[There is a moment of surprise as Tseng takes his arm but he understands as soon as Tseng whispers in his ear. He plays his part, smiling as if flattered by those sweat nothings but every part of him is tense, ready to fight or run if he has to.
He resists the urge to look back, instead leaning his head against Tseng's to play the look of a besotted lover with eyes only for him. His heart beats hard in his chest, eggs almost forgotten as he focuses on Tseng instead.]
Let's hope so. The last thing we need is for everyone to know who I am and try their hand at kidnapping as well.
[Tseng was only one Turk and this didn't seem like a place where many people would be fond of Shinra. He could pick out the signs of poverty around them and he's sure that there is some resentment towards the company and the President at the very least.
He only pulls away from him a little as they get to the dinner, letting Tseng open the door for him. It's crowded and a tired-looking waitress directs them to a booth, dropping menus on the table unceremoniously before heading off without giving them a second look.]
( he's cautious, even despite his own words, because it's almost as though he's uncertain of them himself: sure, in theory, he doesn't think that anyone will cause a scene here. even in what appears to be a bad neighborhood, with dark alleyways and certain danger awaiting in some instances, there's very little need to involve the public, and a diner, of all places, is likely once of the safest places they can be for now. still--he holds the door open, to let rufus in, and spares a glance at his back to reassure that those tailing them don't come in immediately after. it's something that's on his mind even as they're guided to a booth, where he sits down gingerly, and accepts the menu.
it's a little sticky. luckily he has his gloves on, but his nose wrinkles, clearly not capable of controlling his own slight disdain at being somewhere with so little courtesy. he's hungry, yes, but his gaze over the menu is only brief. he doesn't care about eating, he has to care about keeping rufus safe. )
Let's hope you eat quickly.
( it takes him a moment, to flag down the waitress again: she's not any more pleased to take their order, but she does, and deposits a pot of coffee on the table with two mugs. gratefully, tseng starts immediately pouring himself a cup--before he realizes, and nudges it to rufus first to allow him to have it. he pours the other one for himself. )
So are you going to tell me your idea? ( his eyes are circling the diner again, reassuring, before they narrow in on rufus' face. it's really in his best interests that he's so good-looking, otherwise he wouldn't get away with nearly as much as he does. ) Or are you purposefully keeping me in the dark?
( his hand coils around his coffee cup, lifting it up for one long, almost inhuman swallow. two plates arrive with their orders, though tseng has kept his own meal alarmingly modest: toast, eggs, fruit and coffee appear to be what's going to sustain him the rest of this hellish morning. )
[Rufus has no shame when he gives his order- bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and two pieces of toast. He was starving and he wasn't going to settle for something so light as Tseng.
When the waitress unloads their food on the table Rufus takes the chance to glance outside the window, noticing that their followers had decided to take up post outside, one of them lighting up a cigarette. They seemed willing to be patient while waiting for Tseng and Rufus to finish.
But he turns back to Tseng, spearing a piece of bacon on his fork. The food is terrible, the coffee a far cry from what he was used to back home but it is the best thing he had eaten in awhile so he wasn't going to be picky.]
It depends on how much gil you have left. Give what I saw when you were paying for the hotel room last night I don't think it's a lot. Our only option may be public transport where no one will expect us to be or if that's not possible, finding a ride with someone who is too stupid or clueless to realize who I am.
[Neither situation is optimal but he knows they have to work with what they have. He doesn't worry about having the best table manners as he props his elbows on the table but makes sure not a single bit of food gets on his suit.]
With any luck we'll be back by the evening and you'll be enjoying your promotion by dinner.
( there are so, so many things wrong with this situation, and it takes all of his meager self-control not to lash out at every single one of them. first of all, has rufus shinra ever heard of table manners? does the great family simply not care for them? elbows on the table, food eaten like a man starving; tseng watches him for a moment over the lip of his coffee mug, takes another large swallow, and sets it down with a loud thunk. at the very least, rufus is neat about not getting food on his clothes, but tseng is still prepared to reach for a napkin and save him from any grease or syrup getting dripped onto those clothes. it would be a pain to try to remedy the stain while also trying to avoid getting shinra's heir captured again.
why is his life so difficult? why did he have to be chosen for this mission? he's grumbling, clearly displeased, as he cuts into his own breakfast, eats it with a meticulous manner and only as quickly as seems becoming. he's hungry, too, starved from the lack of sleep and the exertion of the day before: but he's more used to it than rufus is, he thinks. likely this may be rufus shinra's first time going days with meager offerings. that much makes him smile, privately, before he sets his thoughts otherwise.
the words public transport make him cringe: but then again, do they have any other choice? they could easily slip onto a train or a bus, or perhaps he could have time to radio for a chopper to pick them up at the station closest and take them back to the city. he's not sure if veld would let him--but then again, veld isn't the one here suffering, now is he? )
Fine. We'll see what we can find. Don't tell me you're going to suggest we go by chocobo next, are you?
( is he smiling? yes, but wryly, as he drains his coffee cup, dutifully pours rufus a bit more before he tops off his own. )
There will be no promotion. Unless you're telling me you're going to engineer it. How gracious of you, mister vice president.
[He can almost feel the judgment radiating off of Tseng but given that the last time he ate was the day before yesterday when he had been given some sort of questionable gray porriage from his captors. If Tseng wants to judge him for his lack of table manners and his choice of breakfast than he was more than welcome to. He knew that if his father or Veld ever saw him acting so common while eating he would never hear the end of it but they weren't here and he doubted Tseng was going to rat him given that Rufus is sure that Tseng himself has already broken more than a few rules himself.
e makes eye contact with Tseng he finishes the bacon as if daring him to say something.]
Never, I hate those things. [Granted, he had only been near a chocobo once when he was a child but he can still remember how it snapped at his hand when he reached out to try to pet it. Never again. And given how sore his shoulder was from the shotgun he wasn't eager to add a bumpy ride to his discomfort.]
Of course, it's the least you I do. I know you will repay me by providing very thorough training on how to properly use a shotgun.
[It doesn't take him long to finish the rest of his food, mopping up the last of the syrup with a forkful of pancakes. Out of the corner of his eyes he glances at the window to see their shadows still outside smoking. When the waitress practically slams the check on the table in front of him, Rufus simply slides it over to Tseng without looking at it while finishing the last of his coffee.]
Once you're done we need find a way to lose our devoted followers.
( that is a small piece of information that he tucks into his memory, amused: rufus shinra hates chocobos? it's almost enough to be endearing in some way, as though imagining him terrified of the big, fluffy birds brings him some modicum of fondness, but he tries not to let it show. he's not particularly fond of them himself, if only because he finds them hard to travel by; he's much more partial to taking a car or, when permitted, a chopper. unfortunately, he thinks that they're likely barred from being able to take any air transport, for now, so it will likely having to be a car.
borrowed? stolen? paid for? he'll consider that once they're through.
he watches rufus mop up the last of his pancakes, glances out the window as he sees rufus do the same. true, those men are still lingering, and perhaps it's the lack of sleep or perhaps he's just frustrated by the entire turn of events, but there is a part of him that doesn't even want to deal with the charade of trying to lose them. could he go out there with gun and shoot all three? likely. but that would provide another mess to clean up, and he doesn't want to leave rufus alone, either. so what choice do they have?
he flicks his fingers to the bill, glances at it once and then sighs. from inside his suit, he pulls out the correct amount, lays it down on the table, and then nods to rufus. )
We'll go out through the kitchen. It will round us to the back alley, between this building and the one behind it. Take a sharp right, walk down and around, and head in the direction of the outskirts of town. There will likely be a vehicle we can... Borrow.
( he says this very calmly, as he takes one last, longing swallow of coffee. )
[There is a strange expression on Tseng's face that passes too quickly for Rufus to put his finger on but there isn't time to puzzle it out. He gulps the rest of his coffee on the way up, putting the mug down as he follows Tseng.
Rufus resists the temptation to look back at their followers one last time but he has to focus on getting through the restaurant first so he keeps his eyes on Tseng. There is a moment when he's tempted to reach out to grab Tseng's hand for a reason he can't figure out but he hurries instead to follow Tseng out of the back door of the diner, wrinkling his nose when he steps foot in a puddle of murky questionable liquid. There isn't time to linger though and he's already decided that the clothes he's wearing are a total loss anyway. He's just going to have to endure the mess until they return.]
Ha! Borrow.
[He lets out a short laugh because there was a good chance the owner would never see their car or any kind of compensation from Shinra. He doubts that his father cares about the pesky little details of Rufus's rescue- all he would care about is how much this would cost him and if Rufus was still in one piece when returned.
