do in the meanwhile so he's going to let that thought go for now. Tseng is an interesting variable, one he hadn't expected.]
Then tonight I'm open book for you, Tseng. You have a chance to do what others could only dream of to ask anything you want and I'll answer. At least, until I fall asleep.
[He gathers one of the stiff pillows into his arms, resting his head on it. It was uncomfortable but better than sleeping on the floor so he wasn't going to complain.]
The only catch is that some day you'll return the favor but I won't ask you to do that tonight.
( the offer, as ridiculous as it is, is a double-edged sword: sure, he could do what others could only dream of, could ask rufus all kinds of questions and demand truths out of him that others would never know. and maybe, these truths could help him get further along in the company, could help secure a position he's sure is already relatively secure to begin with. but rufus doesn't want to know anything tonight--he wants to save it for later, and that sort of thing is dangerous. he has no idea when rufus may call upon this bet, and he doesn't ever like to hang things on chance.
so he smirks, a soft, knowing laugh under his breath, before he tilts his head to look at him. rufus has gathered up a pillow, at least, lounging across the bed, and though he's sure it's nothing as nice as what he's known, he doesn't seem to be complaining. that much, at least, is something positive.
a small shake of his head-- ) No. If we're going to play your game, then we're going to play it properly. A truth for a truth, back and forth, nothing owed after it's finished. After you fall asleep.
( he doesn't give him a chance to accept--or reject--the terms, simply resettles his hands against his lap and narrows his gaze in at him. there are countless things he could ask, truths he could force, and yet oddly, the one that comes up first is something he hadn't thought to ask at all. )
You hate him, don't you? Your father. Why is that?
[Rufus smirks, a little impressed that Tseng didn't just jump to agree to the terms of the game. Many would just for the fleeting chance to get the opportunity to extract any information they could from Rufus- he had always kept so much hidden under a carefully cultivated facade.
But that doesn't last long as soon as Tseng mentions his father. The warmth vanishes from his eyes, his expression shifting to something more thoughtful as he considers Tseng's question. This could be used against him, he certainly intended to use any information he learned about Tseng.]
It's laughably cliche- what you would expect father issues to stem from. Neglect, never being enough. I spent too many years trying to be who he wanted me to be and always trying to please him.
[He lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. He knows he's been extremely careful in making his preparations so that he can begin the process of getting his father out of the way so he doubts the Turks are aware of anything yet. That's a truth for another time.]
I hate that he did that to me. I hate that he expects me to do that still while holding my birthright over my head. The man is an idiot and he's going to run the company into the ground and take us all with him.
[But he holds up a finger to indicate that is all he's going to say about that.]
So, now for you, Turk. I know Turks aren't after fame and glory so what is it that you want? There is something motivating you, I can see it and I doubt it's absolute loyalty to Shinra and the President.
( on the one hand, it surprises him that rufus is--pleasantly forthright, about the information, as though he's truly taking this game at face value. what he says sounds honest, in any case, or some version of honest, and he has no doubt that this isn't all of it. no, he's fairly certain there's more to rufus' hatred than just what he's letting on: these are the reasons for it, sure, and they do sound like any typical child's qualms but. he can appreciate it, in a sense. at least rufus understands himself.
so he waits, quiet--it's an encouragement for rufus to get out everything that he can, or everything that he wants to, and he files all of that information down into the tired depths of his brain, to save for later. he's not necessarily going to tell anyone about it, but--it could be something important, something that might help him out later.
a glance, at the finger that rufus holds up, as though indicating that his time is through, that it's his turn, and the question makes him scoff, a slight breath through lips that may be pursed into half of a smile. )
Can't it just be that I want to help the Planet? ( there's a lilt to his voice, which means it's hard to tell whether that's true or not. ) Or perhaps it's more akin to some kind of revenge. Maybe it's a mix of it all.
( rufus will probably scold him for that answer--so he swallows, lets out a breath of frustration, and relents. )
Yes. A mix of all that. And of a child who never quite fit in where he was meant to belong. Same as you, I suppose.
[Rufus rolls his eyes and shakes his head at Tseng's comment about wanting to help the Planet. He knew the reality of what Shinra was doing to the Planet and it wasn't something that was shown in the cheerful and optimistic proganda that was fed to the public.
He hasn't known Tseng that long but he didn't seem the kind of man who would be swept up in those kinds of platitude and lies.]
If you really gave a fuck about the Planet it would have been easier to just join some environmental anti-Shinra group. It wouldn't have given you what you wanted though.
[He stifles a yawn, shifting his head against the pillow though doesn't take his eyes off of Tseng's. He's not sure how much longer he can stay awake but he's determined to at least get a little bit more information about him. If they are going to be the future of the company than he wants to know who is protecting him and ensuring his future.
He recognizes that emotion Tseng lets out, it's one that's all too familiar for him. He had spent his entire life being told he had to belong, that it was expected but never being able to do so no matter how hard he tried. He wasn't who he was supposed to be.]
Revenge can only keep you going for so long, Tseng. Eventually you'll accomplish it and then what? You'll have to make your own place to belong eventually, especially after Veld leaves his position and leaves you in charge.
