( 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.
( it's that hand on his leg, more than anything else, that has him casting a suspicious eye in rufus' direction: one, and then both of them, blinked back into existence, peering at him for a moment as though he's trying to ascertain whether he's reading between the lines correctly, or whether he's being teased.
certainly it must be so hard for someone so rich and privileged to have to be cursed with boredom--he hardly feels sorry for him, can't find it in himself to pity rufus for being well-protected or well taken care of; he doesn't like the little voice in his head, nagging him, telling him that's certainly not the way that things truly are for him, that rufus is a prisoner to shinra just as much as the rest of them are, albeit in a different capacity. in some ways it's better for rufus to be kept somewhere safe, after all: then he won't have to risk his own life chasing after him.
being assigned to guard duty does sound more like babysitting than anything else, and for once, he agrees with reno. then again, it doesn't much sound like he has a choice: rufus is deadset on having him there with him, it seems, and with the way things are going, he can't see himself wrestling his way out of it. at least not yet.
so he settles back against the pillows with a sigh--disgruntled, annoyed, but unable to really argue, or to even push rufus' hand aside. it stays, a heat on his leg through the thin blankets that he can't ignore, either. )
I would be far less lenient than Reno, you know. Are you sure you want me that close?
( his lips twist into a smile, bemused, but the humor is only barely there in his gaze. )
If you're hoping I'll let you do all sorts of wicked things, you're hoping incorrectly. While it may be pertinent for you to learn how to defend yourself, I'm not sure I would be capable of doing anything about your terrible driving.
( and then there's more of a smile: temporary, before he realizes that he's doing it and almost scowls it away. )
...But if it's your request, sir, there's little I can do to refuse it.
My driving is perfectly fine. [Which is said with a completely serious tone and a dismissive wave of his hand- it's not his fault that other people got in his way. That was their problem, not his.]
I need to learn to defend myself better, especially with a gun, but Veld shuts down the conversation every time I bring it up so I'm leaving it up to you to convince him.
[He laughs as he notices how Tseng smiles and then seems to catch himself and stops. He leans in, just a little closer as if this is an important secret just for the two of them. He's curious to see if Tseng can get more flustered, he's going to have fun seeing what he can get from Tseng.] Do that and I'll really be in your debt.
[He pats Tseng's leg before he moves away but just slightly. If Tseng is going to be assigned to his protection then he's going to have to stay on his toes and not let Rufus get the best of him.]
I don't want easy, Tseng. I'm expecting a great deal from you, actually. I know you won't let me down.
[Rufus is tired of being coddled and protected as if he's made of glass, just a pretty little thing to put on display when it suits his father. If he allows that to continue then he'll be a useless President even more than his father is.
Reno and Rude are capable, he doesn't doubt their abilities, but there is no challenge, they don't draw him in as Tseng does. Tseng isn't scared of him or intimidated which just makes him even more intriguing.]
I don't need someone to tell me what they think I want to hear or what they think will get them something from me.
[Rufus's eyes don't waver from Tseng's, as if picking away each part of him piece by piece. Tseng speaks to him like no one else has or would dare to and Rufus wants to see how far he can push that.]
You'll start as soon as you're back on active duty. I'll have it arranged.
( it's a curious thing to consider: and immediately, he knows that rufus is telling the truth, that there's no way, certainly, that veld would allow rufus to learn how to defend himself or anything of the sort. there's the problem that it's dangerous, certainly, but beyond that, it's likely something of the president's doing; he doesn't want rufus to become much of a threat to him, doesn't want rufus to possess any power that he himself does not possess, doesn't want him finding his place on the poisoned throne of the shinra company any sooner than he needs to. in a way, he imagines it must be frustrating to be in rufus' position: it must be hard to know that one is kept purposefully weakened for the sake of someone who, as far as tseng knows, cares very little about his family to begin with. an heir is necessary, and so an heir was made--he can't remember a time that he's ever heard the president speak of rufus' mother, or have any romantic notions towards her passing whatsoever.