He follows Tseng in silence for a bit, giving up on trying to figure out where they are in Junon at this point. It's a quieter part of the city, the houses a bit nicer and as far as Rufus can tell, they don't have any followers.]
There- I think that will work.
[This time Rufus does stop and put his hand on Tseng's arm, pointing at a car parked in an ally seemingly unattended. It doesn't look well maintained but they can't be picky about traveling in style at the moment.]
( with the way they make quick work of the diner, he feels almost impressed, by the level of somewhat dubious professionalism that rufus is showing. he's quiet, to the point, not drawling to look at things or complain about the questionable things found in back alleys; he didn't even bat an eye at the condition of the kitchen as they worked through it, or even asked a question as to where they are in junon or how long it will take to get back. he's actually pleasant, like this, when he's quiet; and that means that tseng can concentrate more closely on the task at hand. he needs to keep himself aware of their surroundings, keenly, so as not to get in the way of anything: and not to have rufus end up in the line of fire.
he notes it too, as he glances around, that they're conspicuously unfollowed, here. no one is trailing them, and he finds that less comforting and more suspicious. the sooner that they're in a vehicle, the sooner he can feel at ease. luckily, rufus seems to spot something before even he can--now that is suspicious. annoyed, he nods, reaches his own hand back to touch rufus' arm in answer, briefly, before he strides over to the car.
in terms of getaway vehicles, it's not great. the paint is peeling in some spots, and the inside of the car is something of a mess, but beggars can't be choosers, and he's already risked enough by having rufus this out in the open. frowning, he rounds on the hood, looking for any open windows--there aren't any, which means he has to do this the old fashioned way. )
Keep an eye out. ( --is what he manages to say, soft and low, as he reaches into the inside pocket of his suit for the bendable wire that he'll drop into the door to open the lock. his eyes narrow, from the vehicle to rufus, but he still sees nothing. ) Two minutes.
( and while he does manage it--finding the mechanism for the lock with ease, popping the door open, it's the reflection in the side mirror, as the door moves, that has him reaching an arm out for rufus to push him down.
a shot goes past them, one that richochets off the nearby wall, and then another, that strikes something soft: tseng's shoulder. it staggers him for a moment, cursing, as he draws out his pistol with the other hand; he's likely dripping blood down onto rufus, but he gets a clear shot of the attacker, catches him in the face and watches him go down before he hisses, impatient, to rufus. )
Climb in the car. You'll have to drive.
( and he'll have to make it to the other side of the car, to get in: he winces, pops off another shot as a distraction, and starts his way, methodical, around the hood of the car. hopefully rufus has enough sense to unlock the passenger door, once he's in the driver's seat. )
[Rufus doesn't need to be encouraged to head towards the car- it's even uglier up close than it was from the street but it's the only option they have.]
Alright. [Despite Tseng telling him to keep watch Rufus can't resist trying to watch Tseng working with the wire almost as if he's taking mental notes of how Tseng manages to spring the lock. But before he can say anything Tseng is shoving him down before the shot rings out.
It leaves him in a daze so it takes him a moment to see the red drips on his suit but it's not until he sees Tseng going around the front of the car to see where it comes from. He only nods when Tseng tells him that he's driving, pushing his way into the car the best he's able to without putting himself in the line of fire.
There is no time to be delighted that he finally gets to drive- Veld had adamantly refused to teach him since Rufus asked him when he turned 14. Instead, his heart is beating in his chest as he pulls himself into the driver's side.
He looks around once inside, trying to figure out how this is going to work but he still manages to reach over to unlock the passenger side door for Tseng. The spare keys were stashed behind the sun visor and Rufus scoffs, grateful for the owner's carelessness. He doubts that they were worried that anyone would be stealing this piece of junk.
He has no idea what he's doing as he starts the engine but there isn't time to second guess anything. He's never even been in the front seat of a car before- as far as he knows all that is needed is to start the engine and go. He presses what he hopes the gas pedal as far down as it goes, clutching the wheel.
Except the car doesn't move despite the engine revving loudly. He tries again but the car still doesn't budge, shuddering slightly as it pushes against some kind of barrier. Parking brake? What is that?
He's later going to make sure Veld knows what a mistake it was to not teach him how to drive.]
Tseng- [He looks over at him for help, dunking down as another shot rings out, hitting the hood of the car. Another shot hits the side mirror, making him wince.]
( to rufus' credit, he does relatively well to start out with. perhaps it's because of the way that tseng hissed the words at him, perhaps it's the blood that he leaves smeared on the hood of the car, on the door handle when he pops it open, swiftly, and ducks into the relative safety of the vehicle. by the time he's seated, rufus already has the keys down, twisted in the ignition, and the engine hums to life beneath them, which is a good sign. a part of him had been worried that it might not run at all. and sure, rufus' eyes are a bit round and glassy, and sure, his hands are gripping the steering wheel like a child who's ready to rip it from one side to the other.
but he's trying. and tseng can appreciate that, even through the haze of pain that racks up the side of his arm and through his shoulder.
he sinks down lower in his seat, ignoring the sound of the shot that ricochets off the car; rufus should be safe like this, at least until he gets his foot down on the pedal. the car revs up with life, but goes nowhere; another shot goes out, and tseng moves his hand, bloody, from where it's been pressed hard to the bullet wound to keep it from bleeding too much outright. it throbs when he takes the pressure off. )
It has to be in drive. ( --is what he says, calm as he can manage. ) Allow me.
( caked with blood, his gloved hand moves, wrenches down the automatic to shift the car out of park and into drive--with rufus' foot on the pedal, it shoots forward, and tseng lets out a hiss of a command, firm. )
Get control of the vehicle, sir. You cannot take turns at this speed.
( the gunshots start to fall away--apparently they aren't in pursuit of them yet, and with a glance back behind them, tseng clicks his tongue in displeasure, then settles into the passenger seat again. yes, he's terrified of how rufus might drive, but at this point, he has no other choice. )
Take a left here. Then straight out. We'll hit city limits and then be out in the open road to Midgar.
[As soon as Tseng shifts the car into drive it shoots forward, taking Rufus by surprise and he barely reacts in time to steer to avoid hitting anything. They barely miss the wall of the house next to them, Rufus clutching the steering wheel.
He tries not to look at how Tseng is bleeding, he can only focus on trying not to lose control of the car as it skids around the corner. Sure Tseng says that he can't take the corner that fast but Rufus likes a challenge. The tires squeal on the pavement with each turn but Rufus doesn't start to slow down until a few minutes after the last of the gunshots have faded away, the last one pinging off the bumper.
Only once the car finally gets out onto the open road towards Midgar that he finally tries to look at Tseng from the corner of his eyes. It's difficult to see clearly when he's trying to keep his eyes on the road, swerving around a car without bothering to slow down. He decides to just ignore the speed limit, deciding it's more of a suggestion than anything else.]
Do you need me to pull over? I don't want you to bleed out on our way to Midgar. [He's not sure how far Midgar is, they could be driving for hours even as Rufus pushes the gas pedal to the floor. No one was going to dare to pull him over and if they did, a well-played do you know who my father is would no doubt do the trick.]
It's not going to do either of us either good if you pass out and bleed all over. I should be able to pull over ahead where it clears up.
[He has to look back at the road to narrowly miss a turn off to follow a sign indicating the way towards Midgar, swerving across two lanes of traffic despite the blaring horns from cars that barely miss them. Aside from Tseng bleeding in the passenger seat, being able to drive is even better than he could have imagined.]
( well, the good news: at the rate this is going, he'll be dead long before they reach midgar. the both of them will, with how rufus is driving, swerving to take the corner at a speed that makes his stomach lift and then get left behind somewhere in the outskirts of the city. he's gripping onto the handle just above the window, his other hand staunchly pressed to his shoulder, but he still manages a few words under his breath that are less than pleasant, and something that would likely get him in trouble if repeated. the speed that rufus takes the car means that they're out of the city quickly enough, though; he imagines that they will be too far out on the open road for those pursuing them to even try to catch up.
it means he can catch his breath, and swallow down the urge to vomit.
a laugh escapes--maybe even the first one he's ever managed--and he shakes his head a little, peeling back his palm to check the blood flow. it's still staining his shirt, pooled through his jacket, but he can't gauge whether the bullet went straight through; it could be a benefit to have it still pressed inside of it, but it would be easier to tend to if it came out the back. he shakes his head a little--rufus jerks the car from one lane to the next, and tseng hisses-- )
Rufus. ( --like he can't quite help himself. the minute it's out of his mouth, he stumbles to try to cover it up. ) Sir. Just... Over here, off to the side...