( but then again, surely that is rufus shinra's way, isn't it? to be utterly confident, utterly controlling, to make the things happen that he wants to make happen. some would call it simple determination, or others would refer to it as stubbornness, delusion. manipulation, too, given that he's sure that, despite his apparent ire with his father, rufus could do nearly anything that he wanted to. likely will, too, once he's in his father's spot--though how long until that happens? tseng spares him a glance, sidelong, and nearly, nearly smiles.
he looks exhausted. tseng imagines he's only staying up so long for the sake of the game, in which case, he should likely give him something heavy to chew on, shouldn't he?
so he refolds his arms, against his stomach, laces his fingers together, and cants his own gaze up at the ceiling thoughtfully. )
Well. Perhaps I come from a place that's been decimated by Shinra, and I'm hoping to build up enough trust within one of the most important branches of the company, in the hopes of assassinating the heir apparent.
( his lips curl into a smile--is it true, or not? hard to say, with the expression that he wears. )
Or perhaps I'm trying to secure a place so close to him that it will be easy to manipulate him into doing what I please. Would I belong like that, I wonder?
( belonging--it's a childish notion. only someone like rufus, denied it for so long, would focus so heavily on it; tseng himself knows that there is likely nowhere he will ever truly fit in, and he's already made his peace with that. or he's tried, anyway. )
[Rufus laughs through a yawn at Tseng's answer- he's sure there is some truth to his answer. He's sure that Veld is hoping that Tseng can eventually gain Rufus's trust after this in order to manipulate him easier especially after his father dies.
But that can work to his advantage. He's sure he can use that in the future when he decides to put his own plans into motion but that's not something he's going to work out tonight while he's practically falling asleep.]
My being kidnapped works well for your plans then. Either the kidnappers would kill me- you wouldn't need to do it yourself then- or when you rescue me, you gain my trust in the process. Then I'll let you close to me which makes it easier for you to manipulate me or kill me when you wish to.
[He still lets his eyes drift shut, unable to stifle another yawn. If Tseng is going to kill him he had his chance earlier and either way, even if Rufus was fully awake he didn't really have the training to put up much of a fight.
This experience made him realize that he wants to learn to defend himself so he's not helpless in these kinds of situations again. Even if Tseng is being honest, Rufus has decided that Tseng will help train him later. It's just a matter of convincing him but Rufus is confident that he'll get his way. At least, eventually.]
If you don't kill me in my sleep, you're buying me breakfast before you turn me in tomorrow. You can consider it part of your grand plan to gain my trust before assassinating me.
[Despite his stubbornness, the last words are mumbled softly. Normally Rufus was a relatively light sleeper but the toll of barely sleeping on a hard floor for days was catching up to him all at once.
For hours he's dead to the world, still holding onto the pillow in his sleep as he snores softly against the rough linen. It's not until hours later that he sits up suddenly, jolting awake with his heart beating in his chest. For a few minutes he has to remember where he is, his mind slowly putting together the pieces of the last day.]
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for probatum
Date: 2020-11-30 02:42 am (UTC)He almost has to laugh despite his current circumstances. Veld had always scolded him for being reckless and putting himself in danger, saying that something like this was going to happen one day and Rufus would come to regret it. He had been warned that while the Turks would always do their best to protect him, there was only so much that they could do, especially if Rufus was determined to make their lives difficult by his reckless antics.
He's scared, certainly. He's not dead yet so he figures that these people are looking to keep him alive at least long enough to see what kind of money they could get out of his father. He knew that his father was a businessman first and foremost, however, he would want to pay to get his one legitimate heir back but he would make sure he got a bargain beforehand. He had to be prepared that he might be here awhile.
That led him to the next realization- he had to survive at all costs until he was either freed or the Turks find him. Just because his captors needed him alive didn't mean that there aren't other possibilities. But he refuses to cower, he refuses to show fear even when they arrive at the destination, the hood is ripped from his face and he's shoved into a dark, dirty room. If they are hoping to get any kind of begging or tears from Rufus, they will be disappointed.
Days pass. His continued definence is an endless source of frustration for his kidnappers but he holds onto each ounce of strength no matter what. His father never made any secret that he thought Rufus was weak and pathetic, Rufus would make a point to prove him wrong. He would survive, he would wait for any moment to make his escape.
That opportunity came one day when he wakes suddenly to what he thinks is a gunshot. For a moment he lays there, wondering if he's dreaming but then there is another one followed by a muffled thud. Possibilities run through his head, perhaps one of the Turks, perhaps some rival thug looking to take control of this operation.
Either way, he's going to take no chances when the door suddenly opens and there is a dark figure in the doorway. Rufus is prepared and throws his weight at the man before he has a chance to react. This could be his only chance to escape. For a moment he holds the other man down, prepared to fight tooth and nail before he stops.
It takes him a moment for Rufus to register who he's sitting on, eyes moving up the black suit, the slightly long black hair, and deep brown eyes. Huh.
Well, this had just gotten a lot more interesting. He grins, staying right where he is for the moment.]
You're late.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-01 12:24 pm (UTC)Pending retirement--though that, really, is a joke as much as anything else is, given that there's really only one way to leave the Turks and he knows it--he thinks he'll be the one in charge. The one calling all the shots. And that, somehow, is enticing enough that he doesn't care how much everyone else hates him for being good.
That's not to say there aren't aspects of the job that irritate him. There's plenty, including the apparent need to have a partner for most things, and while he knows there are those among his ranks that work better together--he doesn't think Reno would be nearly as lethal without Rude there to tether him down--he hates the idea of having to depend on anyone. He works better alone: or with a team below him. And as much as it becomes clear that he should be doing something more, he earns respect simply by performing. He doesn't have the kind of sweetness that will get him far by way of a good personality; he's simply good at his job, and the honeyed words he says come only at the expense of the acid they hold.