it's always just been business as usual. at times, even, tseng has wondered if president shinra even has a heart to begin with--or if he's ripped it out in pursuit of the great power he possesses. is that an even trade? or did he give up much more than just that? and what does rufus shinra think of it all, does he even remember his mother?
for a moment, tseng looks at him almost calculated; but it's there and gone again, as rufus leans back and allows him a little more breathing room. he's learning, slowly, the ways that rufus wants to fluster him; like being dropped into a pool of cold water, he adjusts, learns, finds himself getting more used to the sensation. )
That should only be a matter of days, sir. It won't take long.
( likely he should be resting for longer, but does it much matter? he'll need to move his arm, his shoulder, engage in physical therapy to bring himself back to his usual standard--but in the meantime, there's nothing wrong enough with him to prevent him from being by rufus' side. and is that his agreement? with a sour press of his lips, he realizes that rufus has, once again, managed to best him somehow. )
...In which case, if you truly want me by your side, there are a few changes we should make. There's no reason for you to not know how to properly wield a firearm, and no reason you shouldn't learn hand-to-hand combat, either. It's highly unlikely that you will ever need it, but I would rather you be prepared than woefully undertrained.
( a breath of a sigh: convincing veld of something like this may be impossible; but that doesn't mean that tseng won't do it privately, without the knowledge of anyone else on the team. )
Are you willing to work for it, sir? I don't want to risk my job if you'll just complain the whole time.
( and there it is: another smile, small and succinct, before he recognizes it again and forces it off his lips. )
[Rufus can't stop himself from lighting up at Tseng's words, unable to hide his delight at the prospect of Tseng training him in private without Veld knowing. It was doubtful even Tseng could change Veld's mind so they would have to be careful about this.
He knew Tseng had more to risk than he did- if Veld found out Tseng would get the worst of the consequences. Rufus would just get a slap on the hand and his comfortable prison would become more confining. Tseng on the other hand- he didn't have to ask what would happen in that case.
He knew Veld's loyalty was to the Turks and then to his father, Rufus was just the heir and had no power of his own. And he knows his father wants to keep him powerless as much as possible, as long as Rufus was considered nothing more than a spoiled helpless child he would never have any allies of his own. He was aware he wasn't taken seriously as he was considered just the pretty, spoiled heir to the throne.
But Tseng was offering him a chance not just to disobey Veld and his father but also to chance to accomplish something for himself that meant something real. It was the first step to becoming stronger, someone who could command respect and get allies to take care of his father sooner rather than later. He was tired of waiting for his father to keel over from a heart attack.
His expression shifts to something more serious, his gaze unwavering. He loves seeing the way Tseng smiles before the man catches himself and hides it again.]
I want you to push me- I need to know what I'm capable of and I won't know that if you just go easy on me. I'm not going to fall apart, you know I'm not weak and helpless.
[But he knows that Tseng isn't going to coddle him. Now that they were in this secret together then they had to trust each other since this would bind them together for a very long time.]
I'm going to be President one day so this is your chance to make sure I'm the one you want to serve.
[Money can only buy so much, he wants Tseng's loyalty without having to spend a single gil.]
( your chance to make sure i'm the one you want to serve.
isn't that curious? in what realm of possibility does he have much of a choice of the matter, in what realm could he even question such a thing? the fact that rufus wants him to choose to serve him is a peculiar turn of events. he can't think of the president as ever really wanting to be valued, or qualified, by his protectors or his staff; he has always simply gone with the assumption that he would be obeyed for no other reason than simply being the president and, therefore, worthy.
tseng has never really thought of president shinra as worthy.
but his son? his son wants his protectors to respect him, wants to even earn their respect, to a degree: and that surprises him, surprises him enough that he falls silent, at a loss on what to say. he doesn't want to discourage it, doesn't want to question it, and maybe in some childish way he even revels at the thought of rufus respecting his opinions enough to say something like that. his lips quirk again, but he lets the silence hang there, for a moment--not awkward, but simply appreciative. )
Alright. I won't go easy on you, sir. ( not like he had ever intended to, anyway. )
Give me a few days rest. I will send you a message with the location for our training. We will try to do it as frequently as we can manage, but you understand that it may be sporadic and short-lived, depending on what else I am assigned to do.