( it's true, he needs rufus to look at the wound, but he's dreading it. instead, he clenches his hand over it again, closes his eyes, and wills them not to get hit by any oncoming traffic while rufus swerves to bring the car to a stop. )
I'll need you to see if it went all the way through, then tie it up. Can you manage? Midgar isn't too far with the way you drive, so mercifully, I'll make it that far. No major arteries, nothing permanently damaged, it's just...
( fucking painful, but he doesn't say that out loud, just grimaces and smooths his face out after. )
[Rufus is surprised by the laugh and Tseng using his first name but manages to keep his attention on the road long enough to get them to a place he can pull the car over. He won't hold the muttered words that are definitely less than professional against Tseng but he'll certainly remember each one to use later to mess with Tseng a bit.
Instead of slowing down gradually, Rufus slams on the brakes, and as soon as they get to the shoulder of the road, he yanks on the parking brake which causes them both to lurch forward with a forceful jerk. But once he recovers from the moment of shock he turns the engine off to look over at Tseng.
Tseng looks worse than he thought, like he was not only in pain but sick to his stomach as well. It was some small consolation that Tseng isn't going to bleed out just yet but if something happened then he wasn't in really condition to do anything.]
Jacket off, pull your shirt down so I can see.
[Rufus doesn't wait to help Tseng get his coat off as much as possible, doing his best to try not to cause any more pain or damage.]
I'll have to recommend you for a raise for taking a bullet for me, won't I? And you might even get some paid vacation days.
[Once he's able to see the bullet wound he pauses. When he reaches out his fingers only brush against the edge of the exit wound which is a cleaner than he had been expecting it to be.]
It went through. If I can't tie it with your shirt we can just use mine.
( it's no wonder that rufus is the president's son: he's demanding, headstrong, stubborn, and without any hint of delicacy in the way he reaches to help him out of his jacket. he can tell that he's trying, but he's still not used to this kind of pain, not used to having to take such a wound and keep going; even out in his field work, he's been mostly the right-hand rather than the one out in the open, espionage and other missions that haven't asked much of him physically and more required his mental prowess. it means he can't quite control his expressions, either, a wince and a hiss of breath that escapes as they both finally manage to get him out of his jacket entirely. )
Paid vacation, now there's a joke.
( wry and amused, he leans forward so that rufus can inspect the back of the wound: his fingers brush against it, and tseng's breath catches for a moment, learning better how to swallow down the urge to cry out in pain with each passing moment. if anything, this is good training for the future, he figures. )
It would be rude of me to bleed all over your clothes. Surely I would get terminated for that.
( there's at least a hint of a smirk on his features, pale as they are--but he lifts an arm, holding it out towards rufus expectantly. )
Rip my sleeve and use it. I have plenty of clothes in my locker back at base, and this way, you cannot charge me some ridiculous dry cleaning fee.
Don't worry, Tseng, I'm not going to send you a bill or have you fired. [Rufus gives him what would be a reassuring smile but there was a glint in his eyes as Tseng lifts his arm. He gathers the fabric of his sleeve with both fists.] I'm just going to garnish your wages since you already got blood on my coat and it's going to have to be replaced
And considering this is custom-made I'll ask Veld to give you a raise or else you're ging to be paying it off into your old age.
[And with that and without any warning he rips the sleeve from Tseng's shirt. There was no way to really be gentle about it and it was best to just be done with it. It didn't come away easily and it takes a couple of more rips to get the fabric away complately.]
Stay still, you can pass out when I'm done. I think I can figure out which direction Midgar is in now.
[He works quickly to try to tie up the wound, a little surprised that Tseng is less stoic about this than he expected. He didn't seem the type but he supposes pain like this can change someone in profound ways.
His attempt to tie up the wound is clumsy but he is still proud of the result once he pulls away.]
You should at least live until I get us back. You can't get your paid day off if you die.
( there is some small, damaged silver lining to the whole thing: the more that rufus talks, the more that tseng can focus on the audacity of those words, the more he can feel himself boiling with irritation, even frustration, no matter how exaggerated the jabs may be. certainly the price of rufus' formerly pristine white suit is no joke: he knows it must cost everything he makes in a month and more, and the thought of having to spend his life indebted to someone with such a sly smile, whittling away his funds to a man who has more than enough money to replace his clothes himself? it keeps his thoughts from tumbling into the pain, the slight flinch at the sound of his own clothes ripping, the fabric coming away in uneven strips. at least rufus is listening to him.
and, at least, in some ways, his own outbursts of pain now will serve him well for the future: a future where he'll take a sword to the gut and not spend his last moments there crying out and clenching his teeth and withering away under the agony, but calmly and steadily trying to get himself to safety as best he can.
rufus' hands aren't particularly steady or careful; he doesn't mind that, doesn't mind the pain that lances through or makes his breath stammer, and even clumsy, at least the wound is properly wrapped up. sweat beads down his temple, and when he looks up, rufus looks absurdly proud of what he's done: enough that tseng almost, almost wants to smile out of ridiculousness, out of the fact that this is the first time he's seen rufus actually look happy in some way. perhaps it's because he never gets to do anything himself anymore? perhaps it's because he rarely has successes. it's--different, and almost...enjoyable, in a sense, though he doesn't want to take his thoughts that far. )
Wouldn't that be the eternal paid day off? ( wryly, as he settles back into the seat--it still throbs, still hurts, but at least he knows he won't bleed out on the road back. his eyes close for a moment, steadying, before he forces them open. ) Or would you be too lonely, if I died here?
( he doesn't give rufus the chance to retaliate: he just nods, his lashes falling again without any regard for his stubborn will to stay awake. )
Let's go, then. Carefully. Don't take any sudden turns...
It would make for a fairly awkward drive back to Midgar if you died.
[Rufus almost reaches out to brush a stray strand of dark hair that had fallen across Tseng's face when he closes his eyes. Instead, his hands move back to the keys in the ignition to turn the engine with stubborn determination.
He won't admit that he's worried about Tseng after seeing the bullet wound but the signs are subtle in the way that his lips a pressed a bit more tightly together and his hands are tighter on the wheel. He's a little more reckless as he swerves into traffic to get them back on the road, focusing on moving around the other cars.
There is silence and he only takes his eyes off of the road when he's able to in order to make sure Tseng is breathing still. The adrenaline was wearing off and he could feel the exhaustion starting to set in. The excitement of being able to drive is wearing off and now the tediousness sets in. Outside of Junon the landscape is dull and without anything of interest. Evading traffic is the only thing to focus on as well as listening to make sure Tseng is still breathing.
The first glimpse of Midgar isn't the top of the Shinra building but instead a green tinted orange smog that hangs over the horizon like a poisonous cloud. It takes another hour until buildings start to take shape as they approach and only then does Rufus speak up.]
If you're dead Tseng I'm going to bring you back and have you demoted.
( the silence is comforting, in a sense, but only because to him it isn't silence at all: it's the throbbing agony of pain in his head, pulsing with each breath that he takes, with each swift jerk of the car, the squeal of the tires, the thrum of the engine. in a sense, he should be grateful for rufus' reckless driving: it means that he can't quite fall into a sleep of exhaustion that could, in fact, be far more dangerous given the blood loss. instead, with his eyes closed, he tries to count down the minutes from each event--like when rufus clearly has to switch lanes and doesn't properly brake, or even signal, like when he guns the engine and then jerks on the brakes without any sense of how to do so. really, he knows why no one has allowed this child to drive, but couldn't they have at least taught him, in case of an emergency? it's something he'll have to see if he can bring up to veld later on, though he doubts there will be time. getting grilled for the rest of the mission going south may take up a considerable amount of time, after all.
his whole body is throbbing by the time they've reached the outskirts of midgar, the familiar smell of the city kept from him with the windows still resolutely rolled up. it's only when rufus speaks that he dares to open his eyes again, finds them heavy and uncomfortable, wills himself to try to sit up properly in the passenger seat. somehow he's slouched his way down, held upright only by the constant press of the seatbelt; sweat beads down his temples, and even an unlucky trail of it makes its way down to stain his shirt collar. )
I would truly like to see you bring someone back from the dead.
( dryly, but yes, he's still alive: and alive enough to pick at rufus shinra's bold lies, of course. )
You'll need to drive carefully here. Head for the company building. There is a back parking lot that will be better... I do not want anyone to see you behind the wheel as we approach.
( mostly for his own sake: he should honestly tell rufus to pull over and take the wheel, but he's not sure he can do so. instead, he struggles, reaching inside his pocket for his phone so that he can flip it open and send a text with instructions to rude: who will, unfortunately, likely ask reno for assistance as well. )
You do know how to get to your own company, do you not? Take this turn.