Even more irritating, of course, is the president's son--who, apparently, can't keep himself out of trouble long enough for Tseng to take a breath. It's an important mission, he's told, to go and retrieve the young heir, but to him it's just another thing on the list of annoying things that he doesn't want to have to deal with. Assassinating a bunch of kidnappers? Isn't that child's play? So maybe he thinks a little too highly of himself--maybe he's giving his skills a little too much credit. Because infiltrating the base where Rufus is kept is one thing, but it's a whole other thing entirely to kill--his hand is shaking before he even realizes it, and though the first man goes down with ease, the second and the third suffer from his lack of precise aim. They die a rather painful death, rather than the clean shot through the head--but he's still young, he's learning.
Just like he's learning, still, that Rufus Shinra can be an even bigger pain in the ass--when he opens the door and has the entire weight of the other launching at him, catching him by surprise as his knees buckle and he hits the ground.]
You're a nuisance.
[ He says, his eyes narrowed, as he stares up at Rufus--there's a bit of blood splatter on his face, staining the collar of his suit, and a bit of his chin-length hair sticks to his jaw with sweat. ]
If you would, sir, I would like you rescue you, but I cannot take you from here if you insist on sitting on me.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-01 09:19 pm (UTC)[He still doesn't move yet, reaching out to touch some of the blood splatters on Tseng's cheek without thinking about it, mesmorized. His gaze shifts to the bodies around them and this time he can't control his expression as his eyes widen.
He had lived a sheltered life up until this point. Anything unpleasant was kept away from him, he was to be protected from the harsh realities of what Shinra did outside of the public light until his father deemed that he was ready to know the truth. It was one thing to read about death but it was an entirely different thing to see the reality in front of him.
There are no tears, no nausea twisting his stomach at the grisley scene. He didn't feel fe He finally stands though, holding out a hand to help Tseng up.]
I can't say I feel sorry for them. They had to know this was a possibility when they kidnapped me. [he remarks as his eyes move away from the bodies to look back at Tseng. He felt almost nothing. No relief, no fear as he would have expected to feel at this moment. Maybe it would sink in later once the adrenaline wore off and he would have a stronger reaction but he felt oddly calm at the moment.
Perhaps it was just the adrenaline and the realization that he wasn't in danger of his kidnappers deciding he was more trouble than he was worth or something else happening to him hadn't truly sunk in. It was easier and more practical to focus on Tseng, taking in the details of the blood soaking into the fabric of a spotless white shirt, the way black hair fell to narrow shoulders.
But there was something in Tseng's eyes that drew Rufus in, he wanted to know more about this Turk he hadn't met before. Clearly, he was someone Veld trusted if he had been given the mission to rescue the heir to the throne instead of Reno and Rude who he was familiar with.
There was some emotional reaction that he felt suddenly but it was something he didn't recognize. He gives Tseng a smile instead, brushing off the sleeve of suit that was hopelessly dirty and stained. It wasn't as if his kidnappers did his laundry or give him any kind of change of clothes but he acted as if it didn't matter.]
Well, I'm ready to be rescued. You don't have to sweep me off my feet if you don't want to, I'm not hurt. But I wouldn't say no.
[Flirting a little despite the danger of the situation? He can't help himself.]
no subject
Date: 2021-01-16 10:56 am (UTC)( surprisingly, the words come out far less controlled than he would like them to be--there's amusement there, yes, but a bit more vitriol than he can hide away, a little too much realness that he immediately hates. truthfully, he can't tell whether it would be more or less annoying, were rufus to be a girl instead; he would perhaps feel about ten times more awkward about being so flippant to a female, though if she had rufus shinra's personality, maybe it wouldn't matter so much after all. still, he takes the hand to help him back to his feet, letting go the moment he's steady on the heels of his smart black shoes, reaching up pointedly to adjust his tie. it feels a bit tighter now, around his neck, or maybe it's just the result of the sweat beading up beneath the collar of his shirt. maybe it's the fact that he'd like to rip all his clothes off, be rid of the blood staining his shirt from the bodies around them. still--he has to fight through the feeling. after all, this is what being a turk is about, right?
rufus doesn't look much better, anyway; he knows that the heir is a sucker for all sorts of pristine white prints and delicate fabric and other ridiculous choices that have, in the past, made him roll his eyes just to hear about them. here, now, after days spent surely reviling in this dank, dirty little room, he looks dusty and worn out, streaks of staining along his sleeves and down his waist, some on his knees. at the very least, as tseng gives him a cursory up-and-down, he doesn't look injured--which means that he may get even higher praise for returning the heir to the shinra building unharmed. )
Just try to keep up. ( --is the answer he gives, curt and to the point. was that... flirting? how can someone still flirt when under such duress? or is it that rufus just doesn't understand how serious this is? annoyed, tseng turns away from him, moves back to the door and elbows it open, slightly, checking the hall. )
I secured an exit route earlier, but we'll have to be quick about it.
( and then, begrudgingly, he stretches out a gloved hand in rufus' direction, offering it to him to take. his other is occupied with pulling one of pistols from the holster beneath his jacket. )
Let's go, sir.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-17 05:55 am (UTC)But the next moment he's distracted by the sounds of shouting and men running towards their position. The danger makes his heart race and his first thought is wondering if Tseng feels the same, his heart beating as hard as Rufus's is. This is a rush he could easily get addicted to despite the danger. He could be killed, they both could. But when he squeezes Tseng's hand and leans in closer, his lips just a whisper away from Tseng's neck, it's not out of fear.]
