Tseng woke to the sound of a text message coming through his phone. He opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times. They felt dry and slightly gritty. His head throbbed softly, and his mouth felt like a barren wasteland. He had let himself drink a little too much. Combine that with the fact that he had crawled into bed around four-thirty in the morning; he was feeling rough around the edges but no worse for wear and nothing that a glass of water, some aspirin and a long hot shower wouldn't fix. Turning, he grabs his cell off the nightstand and flips it open—the digital display showing that it was ten o'clock in the morning, and the text was from Veld. Sighing, Tsengs opens the message. 'Meet me at O'hares for lunch!'
Tseng had to chuckle as the dinner in question was located at the sector three train terminal and was built in an abandoned train car. It looked like it would be one of those greasy spoons like dinners but served amazing food. And was Veld's go-to local when he wanted to discuss sensitive topics in an unofficial capacity. Well, at least whatever it was, it wasn't official! Therefore Tseng could forgo his usual Turk attire and indulge in having the day off.
Getting up, he heads into his kitchenette and pours a tall glass of water and pops a couple of painkillers and then pads softly into his bathroom and starts the shower. Running hot water first and slowly adjusting it to the right temperature. Stepping into the stall, he lets the water cascade over him as his mind drifts back to the events of the previous evening. It was rather shocking to find out that Rufus had engaged in what he was going to, for now, assume, sexual experimentation with those of the same sex. But, as Rufus admitted, living in an all-boys school for five years could very well create a hotbed for those types of pairings.
Tseng began to wonder, though, if the President had been the one to foster this effect in Rufus? Because even at an early age, the president had made it firmly known that Rufus would have to find himself a suitable mate and carry on the Shinra legacy. Reginald had made sure of this by making sure Rufus was prolifically shown at any significant social function from when he was fourteen, going so far as hauling the boy out of school for a few high-profile events. But the more Tseng mulled over his time as Rufus's bodyguard, the more he began to wonder if perhaps the boy had been trying to ascertain Tseng's preference and win his notice.
After Evelynn's death, The president had taken a firm hand in Rufus's upbringing. Rufus was removed from the local public school he attended, at his mother's insistence, and enrolled in the Shinra Tower's private school. All of his subjects, beyond the core ones, were chosen by Reginald. And there were more social events scheduled in the evenings, dinner parties, theatre productions, and the occasional banquet and balls. All of them were to be attended by a lady of his father's choosing. And being Rufus's newly appointed bodyguard, Tseng had attended them all.
It started, as Tseng had initially assumed, that Rufus was bitching and griping about attending these types of functions. Still, over the course of a few months and through quiet observation, Tseng had come to realize that Rufus had no real friends and no genuine desire to become more acquainted with the Ladies of his father's choosing. Sure he had a group of social peers. But they were all after the same thing, the push and grab for higher social recognition, and there were none higher than Rufus! It was a situation Rufus was more than aware of but one he seemed to have a distaste for. So as Rufus began to trust Tseng, he would frequently ask him for advice. And Tseng taking pity on the younger boy, did his best to impart unbiased opinions.
But as time passed, there were more of those little moments like when at home, Rufus would ask for a snack tray and make sure there was tea and treats included for Tseng. Rufus would then ask Tseng to join him on the terrace. It was highly irregular and bordered on unprofessional, but Tseng was also under orders to ensure Rufus was kept happy. So Tseng found himself having tea and casual conversations with Rufus on many occasions. And even though Rufus had a perfected throwing attitude towards his father in public. Rufus was a completely different person in private, and only Tseng and a few household servants ever saw.
But last night proved to Tseng that the young boy he had befriended had matured. Not only becoming incredibly handsome but extremely intelligent. And that thought made Tseng uncomfortable in slightly delightful ways. But before he could pursue this thought any further, the water started to become chilly. So Tseng quickly finished his shower and got dressed. Checking the time, ten-forty, Tseng left to met Veld at the dinner.
Rufus rolled over and groaned loudly. He had drunk way too much! Normally he was able to pace himself and had become the consummate actor when the need warranted it, but this morning his head throbbed painfully as sunlight from the bedroom window pierced his eyes. His stomach rolled slightly in rebellion. And his mouth felt less than desirable. Rolling over and pulling the blankets over his head, Rufus tried to fall back asleep. That is until he felt a cold, wet nose poke him in the face, followed by a loud whine.
Opening his eyes, Rufus sees the very eager face of his beloved companion, DarkNation. "Well, hello, girl! When did you get here?" He asks as his hand snakes out of the warm cocoon of blankets to rub between her ears.