I'm a Shinra, Tseng. If I want something I'll make it happen.
[He's only half-joking- if there is anything he has in common with his father is that that sheer determination to shape reality to suit him no matter what.]
It can't be that hard to get to the building, it's right there-" which is spoken too soon because the traffic in Midgar is far worse and it's not long until Rufus misses the exit indicating the route to the Shinra Building. But instead of getting up set Rufus just swerves, driving over a small median to get onto the exit ramp. He has to rev the engine hard so that they don't get rear ended by traffic coming up fast behind them but he still manages.]
I know Veld made me promise to try not to steal another car but I think he can make an exception in this case.
[He had spent much of his teen years trying to see what he could get way under Veld's watchful supervision which included trying to teach himself to drive like any normal teenager. He nearly misses the next exit Tseng points to but manages nonetheless, getting better at navigating through the heavy Midgar traffic the best he's able to.]
You're not exactly really in any condition to drive anyway. I may be a terrible driver but you can barely sit up straight.
[He's not sure who Tseng is texting but as the road snakes its way towards Sector 0 he knows that Tseng has to try to mitigate the consequences from all the ways the mission went wrong. But Rufus was alive and unarmed, despite a sore shoulder from the recoil of the shotgun.]
Well, I won't tell Veld that I was the one who drove. Or that you let me shoot a gun.
[Rufus's words are almost kind, just almost, but there is a glint in his eyes as he takes this opportunity.]
But since I'll be doing you a favor by not saying anything to Veld and keeping you out of trouble I'm sure you'll be grateful and remember my kindness.
( it is, by no small miracle, that they manage to make it to the road that leads up to the back entrance of the company building--he finds himself holding his breath more often than not, letting it hiss between his teeth in annoyance at every jerk, every time rufus misses his exit and every time he threatens both of their lives by his reckless driving. it is an enormous relief to finally be within sights of the building, nonetheless driving right up along to the back parking lot--it's there that he snaps his phone shut, tucks it into his pocket and reaches, with one hand, to lay it out on rufus' wrist firmly. )
Of course, sir. I'll certainly remember your kindness.
( there's a flash of irritation in his gaze, there and gone again--and without even asking, he reaches down to the console, jerks the car into park himself and feels the engine splutter in complaint. the car lurches forward and then, abruptly, comes to a stop; they're close enough now that it's better they walk the rest of the way, especially given that both reno and veld will likely be waiting for them: veld, to take rufus into custody, and reno, to help tseng hobble his way to the infirmary. he doesn't want any of them to catch rufus behind the wheel; he nods to the ignition, figuring he doesn't have to explain himself.
getting back out of the car is another issue entirely--it takes some sincere maneuvering on his part, sweat that beads and bleeds down his face, around his hairline, drips stubbornly down his nose to not only open the door but get himself onto his feet. once he assures himself that rufus, too, is out of the vehicle, safe and sound, he nods ahead of himself; rufus needs to lead the way so that he can keep an eye on his back, ensure that no harm befalls him on this small walk from the edge of the parking lot to the back entrance of the building. )
...Should you need something. ( he says this softly--almost under his breath, the closer they get to the building. ) ... I'm certain you can find me in hospital. But I'm sure you'll have your needs tended to without the burden of my presence.
( and thank the gods: he can see veld, and his disapproval, already moving to close the distance between them; tseng gives him a short nod, one last look at rufus, before he forces himself to turn away. he needs to find reno himself: before his knees buckle, before he ends up planting himself down into the cement and falling to exhaustion right then and there. )
[Before getting out of the car, before Tseng turns away Rufus brushes his lips against Tseng's cheek, just at the edge of his lips with a soft laugh. He speaks in a low tone, fully aware that Veld may see them already.]
Don't worry, I'll find you later.
[But he doesn't linger as he pulls himself out of the driver's seat. Everything happens so fast then- one moment Veld is barking orders to Reno to get Tseng, giving Tseng a very stern 'I'll deal with you later' before Rufus is being hurried away in a firm grasp. He tries to turn to see Tseng one last time but Reno is in the way and Veld is pulling him inside.
Everything is a blur after that- there is a medical exam which reveals he's perfectly fine aside from some bruising on his shoulder from the recoil of the shotgun. Rufus lies and says he tripped and fell but he's sure Veld doesn't believe him given the look that he's given in response. Rufus is questioned extensively about every detail multiple times and it's impossible to cover up the fact that he had been the one who had been driving to Midgar. A tight 'I see' was all the response given by Veld before moving on.
After that he's cleaned up, bundled up in clean clothes, and placed in front of his father for more questioning. President Shinra is barely interested in Rufus's wel-being, there is no relief or concern but only disappointment that Rufus had allowed himself to be kidnapped. That wasn't a surprise, his father had never been one to allow for much sentiment and he had only been sent off with a wave of his hand.
He's exhausted by the time he's left to himself, Veld locking the door behind him when he left. Getting out was going to be nearly impossible, he has no doubt that Veld has left a guard outside his door and even if he got past them, he knew that there would be more guards to get through before he could even reach the elevator.
He knew that Veld had to interrogate Tseng so he wouldn't be able to see him tomorrow at the very least. He already knew that their lives were now forever intertwined. Veld had refused to answer any questions about Tseng and what was going to happen to him which made Rufus more determined.
It wasn't until after breakfast that Rufus has a chance to slip away, finding his way down to the Turk offices. He knows he can get answers out of Reno with a bit of charm and it's not long before he's shown into the hospital with Reno guarding the door.]
Well, at least you're still alive so that's an encouraging start.
( it's not like he gets out of things without any trouble--but it's not like there's a remarkable amount of trouble, either.
that isn't to say that veld isn't entirely disappointed in him, even angry, in some respects; but despite his pitfalls and despite his 'poor lack of judgment' as put politely as possible, the mission is a remarkable success. rufus is alive and barely injured, and most of the ones that brought him out to that rusty warehouse in the middle of nowhere, near junon, are done away with thanks to the combined effort of all their handiwork. the ones remaining will be dealt with accordingly--veld is going to see to that himself, he declares, which both fills tseng with relief and a keen sense of dread. it could just be that he's waiting to explode on him properly until he returns; he keeps as quiet and as professional as possible. even reno doesn't see fit to tease him about things, once he's released from his interrogation--he helps him down the hall, into the elevator, and through the various hallways to the infirmary.
it's only once he reaches it that he lets his guard down. there, after treatment, alone in a small white bed that only has a thin curtain of privacy wrapped around it, he lets himself take the first real breath he feels like he's taken since that morning outside the inn where he'd stayed with rufus. he can breath, and relax, and try to rearrange his own thoughts, his own feelings, on the mission, on what truly happened and why rufus shinra, of all people, decided to kiss him before they separated fully. ridiculous, isn't it? surely just another way for rufus to try to get under his skin? he can't really bear to think of it as more than that. it would be inappropriate--more than that, it would surely be dangerous.
the sound of the door opening, after a full night of sleep, has him stirring. groggy, he opens his eyes, lifts a hand to push his hair out of his face--and sees rufus there, approaching the bed, something that panics him to wake up the rest of the way. he doesn't want rufus to see him with his guard down; instead, he sits up, struggles to position himself against the pillows and lets out a soft, playful sort of chuckle. )
I'm afraid I'm something of a cockroach, sir. Hard to kill entirely.
( his eyes are tired, still laced with sleep, but he looks over rufus critically, trying to gauge his feeling. )
How are you doing? Received treatment? Nothing amiss?
[Rufus doesn't respond at first, cool blue eyes taking in every detail of Tseng's appearance. He hadn't thought the kiss through, it had been a spur-of-the-moment decision as a result of a flurry of emotions that he didn't recognize.
Even now he wasn't sure how he felt other than relief that Tseng was indeed alive and it was almost endearing the way that he was pulling himself out of sleep. Veld hadn't told him anything about Tseng no matter how much Rufus tried to push the matter earlier but that was hardly going to stop him now.]
That's good since we'll be useful to each other again in the future. I wouldn't want my Turk to be so easily taken out.
[Rufus doesn't ask permission before sitting on the edge of Tseng's bed, chuckling at the question. There would be questions if anyone came in to see them like this at the very least, especially if anyone happens to walk in as Rufus leans over to brush a stray strand of black hair Tseng hadn't gotten when he sat up, tucking behind one ear.]
I'm fine. My poor coat was the only casualty- there was no getting the blood out, unfortunately.