It's brave that you came here alone to rescue me and while I don't doubt your abilities, you need someone to back you up.
[He lets go of Tseng's hand to turn back towards the fallen kidnappers. It takes a little bit of effort to pry one of the larger guns from the hands of one of the dead men, ignoring the blood on it even when it smears against his white suit.
He had once asked Veld if he could learn to shoot to at least be able to defend himself but had been given a stern lecture about responsibility and that he would teach him when Rufus was more mature.
But Veld wasn't here and it seems they're about to be overrun as the voices get louder. He doesn't think it should be too difficult to figure out how to use the gun even though it's heavier in his hands than he had expected.][He gives Tseng a wink as he returns to his side eagerly, staying just behind him. He doesn't care or seem to remember that he's still covered in dirt and now blood, he's caught up in how it feels to hold the gun close, how he's almost pressed against Tseng's side so he could see out the door as well.]
Just tell me where to point and shoot- I think I can manage that enough. You will teach me properly later.
no subject
Date: 2021-01-23 04:46 pm (UTC)and that it's definitely one of the things veld told him to be absolutely certain didn't happen at all.
but what the hell is he supposed to do? wrench that gun out of rufus' hands, smack him on the knuckles and tell him no? that's a parent's job, that's not what he's here for. he doesn't want to play leader any more than he truly wants to in this place with rufus, doesn't want to have to scold him, and more than that, he doesn't necessarily want to earn the ire of someone who could make his life very difficult in the future--should he himself live long enough to see it.
so, with rufus practically nestled into his side, he just gives an impatient, disapproving huff--and turns back to look out the door. )
Will I, now. ( his voice is low and quiet, dry as firewood. ) What an exciting prospect.
( his free hand moves to elbow the door open, slightly; his other hand grips for rufus, feels for his arm and gives it a pointed squeeze. )
Back to back. You cover behind us, I'll cover in front of us. If I say run, you run.
( is rufus even listening? does it matter? commanding, tseng flings the door open all the way, steps out into the hall, and immediately fires off a shot, nailing a man right between the eyes. he hopes he doesn't have to tell rufus to follow after him, now; another man turns the corner, and tseng nails him, too, nails him and keeps moving forward, clearing the path ahead of them with relatively little trouble for the time being. )
no subject
Date: 2021-01-24 08:19 am (UTC)[Rufus can't hold in a soft laugh as Tseng steps out of the door. He only pauses a moment as he watches Tseng take out a man with a perfect shot right between the eyes.
He may be a little impressed. He's heard rumors of what the Turks do and though Veld has always refused to tell him any of the grisly details he had picked up a few things from details Reno would let slip. This mission must be beneath someone of Tseng's skill even if he's rescuing the President's son.
The gun is heavy in his hands but he doesn't hesitate to take up position as Tseng dictates without any protest. When another thug runs up to them from behind Rufus brings the gun up, his finger on the trigger. There is no hesitation to think about what he's doing when he pulls the trigger. He feels the recoil of the gun going into his shoulder but that doesn't keep him from moving on with Tseng, the only confirmation he hit his mark was the cry of pain, then silence behind him as they move ahead.
Everything hits him as once as soon as they make it outside without further opposition. Fresh air, bright light, the blood splatter that showed bright even against his dirty white suit. His shoulder aches, he's clutching the gun too tightly. But he knows that he doesn't want to give up flush of power that had surged through him when he had pulled the trigger. Learning to hone his skill will be something of his own, separate from the role his father has set out for him already.
The gun stays in his hands as he follows Tseng down a narrow alleyway but he's focused on the Turk now that they don't seem to be in any immediate danger anymore.]
So, does my dashing hero have a name or will you be my handsome dark and mysterious stranger?
[He already has plans to dig up any information on Tseng that he was able to as soon as he got back to the Shinra Building but he's curious to see what Tseng is willing to share about himself.]
no subject
Date: 2021-01-30 11:36 am (UTC)the sudden onslaught of sunlight, even to his eyes, is enough to have him wince, as they make it outside--but there's no time for either of them to adjust. rather, he's gesturing silently for rufus to continue to follow him, out across the small parking lot and down to where there's a cluster of other buildings, slipping them both into the safe darkness of an alley. there, he presses his back against the dirty concrete, fingers working at his weapon to drop the spent clip into his hand and start, methodically, swapping it out for a full one.
the words make his eyes go up, narrowed, before dropping back down to his work. )
The praise is inappropriate. ( matter-of-fact, though there's a hint of amusement in his voice. ) You're not a princess, are you? So you don't need a hero.
( still, there's no harm in giving his name: surely he'll have to, once they make it back to the shinra building, and there's nothing to keep rufus from looking up his file once they get there, either. it's a secret that won't remain a secret for long, anyway, so what's the point?
still, he hears it before rufus does: the sound of someone rushing past, on the street, and immediately, he straightens, reaches out to put a leather-gloved hand across rufus' mouth, silencing any protest. the moment goes on for as long as it takes the sound to disappear; he drops his hand after that, brushes it off wordlessly against his pant leg as though rufus may have dirtied it with his breath. )
Tseng. ( he says, as he's jerking his gaze out towards the opening of the alley. ) We may need to find a place to stay before we head back.