She allowed this for a minute but then head-butted him insistently. "Have to go out, do you?" Rufus inquired. To which the daemon hound whimpered, her whip-like tail curling and uncurling in agitation. Not too many people realized just how intelligent these creatures really were, but Rufus did. And having found her as a pup and realized that she had been orphaned, he had raised her as his guard dog, much to his father's distaste, which of course, amused Rufus immensely. But her behaviour was telling him, in no uncertain terms, that she needed to go out! "Ok, Ok! Give me a moment." Rufus slowly uncurled out of the nest of blankets and gently swung his legs off the bed, being careful not to move too quickly. He was a fine mess, and he knew it too! Normally he didn't allow himself to drink so much but being in Tseng's company after his birthday party's forced charade made Rufus feel relaxed and safe. He had let his barriers down and enjoyed Tseng's company, but he was now paying for it.
Getting up as quickly as he could, Rufus went into the ensuite and took care of nature's pressing need and then wrapped himself in a rob and reentered his bedroom snapping his fingers, signalling Dark to follow. But first, Rufus decided it would be best to drink some water and pop a few painkillers before trying to expose himself to the full light of day. As he headed into the kitchen, he noticed a handwritten note left on the small dining table. Going over to it, running his hand there his hair, he begins to read.
Good morning Sir, I leave you this note with a breakfast tray to notify you that first, your pet had arrived safely this morning and brought to your suite. As she was still under the sleepel, I chose not to wake you! But I am to inform you that the door at the right end of the hall is a private service elevator to an enclosed garden where you will be able to take her and not cause a fuss! Secondly, your father has left orders that, for today, you are under no obligations to him, but at 0:730, you are to present yourself to him in his office. If you need anything, I can be reached by dialling #113 on the house phone.
Sincerely Maranda
Well, that was a bit of a relief, not that Rufus had any qualms about taking Dark outside to do her business, as it amused him greatly to see people's reaction to her. But parading around the tower in his robe might push the limits of his father's patience. Rufus chuckled at the thought but right now, he had no desire to either get dressed or piss off his father, so Rufus pours a glass of water and downs a couple of Asprin, and heads for the door, Dark following hot on his heels. Walking the short distance to the service elevator did nothing for his pounding headache, and having to stand still for the retinal scanner soured Rufus's mood even further. But once he and Dark arrived at the floor and exited the elevator, Rufus took a moment to appreciate the artificial garden as Dark barked happily and bounded off to look for a spot to relieve herself.
The room was large! It was at least two stories tall with floor-to-ceiling windows and shaped in a half-circle. It was carpeted with real grass and manicured to soft perfection. There were some potted shrubs scattered about and a few benches to sit on. Taking advantage of the one nearest to him, Rufus sat down to await Dark's return. It actually surprised Rufus that his father would go to such length to accommodate Rufus's pet as there was no secret that the man disliked her, but maybe it was just Reginald's way of keeping tabs on them. Or maybe it was a pet project of Reeve; he was the urban planner for Midgar. "Stop thinking, Rufus!" Rufus muttered as he rested his arms on his legs so that he could cradle his aching head. He didn't want to think about his father or the company or any other aspect of his professional life. All he wanted was to go back to bed before he succumbed to the darkness that was trying to take hold of him.
Moments later, Dark returned all happy and frisky and tried to get Rufus to play. "Not right now, Luv!" he cooed to her softly, letting her know he wasn't feeling well but that he wasn't in any peril. It had taken him months of training her to understand the subtly of his voice infections and what they meant. But Rufus was confident that she could and would act accordingly just by the tone of his voice and a few keywords. She responded by licking his hand and gently nuzzling him until he was ready to get up and leave.
Rufus returned to his apartment, grabbed some toast from the tray left for him and ate it as he drank another glass of water. His headache, now beginning to subside, Rufus decided to crawl back into bed and was soon joined by Dark, who seemed to sense his moods and knew that he didn't want to be alone right now. Not that Rufus was up to making small talk with the Directors or any of the executives, but now that he was more lucid in thinking, images of last night began to invade his mind. An ache of longing filled him as he thought about what it would be like to come home and have Tseng hug and kiss hello or crawl into bed and be wrapped in a loving embrace. But that was only wishful thinking. And with that thought came the feeling of complete loneliness and it consumed him dragged him into a pit of despair. His only solution was to curl himself around the pillows and let the pent-up tears of anguish and frustration silently fall until sleep took him upon its blissful wings.