( a small swallow--he finds his gaze drawn to rufus' face, and jerks it away, closing his eyes. )
Allow me to rest, now. You are particularly exhausting, Rufus Shinra.
( but yes, he's still smiling. again. how ridiculous. )
[Rufus allows the silence to settle between them, he's sure that Tseng hadn't expected him to say anything like that.
His father depended on buying or just expecting obedience from those below him but Rufus suspected that there would be a day when all the gil in the world wouldn't be enough to save him. Rufus wanted to make sure that if he was ever in a position like that then he would have someone to would still be by his side.]
I'm going to hold you to that.
[He can't help but return Tseng's smile, even when the other man closes his eyes. He knows he's being dismissed and with anyone else Rufus would have refused to leave on principle but he has a feeling this is going to be the first of many exceptions he's going to grant Tseng so he doesn't comment on it.]
I know I am so you better get sleep while you can. There are going to be many long nights for both of us after this.
[He stands, patting Tseng's leg as he does so. He's excited for training and to have something real to do other than sitting around doing pointless busy work and try to escape Veld's supervision so he can do something by himself that's not decided for him.
The next few days had him sitting on the edge of his seat, unable to resist checking his phone every time it vibrated with a new message even in the middle of meetings even when it got him that deep frown of disapproval from his father. It didn't matter, Rufus could barely sit still with anticipation.
It was difficult to not ask Veld if Tseng had been discharged, the last thing he wanted was to give Veld any cause to suspect anything. No, Veld would just have to think that Tseng was just any other Turk to him for now, he would most likely send Tseng to somewhere remote on a permanent basis if he found out what they had planned.
Each day that passes feels like years. That day was exhausted and by the time he said good night to Reno who was on protection duty outside Rufus had a headache. He was just about to throw himself in a bath when he got the text notification, his heart leaping when he saw Tseng's name pop up finally.]
The eastern training floor. Fourth door down. Knock twice, pause, then knock twice again.
( --are the instructions he sends to rufus shinra, late enough now that he figures reno should surely be off duty. it's something that reno constantly bemoans: not that he dislikes keeping rufus company, but more that he dislikes how late it is when he's off, that he can't spend copious hours holed up in the local tavern and instead only has a precious few to get his drinking in for the evening, and so it's with that timing that tseng sticks with, his own mission, and paperwork, long done for the day. veld had instructed him to head home for a bit of well-deserved rest: after all, he's only been discharged for a few days, now, and it would be a shame to be put back into the infirmary for opening up his wound again or getting into worse trouble.
it doesn't much matter. the first day of rufus shinra's training won't be particularly strenuous, and he doesn't imagine that it will take much movement on his part, either.
the training room that he's picked is one of the last ones down the hallway--his favorite, for this purpose, because there are no windows, and with the door locked and shuttered, no one will be able to surprise them, or even peer in to see what it is they're doing. with shinra technology, this room can become anything: for now, he has it set up as a standard shooting range, with targets at one end of the large room, and a long line drawn on the floor to indicate how far away one should stand when aiming. for tonight, he's brought only two weapons: his own pistol and a standard issue shotgun, wondering if rufus will favor the latter again or find his interest more solidly drawn to it.
for now, tseng waits--he readjusts his gloves, checks his phone once, and then, with a sigh, thoroughly checks the weapons for ammunition again. he's already done it three times. maybe he's a little impatient. )
[Rufus doesn't waste any time in changing to clothes that are more practical than a suit. He opts for plain pants and simple button down shirt with no tie, not sure what to expect. With Tseng just recovering from a gunshot wound he assumes that they aren't going to start with the fitness part of training just yet.