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Date: 2021-01-31 04:14 am (UTC)Not a name he will forget. He doesn't respond when Tseng puts a hand over his mouth, keeping his eyes on Tseng's instead of the person rushing past them. It wasn't fear that made his heart beat hard in his throat.
But he stays quiet until the sounds of the other people around fades, only quietly scoffing with amusement as he watches Tseng wiping his hand against his pants. He knew that he was dirty after days without at least a shower but really.
Tseng fascinates him- Rude and Reno had their own mysteries but Rufus knows them well enough by now to know, enough that he needs to know. He can't help but wonder what may lay behind those dark eyes now and the possibilities send a thrill of excitement through him. Tseng's company files, even the ones only accessible to a few in the company, wouldn't tell him nearly enough.
But that is a matter for later- there will be time to do his research when they make it back to the company. He keeps the gun in his hands just in case, not wanting to let it go. There could still be people after them and then there was the fact that he didn't want to let it go so soon.]
If we're going to be out here for much longer then perhaps it may be a good idea to get me a change of clothes and find somewhere to clean off.
Even if someone doesn't recognize me, being covered in blood will attract attention I doubt we want.
[Not to mention he doesn't like feeling dirty and those days in that dark room had stretched on. He supposes that he could endure another day without lounging in a luxurious bath but that doesn't mean he has to like looking- and smelling- like he does at the moment. It's not exactly much of a turn on so he supposes he can't blame Tseng for wiping his hand.]
Where are we anyway? The sooner we find a place the better.
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Date: 2021-02-11 05:16 pm (UTC)Near the outskirts of Junon, if you'll believe it.
( not exactly the smartest place to have kidnapped the heir of shinra, but he's not exactly calling any of those kidnappers geniuses to begin with. the whole thing has been sloppy work, all of it. )
There are approximately three inns in this tiny place, and I already know one of them is off the table.
( he's not going to say why--but his eyes dart out beyond the alley, ascertaining, considering, mentally going over the map of this place in his head as though his memory will be far more reliable than what his eyes can see. pointedly, he reaches to tuck his gun back into his holster, smoothing out his suit jacket before he nods, pointedly, to rufus. )
Hide that away somewhere. And act natural. ( does the heir apparent even know what natural means? he highly doubts it. but toting around a shotgun, gripping it like his life depends on it: that's going to draw attention. but tseng isn't going to ask him to drop it, and he's not going to take it, either; if rufus wants to keep it, then rufus needs to learn what to do with it. whether he does or not, tseng eases past him to take the lead, slipping out of the alley as though he's leaving a building or another street, casual and calm, and lets his hands hang loose at his sides as he moves down the path with steps that are pointed only to someone who knows his usual gait. to anyone else, they may simply seem brisk.
it's all a ruse, because inside he's annoyed: inside, he's afraid that if they don't move quick enough, the men will circle back for them, and he doesn't know what he's supposed to do in that scenario. he only has so many contingencies mapped out, and surprisingly only a small number of them included having to haul rufus shinra to an inn room for the night. still: it's not a bad idea, is it? the men probably think they're trying to hightail it to junon proper; better to linger here, without too much suspicion, and he elbows open the door of the inn only so that he can reach for rufus, take him by the elbow, and practically push him through the doorway, following in after to close it behind him. )
Go on, then. ( he murmurs, soft and sharp and amused, just beyond rufus' shoulder. ) Show me you know how to be normal, and get us a room, now.
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Date: 2021-02-13 09:30 am (UTC)But he's not going to let Tseng get the best of him so easily and get the satisfaction of seeing him flounder around out of his depth. He does obey the direction to hide away the shotgun the best he's able to while keeping up with him. He takes in every detail of where they are- nothing about this is similar to the life he lives high above the Plate in Midgar and he knows that once they get back, he's going to be locked away for a long time under Veld's watchful eye. He's going to take in every bit of this experience and despite the danger, they're still in, he's going to make the most of it.
He lets Tseng maneuver him into the door of the inn but he only hesitates for just a moment as a plan falls into place in his mind. Act normal, ha. If Tseng wants his version of normal then Rufus is more than happy to oblige]
Follow my lead then. It will be weird if you just loom over my shoulder.
[There is no warning as he grabs Tseng's hand and drags him along the way to the front desk where a wary desk clerk watches them approach. He's put on acts his entire life, he learned early on how important it was that he presents the perfect facade not only to the world but to his father and the executives. This was just another role he has to play.
There is only a breath of hesitation to gather his thoughts as he pulls Tseng closer, as if they were lovers. Appearances were everything.
He doesn't hold back in how he flirts with the desk clerk, giving the man long looks under blond lashes, every small gesture seemingly mindless but carefully done to keep the intention on him as he explains that he and Tseng just got into a little bit of trouble on their adventurous night out and how it would be wonderful if they were able to stay somewhere they could have a little fun tonight, somewhere there wouldn't be any questions.
Once a deal is reached, he glances at Tseng, pulling him a little closer to press a kiss just under his ear. Tseng had asked for normal and Rufus was playing this up as much as he could.]
Pay our friend here a little extra for his trouble since he's been so helpful, darling.