[He watches Tseng's face intently for any reaction- he hadn't had the chance to do that before, everything had happened so quickly but now it's just the two of them and Rufus isn't being hurried away.]
But since you rescued me so well I won't take the cost out of your pay. I even requested Veld give you a raise since your job is likely to become a lot more demanding in the future.
[Because if he's right and Tseng is Veld's successor, he would be by Rufus's side doing the job Veld is currently doing for the current President. in short order. He knew enough of Veld's job to know that it was dangerous and there was no room for any missteps.]
( rufus is the kind of man that seems comfortable no matter where he is--or perhaps it's because the infirmary is washed in so many differing shades of white that it's almost like he can blend right in, almost as though the whole thing mirrors the inside of a closet that must be filled with expensive suits and jackets and clothes in so many crisp, pristine sheets of white.
even now, as rufus takes a seat on the edge of the bed that yes, surely, also belongs to him, it's hard to look at him directly; it's hard to force his brain to wake up into a state of calm, to try to rouse himself from his exhaustion enough to look cool and put-together, instead of mildly alarmed at the way rufus so freely touches him. a hand reaches out to him, brushes a strand of hair away, and he stills in his movements of trying to settle himself more properly against the pillows; he looks from rufus' hand to his face, and then shakes his head, slightly.
it is something of a relief to know he won't be responsible for paying for dry-cleaning, at least. one small thing to check off the list of possible tortures from the outcome of the whole situation.
but--his turk? the words make him swallow down a disgruntled, amused sort of sound. could it be close to a laugh? he doesn't want to risk letting rufus hear such a thing from him again. )
I doubt I'm going to see any of that raise for quite some time. Veld wasn't entirely... pleased with my performance.
( still, in the end, it's worth it in some way--he doesn't know how much longer the turks are going to remain the way they are, doesn't know how much longer it will be until rufus is the one in charge, and by then? having won favor from rufus shinra will likely do him some measure of good. it just comes at the price of his dignity, in some respects.
with a sigh, he tries to settle against the pillows, sinking back into them, his eyes closing for a moment of consideration. )
I'm grateful you're safe. What is your father going to do with you now? Are you to stay here?
Don't take it personally, Veld is never pleased. I think I've seen him smile once in my entire life.
[Rufus laughs, shaking his head. Veld certainly isn't happy with him either and even Rufus isn't spared the lecture and punishments that is handed down for being so reckless. His father never intervened nor did he care- Rufus had been given into Veld's care and all that the President cared about is Rufus being alive and able to play his part as Vice President.]
I am. I'm to stay here under Veld's close and personal supervision. And Veld has me practically under house arrest so I'm sure we're going to be seeing lots of each other.
[Rufus knew full well that getting kidnapped was practically his own fault- he had been reckless slipping his guards and trying to be on his own outside for once.
But all too often he felt the walls closing in around him and now it would be worse. Being allowed down to the infirmary was as much freedom as he was going to get outside his rooms.
But he smiles, laying his hand casually on Tseng's leg. For now he'll have to find other means of giving his life some sense of excitement if he can't go outside or do anything by himself.]
It doesn't matter what Veld thinks about this mission. My father is pleased with you and while you won't get any public credit you will still get some reward.
Perhaps you may be assigned to my guard detail even. I know Reno calls it babysitting when he thinks I'm not listening but I'm sure we can find ways to make it interesting if you get bored.
[Rufus hadn't gotten Veld to budge on learning to use a gun but he hoped that if Tseng said something it would carry more weight.]
I'm sure you can think of something we can occupy ourselves with.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2021-05-12 03:41 am (UTC)He resists the urge to look back, instead leaning his head against Tseng's to play the look of a besotted lover with eyes only for him. His heart beats hard in his chest, eggs almost forgotten as he focuses on Tseng instead.]
Let's hope so. The last thing we need is for everyone to know who I am and try their hand at kidnapping as well.
[Tseng was only one Turk and this didn't seem like a place where many people would be fond of Shinra. He could pick out the signs of poverty around them and he's sure that there is some resentment towards the company and the President at the very least.
He only pulls away from him a little as they get to the dinner, letting Tseng open the door for him. It's crowded and a tired-looking waitress directs them to a booth, dropping menus on the table unceremoniously before heading off without giving them a second look.]
Let'shope the eggs are better than the service.
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Date: 2021-05-15 07:46 pm (UTC)it's a little sticky. luckily he has his gloves on, but his nose wrinkles, clearly not capable of controlling his own slight disdain at being somewhere with so little courtesy. he's hungry, yes, but his gaze over the menu is only brief. he doesn't care about eating, he has to care about keeping rufus safe. )
Let's hope you eat quickly.
( it takes him a moment, to flag down the waitress again: she's not any more pleased to take their order, but she does, and deposits a pot of coffee on the table with two mugs. gratefully, tseng starts immediately pouring himself a cup--before he realizes, and nudges it to rufus first to allow him to have it. he pours the other one for himself. )
So are you going to tell me your idea? ( his eyes are circling the diner again, reassuring, before they narrow in on rufus' face. it's really in his best interests that he's so good-looking, otherwise he wouldn't get away with nearly as much as he does. ) Or are you purposefully keeping me in the dark?
( his hand coils around his coffee cup, lifting it up for one long, almost inhuman swallow. two plates arrive with their orders, though tseng has kept his own meal alarmingly modest: toast, eggs, fruit and coffee appear to be what's going to sustain him the rest of this hellish morning. )
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Date: 2021-05-16 06:09 am (UTC)When the waitress unloads their food on the table Rufus takes the chance to glance outside the window, noticing that their followers had decided to take up post outside, one of them lighting up a cigarette. They seemed willing to be patient while waiting for Tseng and Rufus to finish.
But he turns back to Tseng, spearing a piece of bacon on his fork. The food is terrible, the coffee a far cry from what he was used to back home but it is the best thing he had eaten in awhile so he wasn't going to be picky.]
It depends on how much gil you have left. Give what I saw when you were paying for the hotel room last night I don't think it's a lot. Our only option may be public transport where no one will expect us to be or if that's not possible, finding a ride with someone who is too stupid or clueless to realize who I am.
[Neither situation is optimal but he knows they have to work with what they have. He doesn't worry about having the best table manners as he props his elbows on the table but makes sure not a single bit of food gets on his suit.]
With any luck we'll be back by the evening and you'll be enjoying your promotion by dinner.
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Date: 2021-05-17 08:36 pm (UTC)why is his life so difficult? why did he have to be chosen for this mission? he's grumbling, clearly displeased, as he cuts into his own breakfast, eats it with a meticulous manner and only as quickly as seems becoming. he's hungry, too, starved from the lack of sleep and the exertion of the day before: but he's more used to it than rufus is, he thinks. likely this may be rufus shinra's first time going days with meager offerings. that much makes him smile, privately, before he sets his thoughts otherwise.
the words public transport make him cringe: but then again, do they have any other choice? they could easily slip onto a train or a bus, or perhaps he could have time to radio for a chopper to pick them up at the station closest and take them back to the city. he's not sure if veld would let him--but then again, veld isn't the one here suffering, now is he? )
Fine. We'll see what we can find. Don't tell me you're going to suggest we go by chocobo next, are you?
( is he smiling? yes, but wryly, as he drains his coffee cup, dutifully pours rufus a bit more before he tops off his own. )
There will be no promotion. Unless you're telling me you're going to engineer it. How gracious of you, mister vice president.
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Date: 2021-05-18 03:19 am (UTC)e makes eye contact with Tseng he finishes the bacon as if daring him to say something.]
Never, I hate those things. [Granted, he had only been near a chocobo once when he was a child but he can still remember how it snapped at his hand when he reached out to try to pet it. Never again. And given how sore his shoulder was from the shotgun he wasn't eager to add a bumpy ride to his discomfort.]
Of course, it's the least you I do. I know you will repay me by providing very thorough training on how to properly use a shotgun.
[It doesn't take him long to finish the rest of his food, mopping up the last of the syrup with a forkful of pancakes. Out of the corner of his eyes he glances at the window to see their shadows still outside smoking. When the waitress practically slams the check on the table in front of him, Rufus simply slides it over to Tseng without looking at it while finishing the last of his coffee.]
Once you're done we need find a way to lose our devoted followers.