The timing is perfect as he sees Reno strolling away as he peeks his head out of his room, waiting until he hears the ping of the elevator as Reno leaves the floor. It's exciting sneaking around like this but he's careful not to get carried away. He's learned where the cameras are positioned by now but also knows that if Veld isn't gone by this hour he's most likely meeting with his father.
That's confirmed when he hears the door of his father's office open followed by the sound of voices. He freezes until he hears the heavy door close, holding his breath until he's confident that it's safe to tiptoe past the door without being detected.
He knows he's free once he gets to the elevator and hits the button for the lower floors where the Turk offices are, fidgeting a little with excitement and by the time he reaches the correct floor.
He is relieved that he doesn't encounter other Turks who would have asked too many questions. But he manages to reach the door without incident, knocking twice, pausing, and knocking twice again as instructed.
As soon as Tseng opens the door Rufus give s him a bright smile but doesn't say anything until he's slipped inside.]
You seem to be doing a lot better. It's good to see you on your feet again, Tseng.
( is he doing a lot better? perhaps it's best for the both of them if rufus sticks with that lie, or rather, that his own face continues to encourage it. there's no hint of the pain that is still there, as the wound finishes to heal--no hint of the ache in his arm from having to continue, despite everything, to do his job as though nothing has happened. later on, maybe he'll be grateful for it: for the chance to increase his pain tolerance, little by little, to be able to withstand the aching and the tight pull of muscles trying to knit together again while having to endure mundane tasks like paperwork and phone calls. either way, his attention is more focused on getting rufus inside and the door shut behind him--which he does, quick and succinct.
surprisingly, the heir to the great shinra corporation has decided to dress down for this event, which is smart: he looks to be dressed in clothes that are far more casual than the pristine suit that he's seen the vice president walking around in, when he graces the halls with his presence--or, rather, when his father lets him out of his cage. there's a hint of approval, in the way his gaze rakes over rufus' body and then, smartly, settles back onto his face again. at least it looks like he's prepared for a bit of hard work--though likely, it won't be that hard at all, today.
back to the point: tseng offers no response to the words, instead, as usual, choosing to get right down to business. )
Thank you, sir. For today's lesson, I'm hoping you'll be able to master both a pistol and a shotgun marginally well enough that I will still be able to be on my feet, in the end.
( a hint, just the barest hint, of a smile: he shakes his head a little and draws his hand into his jacket, drawing out the pistol that he had just been fussing with earlier. )
The most important thing to start with is, of course, knowing the location of the safety, and ensuring that you are always aware of how much ammunition you have left. Do you know how to check the clip?
( he stretches an arm out, holds the weapon for rufus to take by the butt of it. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
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.]
no subject
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. )
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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...
no subject
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.
no subject
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. )
no subject
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.
no subject
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. )
no subject
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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Date: 2021-09-18 01:54 am (UTC)certainly it must be so hard for someone so rich and privileged to have to be cursed with boredom--he hardly feels sorry for him, can't find it in himself to pity rufus for being well-protected or well taken care of; he doesn't like the little voice in his head, nagging him, telling him that's certainly not the way that things truly are for him, that rufus is a prisoner to shinra just as much as the rest of them are, albeit in a different capacity. in some ways it's better for rufus to be kept somewhere safe, after all: then he won't have to risk his own life chasing after him.
being assigned to guard duty does sound more like babysitting than anything else, and for once, he agrees with reno. then again, it doesn't much sound like he has a choice: rufus is deadset on having him there with him, it seems, and with the way things are going, he can't see himself wrestling his way out of it. at least not yet.
so he settles back against the pillows with a sigh--disgruntled, annoyed, but unable to really argue, or to even push rufus' hand aside. it stays, a heat on his leg through the thin blankets that he can't ignore, either. )
I would be far less lenient than Reno, you know. Are you sure you want me that close?