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Date: 2021-02-15 12:45 pm (UTC)but rufus does his best, and surprisingly, it works out quite well. he has the exact level of codependency and flirtatious wobbling that hooks the inn staff, that slimy smile and those glittering blue eyes, and though tseng doesn't like it, he does appreciate the mastery. it means that the man behind the desk is already retrieving them a key when rufus leans in--and his lips ghost, just beneath his ear, a touch so soft he shivers before he can stop himself. )
Of course. ( he mumbles--darling?--and reaches his free hand inside of his jacket; there's a small stash of gil there, and he offers enough to pay for the room plus a little extra, exactly as instructed. his gloved hand slides over the ky once it's laid on the table, and with his free arm hooked loosely around rufus' waist, he guides them away from the desk: slowly, not like they're running away or trying to hide from it, but more as though they're a couple just enjoying each other's company.
he only gives it up once they're taking the stairs to the second floor, far out of ear shot, and then his hand drops, automatically, so he can glide a few steps ahead of rufus. )
... Such a sweet pet name. ( it's definitely sarcastic; he plays it with a twitch of a smile, but he's looking from room placard to the key and back, and then he finds theirs, twisting the lock open and holding the door to gesture rufus inside. ) Is that what you call your girlfriend, back in Midgar?
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Date: 2021-02-16 06:26 am (UTC)He's relieved once they make it into their room and as soon as Tseng shuts the door, the shotgun is placed on the dresser and he starts shedding his clothes. Everything is ruined- there is no hope to make his suit white again with all the dirt and blood practically baked in.
He laughs at Tseng's comment as he sits on the only bed in the room to pull off his boots, unable to stop himself as he looks at the other man. He did have a girlfriend for public appearances for a time until she had made the mistake of trying to take things further at his father's direction. He was already the family disappointment as it was so the charade wasn't necessary.]
Hardly.
[Once his boots are off, he stands up, meeting Tseng's gaze. He's fighting exhaustion now that they are alone in their room and he's looking forward to a long shower before being able to sleep in a real bed for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
He didn't bother to tell Tseng to turn away as he starts to unbutton his shirt, letting one side down his shoulder at a purposefully terrible attept to flirt.]
Don't worry, you're my only darling, Tseng. There is no need to be jealous. But I'm going to take a shower now so we can properly enjoy our evening.
[He's going to need a change of clothes but he's too tired to think in specifics, that can wait until later. He finishes with the buttons on his shirt, pulling it off and holding it out for Tseng to take with a wink before heading to the bathroom. It's dingy, a far cry from the bathroom in his suite but it doesn't matter. So long as there is hot water he'll be content.]
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Date: 2021-03-19 07:02 pm (UTC)( he's not quite in the place that he will be, eventually: he doesn't move with an urgency, or the fluid motion fueled into practiced movements, to scoop up the clothes that rufus scatters around the room. instead, his nose wrinkles, a sigh of disdain, and pointedly, he bends to start picking up rufus' soiled clothes, laying them out across his arm like he doesn't quite know what to do with them. likely he'll send them down to the front desk with a bit of maneuvering to get them cleaned for the following day--his own suit is merely wrinkled, slightly scuffed up, but wearable, so he doesn't worry too much about it.
he barely even recognizes that rufus is meant to be flirting, when he slips the material down off his shoulder; tseng just offers him a wry smile and plucks the shirt right up to add to the pile. )
Take as long as you need. There should be towels, inside.
( he's not entirely sure of that, but following at rufus' heels, hovering in the bathroom doorway tells him he's right: there's two, folded on the counter, which surely isn't as many as rufus is used to, but it is what it is. after confirming, with a brief sweep of his gaze, that the bathroom doesn't have any other viable ways of entry--that it's safe for him to be alone there--he closes the door and starts to get to work.
the first order of business is getting rufus' clothes cleaned. luckily, the front desk remembers the pair of them, and with a bit of unfortunate smoozing about his darling, the clothes will be washed and dried for the morning. next is finding rufus something to wear in the interim: a robe will suffice, he figures, so long as he closes it around himself completely. so that's what he carries back to the room, letting himself in and then clearing his throat as he gives a succinct knock to the closed bathroom door. )
I've brought you something to wear. ( a pause. ) I'll leave it on the counter.
( he opens the door only as far as he has to, gently setting the folded white robe there near the towels for rufus. )
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Date: 2021-03-20 11:04 pm (UTC)He lets Tseng go while he steps under the water as soon as it's remotely warm, letting himself lose himself for a bit. He doesn't want to think about what he's going back to tomorrow. He knew his father didn't miss him on any personal level- this was all about public appearance and making sure that he had a suitable heir who was alive. Maybe being kidnapped wasn't entirely awful, it gave him a break from having to deal with his father.
But those thoughts float away as he hears Tseng knock on the door, shutting off the water to pull back the curtain to see what Tseng had brought him. Not ideal, but the robe would do. Where it came from, he wasn't going to ask. He's sure Tseng has his ways to just find things.
When Rufus finally emerges from the bathroom he's wrapped in the robe, the sash loosely tied in a lopsided bow to the side.]
I was going to ask if this place has any kind of room service but I doubt it. You can just treat me to breakfast on our way back.
[He stretches out on one side of the bed on his side, probing himself up on one elbow as he pats the spot beside him on bed. What would seem a friendly gesture from someone else is an implied order from Rufus as he meets Tseng's gaze.]
Sit with me for a bit. We're going going anywhere for awhile so we might as well make ourselves comfortable.
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Date: 2021-03-27 08:07 pm (UTC)I believe their best attempt at room service would be a hard-boiled egg and stale toast, sir.
