Zack was the first person to arrive at the room designated for the party.

A party space? More like a gala ballroom. Geez, I don't know why Tseng invited me to a ridiculously fancy costume party. I don't even own a suit.

Zack surveyed the room. Several large, circular tables clad in elegant white silk tablecloths lined the perimeter of the dance floor. Gold chairs with red-velvet cushions surrounded the tables, glistening in the warm light cast from the large overhead chandeliers. A well-stocked bar to the far left of the dance floor was attended by a nervous-looking employee, who was occupying themselves with arranging and re-arranging shot glasses. To the right of the dancefloor was the entrance to a kitchen. As the doors swung open and shut to admit servers, savory scents of Midgar's finest delicacies wafted out into the room on errant currents of warm steam. The dance floor glistened with polished marble, made distinctive by the red velvet carpet that surrounded its perimeter. A small stage was set flush with the wall, overlooking the dance floor. In sum: much more elegance than a first class soldier was used to. Or wanted to be used to: everything seemed too expensive, too breakable, to really have a good time.

Zack sighed and moved from leaning against the table to sitting on one of the plush chairs.

Tseng told me to get here my 19:00. It's already 19:10 and no one's here. Did he trick me? Zack glared down and fiddled with the satiny folds of his dress.

And why did he send me such a weird outfit? What's going on? Zack made to stand again (being toe hyperenergetic spirit puppy he was, sitting for long periods of time was close to impossible), but turned when he sensed movement out of the corder of his eye. The two large gold doors were glinting as they opened with gusto, the motion triggering…. trumpet fanfare? Am I still in Midgar?

"My Prince, right this way." Zack startled at the sound of Tseng's voice to find him with someone new. The person's pale blond hair was tied back into a ponytail with an elegant white ribbon. An extensive silver choker clung to their neck, accented by thin diamond earrings that dangled delicately from their ears. The only makeup they wore was the slightest hint of eyeliner, and a faint dusting of baby-blue eyeshadow. A delicate gossamer dress clung to their lean frame, which was accented by wispy strands of eggshell blue tulle that lined the top of the dress and hugged the gown to their shoulders. A cloud of silky azure fabric barely concealed their chest, revealing pale skin and clavicles on full display. The skirt seemed to float as the man walked, various shades of sapphire, teal and sky-blue accented by small silver butterflies.

Tseng's hair was pulled into a striking high ponytail, neck adorned by a thin gold choker. Gold teardrop-shaped earrings swung with his pace, replacing his everyday silver ones. His face was accented by eyeliner that made his eyes even more cat-like, accented by ruby-colored eyeshadow. Zack's eyes traveled down to appraise Tseng's outfit. A bolt of bold crimson fabric concealed his chest and shoulders. Thin, tight-fitting maroon fabric covered the rest of his torso, revealing his muscular build and clavicles. Small gold flowers were scattered like stars throughout the fabric, glinting in the light. Tseng stepped brazenly forward in gold stilettos that mirrored the flower pattern.

Both men were breath-taking. Zack found himself transfixed, as though staring at a rare materia: beautiful colors swirling together, containing mystifying yet dangerous power within one radiant orb.

"Turks to Fair? Do you copy?"

Zack started out of his daze and straightened, meeting the eyes of an expectant turk. "Erm…S-sorry Tseng. How do you do?" Zack spluttered, caught up in Tseng's sensual outfit.

Tseng chuckled and smiled.

"I'm glad you're wearing the clothes I gave you; you've earned my approval for preparing yourself for formal occasions. You're forgetting something though." Tseng leaned in, tapping his index finger on his chin in thought as he inspected Zack's face.

"Ah. I think I've figured it out." He straightened, pulling something out of his red-and-gold handbag. "Zack, Sit down and close your eyes."

Zack gulped audibly but did as such.

"I'm so sorry! I could've sworn I followed all of your instructions…"

"It's not that. Rufus, go sit. This should be quick."

Zack felt a brush over his eyelids followed by something wet.

"What is that, Tseng?" Zack questioned, attempting to open one eye.

"Not yet, Fair! Do you want to look good for your amour?"

Zack sighed, eye obediently fluttering shut. "No."

Tseng hummed self-assuredly. "That's what I thought. I did invite Cloud, so this will be worth your trouble. Just sit tight for a bit and I'll tell you when you can open your eyes."

"Fine, fine. If you say so. You look great by the way, Tseng. And so does your…acquaintance. Wait, is he -?"

"Hush, Fair! That is my employer, Rufus Shinra. You are not to discuss anything about me to him, understand? There will be consequences." Tseng whispered angrily.

"For not wanting to attract his attention, you really didn't dress the part. Admit it, you look sexy. I could practically see him drooling over your exposed clavicles. Really Tseng, how scandalous." Zack quipped wittily, earning a light slap on his shoulder.

"You're really testing my patience, Fair. And I predict you'll come to regret your harsh words. You'll be drooling all over the floor when you've seen the little outfit I've chosen for Cloud. If you swoon, I'm not going to catch you. Now Sephiroth….. is a different story. His costume is more sensual than eros himself."

Zack Tilted his head away, hiding the flush in his cheeks. "You sound like a proud parent. Or Fashion designer, I don't know which. Who knew the Turk's job was so vast?"

He anticipated another slap, but instead heard the doors open to fanfare again. Tseng merely chuckled, "You can open your eyes now. Try to control your emotional and bodily reactions, Fair."