( his lips twist into a smile, bemused, but the humor is only barely there in his gaze. )
If you're hoping I'll let you do all sorts of wicked things, you're hoping incorrectly. While it may be pertinent for you to learn how to defend yourself, I'm not sure I would be capable of doing anything about your terrible driving.
( and then there's more of a smile: temporary, before he realizes that he's doing it and almost scowls it away. )
...But if it's your request, sir, there's little I can do to refuse it.
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Date: 2021-09-19 06:32 am (UTC)I need to learn to defend myself better, especially with a gun, but Veld shuts down the conversation every time I bring it up so I'm leaving it up to you to convince him.
[He laughs as he notices how Tseng smiles and then seems to catch himself and stops. He leans in, just a little closer as if this is an important secret just for the two of them. He's curious to see if Tseng can get more flustered, he's going to have fun seeing what he can get from Tseng.] Do that and I'll really be in your debt.
[He pats Tseng's leg before he moves away but just slightly. If Tseng is going to be assigned to his protection then he's going to have to stay on his toes and not let Rufus get the best of him.]
I don't want easy, Tseng. I'm expecting a great deal from you, actually. I know you won't let me down.
[Rufus is tired of being coddled and protected as if he's made of glass, just a pretty little thing to put on display when it suits his father. If he allows that to continue then he'll be a useless President even more than his father is.
Reno and Rude are capable, he doesn't doubt their abilities, but there is no challenge, they don't draw him in as Tseng does. Tseng isn't scared of him or intimidated which just makes him even more intriguing.]
I don't need someone to tell me what they think I want to hear or what they think will get them something from me.
[Rufus's eyes don't waver from Tseng's, as if picking away each part of him piece by piece. Tseng speaks to him like no one else has or would dare to and Rufus wants to see how far he can push that.]
You'll start as soon as you're back on active duty. I'll have it arranged.
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Date: 2021-10-01 10:47 pm (UTC)it's always just been business as usual. at times, even, tseng has wondered if president shinra even has a heart to begin with--or if he's ripped it out in pursuit of the great power he possesses. is that an even trade? or did he give up much more than just that? and what does rufus shinra think of it all, does he even remember his mother?
for a moment, tseng looks at him almost calculated; but it's there and gone again, as rufus leans back and allows him a little more breathing room. he's learning, slowly, the ways that rufus wants to fluster him; like being dropped into a pool of cold water, he adjusts, learns, finds himself getting more used to the sensation. )
That should only be a matter of days, sir. It won't take long.
( likely he should be resting for longer, but does it much matter? he'll need to move his arm, his shoulder, engage in physical therapy to bring himself back to his usual standard--but in the meantime, there's nothing wrong enough with him to prevent him from being by rufus' side. and is that his agreement? with a sour press of his lips, he realizes that rufus has, once again, managed to best him somehow. )
...In which case, if you truly want me by your side, there are a few changes we should make. There's no reason for you to not know how to properly wield a firearm, and no reason you shouldn't learn hand-to-hand combat, either. It's highly unlikely that you will ever need it, but I would rather you be prepared than woefully undertrained.
( a breath of a sigh: convincing veld of something like this may be impossible; but that doesn't mean that tseng won't do it privately, without the knowledge of anyone else on the team. )
Are you willing to work for it, sir? I don't want to risk my job if you'll just complain the whole time.
( and there it is: another smile, small and succinct, before he recognizes it again and forces it off his lips. )
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Date: 2021-10-02 04:08 am (UTC)He knew Tseng had more to risk than he did- if Veld found out Tseng would get the worst of the consequences. Rufus would just get a slap on the hand and his comfortable prison would become more confining. Tseng on the other hand- he didn't have to ask what would happen in that case.
He knew Veld's loyalty was to the Turks and then to his father, Rufus was just the heir and had no power of his own. And he knows his father wants to keep him powerless as much as possible, as long as Rufus was considered nothing more than a spoiled helpless child he would never have any allies of his own. He was aware he wasn't taken seriously as he was considered just the pretty, spoiled heir to the throne.