( he knew that rufus would, yet something twitches in annoyance when the other man stretches out along the bed. he just takes everything he has for granted, doesn't he? pampered and spoiled and completely unaware of the world around him. it's the offer that he doesn't expect: but then again, it's not an offer at all, and he knows it. his gaze lifts, livid, to match rufus' cool blue eyes, and he stifles another sound, even his own breath of irritation.
why did he agree to do this, again?
carefully, fluidly, he makes his way to the bed. it's probably not good for him to get into it in his clothes, so he takes a seat on the edge, the mattress sinking with a springing sound beneath him. clearly high quality. he bends down to unlace and work out of his shoes, first, and then starts to shrug out of his jacket--which means revealing his holster, where he draws the weapons out and sets them on the bedside table. )
You don't want to rest? I'm afraid I'm not very interesting, and I don't play any sort of fun games.
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Date: 2021-03-28 07:04 am (UTC)To the Turks, Rufus is nothing more than a spoiled rich brat with a pretty face and an empty head who just makes their jobs more difficult. He knows that none of them are fond of being assigned as his security for the day, a duty he knows many of them still refer to as babysitting even after he reached adulthood.
The sound of irritation doesn't go unnoticed but Rufus doesn't waver. Tseng could disobey him, argue, reason with him but he doesn't.]
Modesty doesn't suit you, Tseng. Veld has chosen you as his second in command- or you will be soon enough. That makes you interesting to me.
[Rufus's tone is pleasant but his eyes remain calculating. It's an assumption, of course, he doesn't know for certain that's what Veld decided but he has a feeling he's not wrong in this case. He knows Veld isn't stupid- he's not going to waste an opportunity like this to send just anyone to get Rufus. Rufus is the future of Shinra- his father's health was deteriorating each day so it wouldn't be long before Rufus became president. Rufus would need a suitable Turk by his side by then, someone suitableVeld could trust.
And Rufus knows that he'll need an ally eventually to survive. Tseng would be an interesting choice but he hasn't made up his mind.
He stifles a yawn, as tired as he is and needs to sleep, he won't get a real chance to talk to Tseng like this for awhile without knowing someone else is listening though he knows that this isn't going to be the last they will see of each other.
But he's going to take advantage of this night that they had alone, away from everything and everyone.]
So what games do you like to play then, Tseng? We can be honest with each other tonight at least.
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Date: 2021-03-29 09:41 pm (UTC)sighing, he drapes his suit jacket over the bedside table, concealing the guns. the holster he slips out of, too, and leaves it inside the jacket; but the gloves he keeps on, swinging a leg up onto the mattress to recline back against the headboard. )
I don't like to play games. ( he's looking straight ahead, but there's the tiniest twitch of amusement on his lips, like he's actually fighting a smile. ) I've given you my honesty, sir, now it's your turn.
( neat, he laces his own hands together, rests them down against his stomach; both legs fit onto the mattress, now, crossed at the ankle. he's clearly intending to sit up while rufus rests, eventually, whenever that is; he has to make sure he'll be alright, after all, no time to really sleep. )
What games are you interested in? I could make one exception, for you, if I must.
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Date: 2021-03-30 06:31 am (UTC)[Rufus nearly laughs when he notices that Tseng leaves his gloves on but doesn't comment on it. He decides that one day that he wants to see Tseng's hands- he has a feeling that it's not something that not many have seen.
It was almost tempting to reach out and run a finger along the seam of one of the gloves but he manages to resist the strange urge, fingers curling in.]
Alright, let's play the honesty game. When we get back tomorrow we'll go back to playing our games and telling our lies.
[Not that he trusts Tseng to be the least bit honest, he's never trusted the Turks to begin with. He would wager the company fortune that if it came down to it their true loyalty would be with Veld and not the President. He has no doubt Tseng is no exception but that doesn't mean that Rufus isn't intrigued.
But that's something for him to handle when he's closer to taking his father's place. There is a lot that he has to do in the meanwhile so he's going to let that thought go for now. Tseng is an interesting variable, one he hadn't expected.]
Then tonight I'm open book for you, Tseng. You have a chance to do what others could only dream of to ask anything you want and I'll answer. At least, until I fall asleep.
[He gathers one of the stiff pillows into his arms, resting his head on it. It was uncomfortable but better than sleeping on the floor so he wasn't going to complain.]
The only catch is that some day you'll return the favor but I won't ask you to do that tonight.
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Date: 2021-04-03 09:40 pm (UTC)so he smirks, a soft, knowing laugh under his breath, before he tilts his head to look at him. rufus has gathered up a pillow, at least, lounging across the bed, and though he's sure it's nothing as nice as what he's known, he doesn't seem to be complaining. that much, at least, is something positive.
a small shake of his head-- ) No. If we're going to play your game, then we're going to play it properly. A truth for a truth, back and forth, nothing owed after it's finished. After you fall asleep.
( he doesn't give him a chance to accept--or reject--the terms, simply resettles his hands against his lap and narrows his gaze in at him. there are countless things he could ask, truths he could force, and yet oddly, the one that comes up first is something he hadn't thought to ask at all. )
You hate him, don't you? Your father. Why is that?
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Date: 2021-04-04 12:01 am (UTC)But that doesn't last long as soon as Tseng mentions his father. The warmth vanishes from his eyes, his expression shifting to something more thoughtful as he considers Tseng's question. This could be used against him, he certainly intended to use any information he learned about Tseng.]