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Date: 2021-05-24 09:41 pm (UTC)borrowed? stolen? paid for? he'll consider that once they're through.
he watches rufus mop up the last of his pancakes, glances out the window as he sees rufus do the same. true, those men are still lingering, and perhaps it's the lack of sleep or perhaps he's just frustrated by the entire turn of events, but there is a part of him that doesn't even want to deal with the charade of trying to lose them. could he go out there with gun and shoot all three? likely. but that would provide another mess to clean up, and he doesn't want to leave rufus alone, either. so what choice do they have?
he flicks his fingers to the bill, glances at it once and then sighs. from inside his suit, he pulls out the correct amount, lays it down on the table, and then nods to rufus. )
We'll go out through the kitchen. It will round us to the back alley, between this building and the one behind it. Take a sharp right, walk down and around, and head in the direction of the outskirts of town. There will likely be a vehicle we can... Borrow.
( he says this very calmly, as he takes one last, longing swallow of coffee. )
Any questions? Let's go.
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Date: 2021-05-27 04:21 am (UTC)Rufus resists the temptation to look back at their followers one last time but he has to focus on getting through the restaurant first so he keeps his eyes on Tseng. There is a moment when he's tempted to reach out to grab Tseng's hand for a reason he can't figure out but he hurries instead to follow Tseng out of the back door of the diner, wrinkling his nose when he steps foot in a puddle of murky questionable liquid. There isn't time to linger though and he's already decided that the clothes he's wearing are a total loss anyway. He's just going to have to endure the mess until they return.]
Ha! Borrow.
[He lets out a short laugh because there was a good chance the owner would never see their car or any kind of compensation from Shinra. He doubts that his father cares about the pesky little details of Rufus's rescue- all he would care about is how much this would cost him and if Rufus was still in one piece when returned.
He follows Tseng in silence for a bit, giving up on trying to figure out where they are in Junon at this point. It's a quieter part of the city, the houses a bit nicer and as far as Rufus can tell, they don't have any followers.]
There- I think that will work.
[This time Rufus does stop and put his hand on Tseng's arm, pointing at a car parked in an ally seemingly unattended. It doesn't look well maintained but they can't be picky about traveling in style at the moment.]
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Date: 2021-05-31 10:32 pm (UTC)he notes it too, as he glances around, that they're conspicuously unfollowed, here. no one is trailing them, and he finds that less comforting and more suspicious. the sooner that they're in a vehicle, the sooner he can feel at ease. luckily, rufus seems to spot something before even he can--now that is suspicious. annoyed, he nods, reaches his own hand back to touch rufus' arm in answer, briefly, before he strides over to the car.
in terms of getaway vehicles, it's not great. the paint is peeling in some spots, and the inside of the car is something of a mess, but beggars can't be choosers, and he's already risked enough by having rufus this out in the open. frowning, he rounds on the hood, looking for any open windows--there aren't any, which means he has to do this the old fashioned way. )
Keep an eye out. ( --is what he manages to say, soft and low, as he reaches into the inside pocket of his suit for the bendable wire that he'll drop into the door to open the lock. his eyes narrow, from the vehicle to rufus, but he still sees nothing. ) Two minutes.
( and while he does manage it--finding the mechanism for the lock with ease, popping the door open, it's the reflection in the side mirror, as the door moves, that has him reaching an arm out for rufus to push him down.
a shot goes past them, one that richochets off the nearby wall, and then another, that strikes something soft: tseng's shoulder. it staggers him for a moment, cursing, as he draws out his pistol with the other hand; he's likely dripping blood down onto rufus, but he gets a clear shot of the attacker, catches him in the face and watches him go down before he hisses, impatient, to rufus. )
Climb in the car. You'll have to drive.
( and he'll have to make it to the other side of the car, to get in: he winces, pops off another shot as a distraction, and starts his way, methodical, around the hood of the car. hopefully rufus has enough sense to unlock the passenger door, once he's in the driver's seat. )
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Date: 2021-06-01 05:26 am (UTC)Alright. [Despite Tseng telling him to keep watch Rufus can't resist trying to watch Tseng working with the wire almost as if he's taking mental notes of how Tseng manages to spring the lock. But before he can say anything Tseng is shoving him down before the shot rings out.
It leaves him in a daze so it takes him a moment to see the red drips on his suit but it's not until he sees Tseng going around the front of the car to see where it comes from. He only nods when Tseng tells him that he's driving, pushing his way into the car the best he's able to without putting himself in the line of fire.
There is no time to be delighted that he finally gets to drive- Veld had adamantly refused to teach him since Rufus asked him when he turned 14. Instead, his heart is beating in his chest as he pulls himself into the driver's side.
He looks around once inside, trying to figure out how this is going to work but he still manages to reach over to unlock the passenger side door for Tseng. The spare keys were stashed behind the sun visor and Rufus scoffs, grateful for the owner's carelessness. He doubts that they were worried that anyone would be stealing this piece of junk.
He has no idea what he's doing as he starts the engine but there isn't time to second guess anything. He's never even been in the front seat of a car before- as far as he knows all that is needed is to start the engine and go. He presses what he hopes the gas pedal as far down as it goes, clutching the wheel.
Except the car doesn't move despite the engine revving loudly. He tries again but the car still doesn't budge, shuddering slightly as it pushes against some kind of barrier. Parking brake? What is that?
He's later going to make sure Veld knows what a mistake it was to not teach him how to drive.]
Tseng- [He looks over at him for help, dunking down as another shot rings out, hitting the hood of the car. Another shot hits the side mirror, making him wince.]
It's not working.
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Date: 2021-06-14 10:21 pm (UTC)but he's trying. and tseng can appreciate that, even through the haze of pain that racks up the side of his arm and through his shoulder.
he sinks down lower in his seat, ignoring the sound of the shot that ricochets off the car; rufus should be safe like this, at least until he gets his foot down on the pedal. the car revs up with life, but goes nowhere; another shot goes out, and tseng moves his hand, bloody, from where it's been pressed hard to the bullet wound to keep it from bleeding too much outright. it throbs when he takes the pressure off. )
It has to be in drive. ( --is what he says, calm as he can manage. ) Allow me.
( caked with blood, his gloved hand moves, wrenches down the automatic to shift the car out of park and into drive--with rufus' foot on the pedal, it shoots forward, and tseng lets out a hiss of a command, firm. )
Get control of the vehicle, sir. You cannot take turns at this speed.
( the gunshots start to fall away--apparently they aren't in pursuit of them yet, and with a glance back behind them, tseng clicks his tongue in displeasure, then settles into the passenger seat again. yes, he's terrified of how rufus might drive, but at this point, he has no other choice. )
Take a left here. Then straight out. We'll hit city limits and then be out in the open road to Midgar.
( thank the gods. )
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Date: 2021-06-19 12:41 am (UTC)He tries not to look at how Tseng is bleeding, he can only focus on trying not to lose control of the car as it skids around the corner. Sure Tseng says that he can't take the corner that fast but Rufus likes a challenge. The tires squeal on the pavement with each turn but Rufus doesn't start to slow down until a few minutes after the last of the gunshots have faded away, the last one pinging off the bumper.
Only once the car finally gets out onto the open road towards Midgar that he finally tries to look at Tseng from the corner of his eyes. It's difficult to see clearly when he's trying to keep his eyes on the road, swerving around a car without bothering to slow down. He decides to just ignore the speed limit, deciding it's more of a suggestion than anything else.]
Do you need me to pull over? I don't want you to bleed out on our way to Midgar. [He's not sure how far Midgar is, they could be driving for hours even as Rufus pushes the gas pedal to the floor. No one was going to dare to pull him over and if they did, a well-played do you know who my father is would no doubt do the trick.]
It's not going to do either of us either good if you pass out and bleed all over. I should be able to pull over ahead where it clears up.
[He has to look back at the road to narrowly miss a turn off to follow a sign indicating the way towards Midgar, swerving across two lanes of traffic despite the blaring horns from cars that barely miss them. Aside from Tseng bleeding in the passenger seat, being able to drive is even better than he could have imagined.]
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Date: 2021-06-27 11:16 pm (UTC)it means he can catch his breath, and swallow down the urge to vomit.
a laugh escapes--maybe even the first one he's ever managed--and he shakes his head a little, peeling back his palm to check the blood flow. it's still staining his shirt, pooled through his jacket, but he can't gauge whether the bullet went straight through; it could be a benefit to have it still pressed inside of it, but it would be easier to tend to if it came out the back. he shakes his head a little--rufus jerks the car from one lane to the next, and tseng hisses-- )
Rufus. ( --like he can't quite help himself. the minute it's out of his mouth, he stumbles to try to cover it up. ) Sir. Just... Over here, off to the side...
( it's true, he needs rufus to look at the wound, but he's dreading it. instead, he clenches his hand over it again, closes his eyes, and wills them not to get hit by any oncoming traffic while rufus swerves to bring the car to a stop. )
I'll need you to see if it went all the way through, then tie it up. Can you manage? Midgar isn't too far with the way you drive, so mercifully, I'll make it that far. No major arteries, nothing permanently damaged, it's just...