But Tseng was offering him a chance not just to disobey Veld and his father but also to chance to accomplish something for himself that meant something real. It was the first step to becoming stronger, someone who could command respect and get allies to take care of his father sooner rather than later. He was tired of waiting for his father to keel over from a heart attack.
His expression shifts to something more serious, his gaze unwavering. He loves seeing the way Tseng smiles before the man catches himself and hides it again.]
I want you to push me- I need to know what I'm capable of and I won't know that if you just go easy on me. I'm not going to fall apart, you know I'm not weak and helpless.
[But he knows that Tseng isn't going to coddle him. Now that they were in this secret together then they had to trust each other since this would bind them together for a very long time.]
I'm going to be President one day so this is your chance to make sure I'm the one you want to serve.
[Money can only buy so much, he wants Tseng's loyalty without having to spend a single gil.]
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Date: 2021-10-07 03:32 am (UTC)isn't that curious? in what realm of possibility does he have much of a choice of the matter, in what realm could he even question such a thing? the fact that rufus wants him to choose to serve him is a peculiar turn of events. he can't think of the president as ever really wanting to be valued, or qualified, by his protectors or his staff; he has always simply gone with the assumption that he would be obeyed for no other reason than simply being the president and, therefore, worthy.
tseng has never really thought of president shinra as worthy.
but his son? his son wants his protectors to respect him, wants to even earn their respect, to a degree: and that surprises him, surprises him enough that he falls silent, at a loss on what to say. he doesn't want to discourage it, doesn't want to question it, and maybe in some childish way he even revels at the thought of rufus respecting his opinions enough to say something like that. his lips quirk again, but he lets the silence hang there, for a moment--not awkward, but simply appreciative. )
Alright. I won't go easy on you, sir. ( not like he had ever intended to, anyway. )
Give me a few days rest. I will send you a message with the location for our training. We will try to do it as frequently as we can manage, but you understand that it may be sporadic and short-lived, depending on what else I am assigned to do.
( a small swallow--he finds his gaze drawn to rufus' face, and jerks it away, closing his eyes. )
Allow me to rest, now. You are particularly exhausting, Rufus Shinra.
( but yes, he's still smiling. again. how ridiculous. )
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Date: 2021-10-08 09:30 am (UTC)His father depended on buying or just expecting obedience from those below him but Rufus suspected that there would be a day when all the gil in the world wouldn't be enough to save him. Rufus wanted to make sure that if he was ever in a position like that then he would have someone to would still be by his side.]
I'm going to hold you to that.
[He can't help but return Tseng's smile, even when the other man closes his eyes. He knows he's being dismissed and with anyone else Rufus would have refused to leave on principle but he has a feeling this is going to be the first of many exceptions he's going to grant Tseng so he doesn't comment on it.]
I know I am so you better get sleep while you can. There are going to be many long nights for both of us after this.
[He stands, patting Tseng's leg as he does so. He's excited for training and to have something real to do other than sitting around doing pointless busy work and try to escape Veld's supervision so he can do something by himself that's not decided for him.
The next few days had him sitting on the edge of his seat, unable to resist checking his phone every time it vibrated with a new message even in the middle of meetings even when it got him that deep frown of disapproval from his father. It didn't matter, Rufus could barely sit still with anticipation.
It was difficult to not ask Veld if Tseng had been discharged, the last thing he wanted was to give Veld any cause to suspect anything. No, Veld would just have to think that Tseng was just any other Turk to him for now, he would most likely send Tseng to somewhere remote on a permanent basis if he found out what they had planned.
Each day that passes feels like years. That day was exhausted and by the time he said good night to Reno who was on protection duty outside Rufus had a headache. He was just about to throw himself in a bath when he got the text notification, his heart leaping when he saw Tseng's name pop up finally.]