Tseng stepped off the bus in sector three and walked a couple of blocks to the train station and the dinner. He had chosen a pair of black denim pants, a white T-shirt, a leather jacket and runners. His hair was tied back in a full ponytail. And even though he didn't blend in with the rest of the foot traffic, he didn't stand out as a Turk and right now, that was sufficient.
As he entered the dinner, he let his eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting as he surveyed the patrons until his gaze landed on his boss sitting at a table in the far corner. Veld was dressed as a dockside worker, and his gun prosthetic had been switched out for his seldom-used hand prosthetic. Veld, seeing Tseng, waved his hand in beckoning and conversationally called out, "Trent, you made it! Come sit!" Casually Tseng walks over to the table. So everything would be discussed in code names, so as he neared the table, Tseng softly replied, "Victor, it is so good to see you. It has been too long!" and neatly slid into the booth.
The waitress came to their table a moment later, order pad and pen in hand and a bored expression on her face. "What ya boys be having?" she drawled in a slum accented voice.
Veld ordered first, giving Tseng a chance to scan the menu. "Another coffee, and I'll have the cheese Behemoth burger with a side of wedges and gravy!"
Tseng curled his nose but quickly replied with, "A black tea for me and the house salad."
"You be waning anything to go with that?" She inquired. Tseng just shook his head. "Well, suit yourself; no wonder you're all skin and bones. You eat like a rabbit!" She commented and left to place their orders and get their drinks.
"I see the service is still rough around the edges." Tseng candidly commented.
Veld chuckled good-naturedly. "It's all part of the charm! But she is right! You eat like a rabbit!" Tseng just rolled his eyes as their waitress had returned with their beverages.
Veld pinned Tseng with an intense stare when she had left, one that usually had the rookies squirming. "So, how was your date last night?"
Tseng leaned back into the seat and sipped his tea. "Interesting." He replied softly.
"Oh? How so!" Veld's inflection changing ever so slightly.
Hearing the change in his boss's voice, Tseng softly replies with honesty. "He is much changed in the last few years. Gone is the lad who delighted in throwing tantrums in public to get a reaction from his parent. All the preening and posing he does now is just that! Airs are put on to entertain the masses. I fear there may be some underlying trauma, but his intelligence and wit are honest and real!"
"I see! And he has finally caught your interest?" Veld's wording confirming Tseng's earlier speculation that Rufus had been trying to get Tseng's attention caused Tseng to blush. Which made Veld chuckle and nod. "Yes, I have been aware that the young lad has harboured a crutch on you! But I can also see why it went unrecognized!"
Tseng raised an eyebrow at his chief. "I don't see myself engaging in frivolous activities with VP. Regardless if he has a crush on me or not!" He replied smoothly. He wasn't sure how Veld would feel if he knew Tseng had been entertaining ideas about Rufus and himself.
The waitress brought their order to the table, and the pair ate their meal in comfortable silence, but as soon as they had finished, Veld stated very firmly, his eyes blazed with fury! "Protocole, be damned!" and in a quieter voice, "The lad's father has moved his mistress into the family home and being widowed, none would gainsay him remarrying the chit especially before the welp is born!"
Tseng's jaw dropped. Everyone knew Reginald had moved his lastest light skirt into the mansion, but that she was also pregnant? Well, that did explain a lot. "The Father will replace the lad with a new heir?" Tseng could only whisper.
Veld nodded. "Not only that, there is chatter, a lot of chatter from many factions. If the lad were to be disposed of after the official birth and then the father, the new one could be moulded to lead properly..." Veld let his voice trail off as Tseng pondered this new revelation.
A pained expression crosses Tseng's face. "So the lad has no new allies and many enemies, his own blood being one of them?"
"Indeed, and in the coming weeks, he will need the strength of someone he can not only depend on but trust!"
Something nagged a Tseng's mind, though, "Why to concern yourself and me?" He asked.
Veld stood and threw a few ten-gill notes on the table. "A promise I made a long time ago! Keep him safe, and if your heart follows, you have my blessing!" He admonished and then exited the dinner, but Tseng stayed for another cup of tea as he mulled over the implications of what had just been revealed to him. His thoughts and emotions in turmoil. Did Veld seriously give Tseng unblanketed permission to become involved with Rufus? Or was that just part of the verbal dance they had engaged in? Sighing, Tseng finished his tea and left to head to one of the houses he frequented and relieve himself of the built-up tension he was now experiencing.