( fucking painful, but he doesn't say that out loud, just grimaces and smooths his face out after. )
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Date: 2021-07-01 03:49 am (UTC)Instead of slowing down gradually, Rufus slams on the brakes, and as soon as they get to the shoulder of the road, he yanks on the parking brake which causes them both to lurch forward with a forceful jerk. But once he recovers from the moment of shock he turns the engine off to look over at Tseng.
Tseng looks worse than he thought, like he was not only in pain but sick to his stomach as well. It was some small consolation that Tseng isn't going to bleed out just yet but if something happened then he wasn't in really condition to do anything.]
Jacket off, pull your shirt down so I can see.
[Rufus doesn't wait to help Tseng get his coat off as much as possible, doing his best to try not to cause any more pain or damage.]
I'll have to recommend you for a raise for taking a bullet for me, won't I? And you might even get some paid vacation days.
[Once he's able to see the bullet wound he pauses. When he reaches out his fingers only brush against the edge of the exit wound which is a cleaner than he had been expecting it to be.]
It went through. If I can't tie it with your shirt we can just use mine.
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Date: 2021-07-12 09:05 pm (UTC)Paid vacation, now there's a joke.
( wry and amused, he leans forward so that rufus can inspect the back of the wound: his fingers brush against it, and tseng's breath catches for a moment, learning better how to swallow down the urge to cry out in pain with each passing moment. if anything, this is good training for the future, he figures. )
It would be rude of me to bleed all over your clothes. Surely I would get terminated for that.
( there's at least a hint of a smirk on his features, pale as they are--but he lifts an arm, holding it out towards rufus expectantly. )
Rip my sleeve and use it. I have plenty of clothes in my locker back at base, and this way, you cannot charge me some ridiculous dry cleaning fee.
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Date: 2021-07-14 04:10 am (UTC)And considering this is custom-made I'll ask Veld to give you a raise or else you're ging to be paying it off into your old age.
[And with that and without any warning he rips the sleeve from Tseng's shirt. There was no way to really be gentle about it and it was best to just be done with it. It didn't come away easily and it takes a couple of more rips to get the fabric away complately.]
Stay still, you can pass out when I'm done. I think I can figure out which direction Midgar is in now.
[He works quickly to try to tie up the wound, a little surprised that Tseng is less stoic about this than he expected. He didn't seem the type but he supposes pain like this can change someone in profound ways.
His attempt to tie up the wound is clumsy but he is still proud of the result once he pulls away.]
You should at least live until I get us back. You can't get your paid day off if you die.
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Date: 2021-07-25 09:55 pm (UTC)and, at least, in some ways, his own outbursts of pain now will serve him well for the future: a future where he'll take a sword to the gut and not spend his last moments there crying out and clenching his teeth and withering away under the agony, but calmly and steadily trying to get himself to safety as best he can.
rufus' hands aren't particularly steady or careful; he doesn't mind that, doesn't mind the pain that lances through or makes his breath stammer, and even clumsy, at least the wound is properly wrapped up. sweat beads down his temple, and when he looks up, rufus looks absurdly proud of what he's done: enough that tseng almost, almost wants to smile out of ridiculousness, out of the fact that this is the first time he's seen rufus actually look happy in some way. perhaps it's because he never gets to do anything himself anymore? perhaps it's because he rarely has successes. it's--different, and almost...enjoyable, in a sense, though he doesn't want to take his thoughts that far. )
Wouldn't that be the eternal paid day off? ( wryly, as he settles back into the seat--it still throbs, still hurts, but at least he knows he won't bleed out on the road back. his eyes close for a moment, steadying, before he forces them open. ) Or would you be too lonely, if I died here?
( he doesn't give rufus the chance to retaliate: he just nods, his lashes falling again without any regard for his stubborn will to stay awake. )
Let's go, then. Carefully. Don't take any sudden turns...
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Date: 2021-08-07 03:53 am (UTC)[Rufus almost reaches out to brush a stray strand of dark hair that had fallen across Tseng's face when he closes his eyes. Instead, his hands move back to the keys in the ignition to turn the engine with stubborn determination.
He won't admit that he's worried about Tseng after seeing the bullet wound but the signs are subtle in the way that his lips a pressed a bit more tightly together and his hands are tighter on the wheel. He's a little more reckless as he swerves into traffic to get them back on the road, focusing on moving around the other cars.
There is silence and he only takes his eyes off of the road when he's able to in order to make sure Tseng is breathing still. The adrenaline was wearing off and he could feel the exhaustion starting to set in. The excitement of being able to drive is wearing off and now the tediousness sets in. Outside of Junon the landscape is dull and without anything of interest. Evading traffic is the only thing to focus on as well as listening to make sure Tseng is still breathing.
The first glimpse of Midgar isn't the top of the Shinra building but instead a green tinted orange smog that hangs over the horizon like a poisonous cloud. It takes another hour until buildings start to take shape as they approach and only then does Rufus speak up.]
If you're dead Tseng I'm going to bring you back and have you demoted.
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Date: 2021-08-14 09:25 pm (UTC)his whole body is throbbing by the time they've reached the outskirts of midgar, the familiar smell of the city kept from him with the windows still resolutely rolled up. it's only when rufus speaks that he dares to open his eyes again, finds them heavy and uncomfortable, wills himself to try to sit up properly in the passenger seat. somehow he's slouched his way down, held upright only by the constant press of the seatbelt; sweat beads down his temples, and even an unlucky trail of it makes its way down to stain his shirt collar. )
I would truly like to see you bring someone back from the dead.
( dryly, but yes, he's still alive: and alive enough to pick at rufus shinra's bold lies, of course. )
You'll need to drive carefully here. Head for the company building. There is a back parking lot that will be better... I do not want anyone to see you behind the wheel as we approach.
( mostly for his own sake: he should honestly tell rufus to pull over and take the wheel, but he's not sure he can do so. instead, he struggles, reaching inside his pocket for his phone so that he can flip it open and send a text with instructions to rude: who will, unfortunately, likely ask reno for assistance as well. )
You do know how to get to your own company, do you not? Take this turn.
( yes: definitely still alive. )
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Date: 2021-08-17 05:52 am (UTC)[He's only half-joking- if there is anything he has in common with his father is that that sheer determination to shape reality to suit him no matter what.]
It can't be that hard to get to the building, it's right there-" which is spoken too soon because the traffic in Midgar is far worse and it's not long until Rufus misses the exit indicating the route to the Shinra Building. But instead of getting up set Rufus just swerves, driving over a small median to get onto the exit ramp. He has to rev the engine hard so that they don't get rear ended by traffic coming up fast behind them but he still manages.]
I know Veld made me promise to try not to steal another car but I think he can make an exception in this case.
[He had spent much of his teen years trying to see what he could get way under Veld's watchful supervision which included trying to teach himself to drive like any normal teenager. He nearly misses the next exit Tseng points to but manages nonetheless, getting better at navigating through the heavy Midgar traffic the best he's able to.]
You're not exactly really in any condition to drive anyway. I may be a terrible driver but you can barely sit up straight.
[He's not sure who Tseng is texting but as the road snakes its way towards Sector 0 he knows that Tseng has to try to mitigate the consequences from all the ways the mission went wrong. But Rufus was alive and unarmed, despite a sore shoulder from the recoil of the shotgun.]
Well, I won't tell Veld that I was the one who drove. Or that you let me shoot a gun.
[Rufus's words are almost kind, just almost, but there is a glint in his eyes as he takes this opportunity.]
But since I'll be doing you a favor by not saying anything to Veld and keeping you out of trouble I'm sure you'll be grateful and remember my kindness.
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Date: 2021-08-21 01:53 am (UTC)Of course, sir. I'll certainly remember your kindness.
( there's a flash of irritation in his gaze, there and gone again--and without even asking, he reaches down to the console, jerks the car into park himself and feels the engine splutter in complaint. the car lurches forward and then, abruptly, comes to a stop; they're close enough now that it's better they walk the rest of the way, especially given that both reno and veld will likely be waiting for them: veld, to take rufus into custody, and reno, to help tseng hobble his way to the infirmary. he doesn't want any of them to catch rufus behind the wheel; he nods to the ignition, figuring he doesn't have to explain himself.
getting back out of the car is another issue entirely--it takes some sincere maneuvering on his part, sweat that beads and bleeds down his face, around his hairline, drips stubbornly down his nose to not only open the door but get himself onto his feet. once he assures himself that rufus, too, is out of the vehicle, safe and sound, he nods ahead of himself; rufus needs to lead the way so that he can keep an eye on his back, ensure that no harm befalls him on this small walk from the edge of the parking lot to the back entrance of the building. )
...Should you need something. ( he says this softly--almost under his breath, the closer they get to the building. ) ... I'm certain you can find me in hospital. But I'm sure you'll have your needs tended to without the burden of my presence.