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Date: 2021-10-14 03:00 am (UTC)( --are the instructions he sends to rufus shinra, late enough now that he figures reno should surely be off duty. it's something that reno constantly bemoans: not that he dislikes keeping rufus company, but more that he dislikes how late it is when he's off, that he can't spend copious hours holed up in the local tavern and instead only has a precious few to get his drinking in for the evening, and so it's with that timing that tseng sticks with, his own mission, and paperwork, long done for the day. veld had instructed him to head home for a bit of well-deserved rest: after all, he's only been discharged for a few days, now, and it would be a shame to be put back into the infirmary for opening up his wound again or getting into worse trouble.
it doesn't much matter. the first day of rufus shinra's training won't be particularly strenuous, and he doesn't imagine that it will take much movement on his part, either.
the training room that he's picked is one of the last ones down the hallway--his favorite, for this purpose, because there are no windows, and with the door locked and shuttered, no one will be able to surprise them, or even peer in to see what it is they're doing. with shinra technology, this room can become anything: for now, he has it set up as a standard shooting range, with targets at one end of the large room, and a long line drawn on the floor to indicate how far away one should stand when aiming. for tonight, he's brought only two weapons: his own pistol and a standard issue shotgun, wondering if rufus will favor the latter again or find his interest more solidly drawn to it.
for now, tseng waits--he readjusts his gloves, checks his phone once, and then, with a sigh, thoroughly checks the weapons for ammunition again. he's already done it three times. maybe he's a little impatient. )
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Date: 2021-10-14 07:18 am (UTC)[Rufus doesn't waste any time in changing to clothes that are more practical than a suit. He opts for plain pants and simple button down shirt with no tie, not sure what to expect. With Tseng just recovering from a gunshot wound he assumes that they aren't going to start with the fitness part of training just yet.
The timing is perfect as he sees Reno strolling away as he peeks his head out of his room, waiting until he hears the ping of the elevator as Reno leaves the floor. It's exciting sneaking around like this but he's careful not to get carried away. He's learned where the cameras are positioned by now but also knows that if Veld isn't gone by this hour he's most likely meeting with his father.
That's confirmed when he hears the door of his father's office open followed by the sound of voices. He freezes until he hears the heavy door close, holding his breath until he's confident that it's safe to tiptoe past the door without being detected.
He knows he's free once he gets to the elevator and hits the button for the lower floors where the Turk offices are, fidgeting a little with excitement and by the time he reaches the correct floor.
He is relieved that he doesn't encounter other Turks who would have asked too many questions. But he manages to reach the door without incident, knocking twice, pausing, and knocking twice again as instructed.
As soon as Tseng opens the door Rufus give s him a bright smile but doesn't say anything until he's slipped inside.]
You seem to be doing a lot better. It's good to see you on your feet again, Tseng.
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Date: 2021-10-21 09:41 pm (UTC)surprisingly, the heir to the great shinra corporation has decided to dress down for this event, which is smart: he looks to be dressed in clothes that are far more casual than the pristine suit that he's seen the vice president walking around in, when he graces the halls with his presence--or, rather, when his father lets him out of his cage. there's a hint of approval, in the way his gaze rakes over rufus' body and then, smartly, settles back onto his face again. at least it looks like he's prepared for a bit of hard work--though likely, it won't be that hard at all, today.
back to the point: tseng offers no response to the words, instead, as usual, choosing to get right down to business. )
Thank you, sir. For today's lesson, I'm hoping you'll be able to master both a pistol and a shotgun marginally well enough that I will still be able to be on my feet, in the end.
( a hint, just the barest hint, of a smile: he shakes his head a little and draws his hand into his jacket, drawing out the pistol that he had just been fussing with earlier. )
The most important thing to start with is, of course, knowing the location of the safety, and ensuring that you are always aware of how much ammunition you have left. Do you know how to check the clip?
( he stretches an arm out, holds the weapon for rufus to take by the butt of it. )
Show me.
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