It's laughably cliche- what you would expect father issues to stem from. Neglect, never being enough. I spent too many years trying to be who he wanted me to be and always trying to please him.
[He lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. He knows he's been extremely careful in making his preparations so that he can begin the process of getting his father out of the way so he doubts the Turks are aware of anything yet. That's a truth for another time.]
I hate that he did that to me. I hate that he expects me to do that still while holding my birthright over my head. The man is an idiot and he's going to run the company into the ground and take us all with him.
[But he holds up a finger to indicate that is all he's going to say about that.]
So, now for you, Turk. I know Turks aren't after fame and glory so what is it that you want? There is something motivating you, I can see it and I doubt it's absolute loyalty to Shinra and the President.
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Date: 2021-04-17 07:15 pm (UTC)so he waits, quiet--it's an encouragement for rufus to get out everything that he can, or everything that he wants to, and he files all of that information down into the tired depths of his brain, to save for later. he's not necessarily going to tell anyone about it, but--it could be something important, something that might help him out later.
a glance, at the finger that rufus holds up, as though indicating that his time is through, that it's his turn, and the question makes him scoff, a slight breath through lips that may be pursed into half of a smile. )
Can't it just be that I want to help the Planet? ( there's a lilt to his voice, which means it's hard to tell whether that's true or not. ) Or perhaps it's more akin to some kind of revenge. Maybe it's a mix of it all.
( rufus will probably scold him for that answer--so he swallows, lets out a breath of frustration, and relents. )
Yes. A mix of all that. And of a child who never quite fit in where he was meant to belong. Same as you, I suppose.
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Date: 2021-04-18 05:13 am (UTC)He hasn't known Tseng that long but he didn't seem the kind of man who would be swept up in those kinds of platitude and lies.]
If you really gave a fuck about the Planet it would have been easier to just join some environmental anti-Shinra group. It wouldn't have given you what you wanted though.
[He stifles a yawn, shifting his head against the pillow though doesn't take his eyes off of Tseng's. He's not sure how much longer he can stay awake but he's determined to at least get a little bit more information about him. If they are going to be the future of the company than he wants to know who is protecting him and ensuring his future.
He recognizes that emotion Tseng lets out, it's one that's all too familiar for him. He had spent his entire life being told he had to belong, that it was expected but never being able to do so no matter how hard he tried. He wasn't who he was supposed to be.]
Revenge can only keep you going for so long, Tseng. Eventually you'll accomplish it and then what? You'll have to make your own place to belong eventually, especially after Veld leaves his position and leaves you in charge.
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Date: 2021-05-01 06:07 pm (UTC)( but then again, surely that is rufus shinra's way, isn't it? to be utterly confident, utterly controlling, to make the things happen that he wants to make happen. some would call it simple determination, or others would refer to it as stubbornness, delusion. manipulation, too, given that he's sure that, despite his apparent ire with his father, rufus could do nearly anything that he wanted to. likely will, too, once he's in his father's spot--though how long until that happens? tseng spares him a glance, sidelong, and nearly, nearly smiles.
he looks exhausted. tseng imagines he's only staying up so long for the sake of the game, in which case, he should likely give him something heavy to chew on, shouldn't he?
so he refolds his arms, against his stomach, laces his fingers together, and cants his own gaze up at the ceiling thoughtfully. )
Well. Perhaps I come from a place that's been decimated by Shinra, and I'm hoping to build up enough trust within one of the most important branches of the company, in the hopes of assassinating the heir apparent.
( his lips curl into a smile--is it true, or not? hard to say, with the expression that he wears. )
Or perhaps I'm trying to secure a place so close to him that it will be easy to manipulate him into doing what I please. Would I belong like that, I wonder?
( belonging--it's a childish notion. only someone like rufus, denied it for so long, would focus so heavily on it; tseng himself knows that there is likely nowhere he will ever truly fit in, and he's already made his peace with that. or he's tried, anyway. )
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Date: 2021-05-02 04:13 am (UTC)But that can work to his advantage. He's sure he can use that in the future when he decides to put his own plans into motion but that's not something he's going to work out tonight while he's practically falling asleep.]
My being kidnapped works well for your plans then. Either the kidnappers would kill me- you wouldn't need to do it yourself then- or when you rescue me, you gain my trust in the process. Then I'll let you close to me which makes it easier for you to manipulate me or kill me when you wish to.
[He still lets his eyes drift shut, unable to stifle another yawn. If Tseng is going to kill him he had his chance earlier and either way, even if Rufus was fully awake he didn't really have the training to put up much of a fight.
This experience made him realize that he wants to learn to defend himself so he's not helpless in these kinds of situations again. Even if Tseng is being honest, Rufus has decided that Tseng will help train him later. It's just a matter of convincing him but Rufus is confident that he'll get his way. At least, eventually.]
If you don't kill me in my sleep, you're buying me breakfast before you turn me in tomorrow. You can consider it part of your grand plan to gain my trust before assassinating me.
[Despite his stubbornness, the last words are mumbled softly. Normally Rufus was a relatively light sleeper but the toll of barely sleeping on a hard floor for days was catching up to him all at once.
For hours he's dead to the world, still holding onto the pillow in his sleep as he snores softly against the rough linen. It's not until hours later that he sits up suddenly, jolting awake with his heart beating in his chest. For a few minutes he has to remember where he is, his mind slowly putting together the pieces of the last day.]
Tseng.
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