( and thank the gods: he can see veld, and his disapproval, already moving to close the distance between them; tseng gives him a short nod, one last look at rufus, before he forces himself to turn away. he needs to find reno himself: before his knees buckle, before he ends up planting himself down into the cement and falling to exhaustion right then and there. )
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Date: 2021-08-22 06:07 am (UTC)Don't worry, I'll find you later.
[But he doesn't linger as he pulls himself out of the driver's seat. Everything happens so fast then- one moment Veld is barking orders to Reno to get Tseng, giving Tseng a very stern 'I'll deal with you later' before Rufus is being hurried away in a firm grasp. He tries to turn to see Tseng one last time but Reno is in the way and Veld is pulling him inside.
Everything is a blur after that- there is a medical exam which reveals he's perfectly fine aside from some bruising on his shoulder from the recoil of the shotgun. Rufus lies and says he tripped and fell but he's sure Veld doesn't believe him given the look that he's given in response. Rufus is questioned extensively about every detail multiple times and it's impossible to cover up the fact that he had been the one who had been driving to Midgar. A tight 'I see' was all the response given by Veld before moving on.
After that he's cleaned up, bundled up in clean clothes, and placed in front of his father for more questioning. President Shinra is barely interested in Rufus's wel-being, there is no relief or concern but only disappointment that Rufus had allowed himself to be kidnapped. That wasn't a surprise, his father had never been one to allow for much sentiment and he had only been sent off with a wave of his hand.
He's exhausted by the time he's left to himself, Veld locking the door behind him when he left. Getting out was going to be nearly impossible, he has no doubt that Veld has left a guard outside his door and even if he got past them, he knew that there would be more guards to get through before he could even reach the elevator.
He knew that Veld had to interrogate Tseng so he wouldn't be able to see him tomorrow at the very least. He already knew that their lives were now forever intertwined. Veld had refused to answer any questions about Tseng and what was going to happen to him which made Rufus more determined.
It wasn't until after breakfast that Rufus has a chance to slip away, finding his way down to the Turk offices. He knows he can get answers out of Reno with a bit of charm and it's not long before he's shown into the hospital with Reno guarding the door.]
Well, at least you're still alive so that's an encouraging start.
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Date: 2021-09-03 06:03 am (UTC)that isn't to say that veld isn't entirely disappointed in him, even angry, in some respects; but despite his pitfalls and despite his 'poor lack of judgment' as put politely as possible, the mission is a remarkable success. rufus is alive and barely injured, and most of the ones that brought him out to that rusty warehouse in the middle of nowhere, near junon, are done away with thanks to the combined effort of all their handiwork. the ones remaining will be dealt with accordingly--veld is going to see to that himself, he declares, which both fills tseng with relief and a keen sense of dread. it could just be that he's waiting to explode on him properly until he returns; he keeps as quiet and as professional as possible. even reno doesn't see fit to tease him about things, once he's released from his interrogation--he helps him down the hall, into the elevator, and through the various hallways to the infirmary.
it's only once he reaches it that he lets his guard down. there, after treatment, alone in a small white bed that only has a thin curtain of privacy wrapped around it, he lets himself take the first real breath he feels like he's taken since that morning outside the inn where he'd stayed with rufus. he can breath, and relax, and try to rearrange his own thoughts, his own feelings, on the mission, on what truly happened and why rufus shinra, of all people, decided to kiss him before they separated fully. ridiculous, isn't it? surely just another way for rufus to try to get under his skin? he can't really bear to think of it as more than that. it would be inappropriate--more than that, it would surely be dangerous.
the sound of the door opening, after a full night of sleep, has him stirring. groggy, he opens his eyes, lifts a hand to push his hair out of his face--and sees rufus there, approaching the bed, something that panics him to wake up the rest of the way. he doesn't want rufus to see him with his guard down; instead, he sits up, struggles to position himself against the pillows and lets out a soft, playful sort of chuckle. )
I'm afraid I'm something of a cockroach, sir. Hard to kill entirely.
( his eyes are tired, still laced with sleep, but he looks over rufus critically, trying to gauge his feeling. )
How are you doing? Received treatment? Nothing amiss?
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Date: 2021-09-07 10:19 pm (UTC)Even now he wasn't sure how he felt other than relief that Tseng was indeed alive and it was almost endearing the way that he was pulling himself out of sleep. Veld hadn't told him anything about Tseng no matter how much Rufus tried to push the matter earlier but that was hardly going to stop him now.]
That's good since we'll be useful to each other again in the future. I wouldn't want my Turk to be so easily taken out.
[Rufus doesn't ask permission before sitting on the edge of Tseng's bed, chuckling at the question. There would be questions if anyone came in to see them like this at the very least, especially if anyone happens to walk in as Rufus leans over to brush a stray strand of black hair Tseng hadn't gotten when he sat up, tucking behind one ear.]
I'm fine. My poor coat was the only casualty- there was no getting the blood out, unfortunately.
[He watches Tseng's face intently for any reaction- he hadn't had the chance to do that before, everything had happened so quickly but now it's just the two of them and Rufus isn't being hurried away.]
But since you rescued me so well I won't take the cost out of your pay. I even requested Veld give you a raise since your job is likely to become a lot more demanding in the future.
[Because if he's right and Tseng is Veld's successor, he would be by Rufus's side doing the job Veld is currently doing for the current President. in short order. He knew enough of Veld's job to know that it was dangerous and there was no room for any missteps.]
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Date: 2021-09-10 03:36 am (UTC)even now, as rufus takes a seat on the edge of the bed that yes, surely, also belongs to him, it's hard to look at him directly; it's hard to force his brain to wake up into a state of calm, to try to rouse himself from his exhaustion enough to look cool and put-together, instead of mildly alarmed at the way rufus so freely touches him. a hand reaches out to him, brushes a strand of hair away, and he stills in his movements of trying to settle himself more properly against the pillows; he looks from rufus' hand to his face, and then shakes his head, slightly.
it is something of a relief to know he won't be responsible for paying for dry-cleaning, at least. one small thing to check off the list of possible tortures from the outcome of the whole situation.
but--his turk? the words make him swallow down a disgruntled, amused sort of sound. could it be close to a laugh? he doesn't want to risk letting rufus hear such a thing from him again. )
I doubt I'm going to see any of that raise for quite some time. Veld wasn't entirely... pleased with my performance.
( still, in the end, it's worth it in some way--he doesn't know how much longer the turks are going to remain the way they are, doesn't know how much longer it will be until rufus is the one in charge, and by then? having won favor from rufus shinra will likely do him some measure of good. it just comes at the price of his dignity, in some respects.
with a sigh, he tries to settle against the pillows, sinking back into them, his eyes closing for a moment of consideration. )
I'm grateful you're safe. What is your father going to do with you now? Are you to stay here?
( with me? the thought is jarring. )
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Date: 2021-09-11 12:08 am (UTC)[Rufus laughs, shaking his head. Veld certainly isn't happy with him either and even Rufus isn't spared the lecture and punishments that is handed down for being so reckless. His father never intervened nor did he care- Rufus had been given into Veld's care and all that the President cared about is Rufus being alive and able to play his part as Vice President.]
I am. I'm to stay here under Veld's close and personal supervision. And Veld has me practically under house arrest so I'm sure we're going to be seeing lots of each other.
[Rufus knew full well that getting kidnapped was practically his own fault- he had been reckless slipping his guards and trying to be on his own outside for once.
But all too often he felt the walls closing in around him and now it would be worse. Being allowed down to the infirmary was as much freedom as he was going to get outside his rooms.
But he smiles, laying his hand casually on Tseng's leg. For now he'll have to find other means of giving his life some sense of excitement if he can't go outside or do anything by himself.]
It doesn't matter what Veld thinks about this mission. My father is pleased with you and while you won't get any public credit you will still get some reward.
Perhaps you may be assigned to my guard detail even. I know Reno calls it babysitting when he thinks I'm not listening but I'm sure we can find ways to make it interesting if you get bored.
[Rufus hadn't gotten Veld to budge on learning to use a gun but he hoped that if Tseng said something it would carry more weight.]
I'm sure you can think of something we can occupy ourselves with.
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