Something is going on with him...
Tseng had noticed it too, and he glanced at Elena, one eyebrow raised. She just shrugged, glancing between Reno and Rude. Huh.
Granted, Reno never seemed to be attentive. He was always relaxed, always leisurely. But this was different. He was literally lost in his own little world.
"Reno."
"Huh?" The lanky man's head jerked up. Elena shook her head; Rufus had been trying to get his attention for a few minutes now. Rude was rubbing his forehead. Something's going on between those two...
"If you're done daydreaming, perhaps you can tell me exactly what we're doing here." Rufus' expression was mild and blank, but there was something behind his eyes- amusement? Anger? Elena couldn't tell. And if Reno was smart, he wouldn't push it.
"Are you giving me permission to daydream more, sir?" Reno grinned, pocketing his hands. Behind that smile was annoyance at being caught.
"Hardly." Rufus shook his head. "I don't know why I'm really bothering. You and Rude are... not properly equipped to handle this mission."
Rude sat up, looking affronted. Elena bit her lip. Not the best thing to say to Rude...
"Relax, Rude. I didn't mean that in a negative way." Rufus gestured slightly, causing the older man to deflate. "Neither of you are female. It would look... awkward. You see, here's the problem. Shin-ra corporation is attempting to rebuild. In order to do that, we're starting small, owning some property in Wutai and Kalm. On these properties, we've built some hotels, a spa, and a resort."
He shuffled some papers around, and looked up. "In Wutai, I took the precaution of sending a unit with each property. There is a hotel/spa resort complex in Wutai that has stopped communicating with the company. The unit has vanished off the face of the planet. I need to know what's going on." He looked between Tseng and Elena. "Are you two able to handle it?"
Elena glanced at Tseng, then nodded. "I know I'm able to do it."
"Wait, boss, why not Rude and I? We're bored, let us go and kick some ass!" Reno straightened, frowning.
"No." Rufus said sharply. "It's not that simple." He settled back, lacing his fingers together. "This needs to be low-profile. I don't want two Turks going in with guns blazing." He looked between Reno and Rude. "And I know that's exactly what you two will do."
Reno flushed and looked down, muttering something. Rude just shook his head. Rufus continued. "I need something subtle. I need stealth, not outright violence. Tseng, Elena, can the two of you handle that?"
"Certainly, sir," Tseng said easily. "What are the details?"
"You two will go the the hotel and check in as Jun and Lina Liang, a just-married couple." Rufus' calm smile seemed different, almost twisted. "After doing that, you will proceed to do everything a just-married couple would do."
Reno started snickering. Elena was fairly certain her face was turning several shades of red. Tseng was sitting rigidly at attention, eyes staring straight ahead.
"I was referring to seeing the sights, enjoying the spa, taking advantage of the area." No doubt about it- Rufus was definitely amused now. "I think I can guess what you all were thinking. I doubt the ruse will run that deeply." Unspoken was "Unless, of course, you two deem it's necessary."
"Of course, sir." Elena said quietly. Oh, Gods. Wouldn't that be... amazing. Not only would she get to have sex with Tseng, it would be on duty and under orders to do so. No guilt on either of their parts. How often was that going to happen?
But would it be amazing and mind-blowing and incredible and- Stop thinking about it. Idiot. She shook her head slightly, refocusing her attention back on Rufus.
"Sir, that doesn't seem... entirely safe," Tseng attempted, gaze looking... oddly blank, almost. As if he was trying very hard not to think about something.
"Safe?" Rufus arched an eyebrow. "Since when are you worried about safety, Tseng? I wasn't aware it mattered."
Tseng's cheeks flushed pale pink with embarrassment. "Forgive me, sir, I misspoke. What I meant was, this ruse... it could prove overly distracting."
"How so?" Rufus tilted his head slightly. "I'm all ears."
Tseng glanced at Elena. "Well, it could pull our attention away from discovering what's going on, if we're overly focused on the parts we have to play..."
No, Tseng, don't do this to me, don't give me this tiny little hope and yank it away... Elena's heart was in her throat, but she had to agree with him. He was right, there was the possibility that they would miss important clues because they had to act a certain way, and be in certain places at certain times. Especially if the building had a surveillance system. "He's right, sir." She said after a moment, trying to keep her voice as calm as possible.
Besides, if I'm this torn up about it now... He doesn't even want me. That's probably the other reason he's objecting to the idea of a ruse.
"He's not right," Rufus said, "he has a valid point. However, not valid enough. You two are not only skilled fighters, you are Turks." He straightened his back, looking at the two of them calmly. "I would not give you a mission I did not think you could handle."
The Northern Crater sprang to Elena's mind, but she shoved it aside quickly. How was he to know about them? He didn't know. We didn't know. We did what we could, and it was what was best. "Yes, sir." She said calmly.
"You are professionals. I expect you to act accordingly." Rufus' lips twitched upward faintly. "Even if, at times, it requires acting unprofessionally."
Tseng gave a quiet, humorless, almost-laugh. "Understood, sir. We can and will handle it."
Easy for him to say, Elena thought, almost bitterly. His only concern is probably figuring out how to make everyone think we're married without having to touch me. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Enough. That's stupid, selfish and entirely immature. I do not care if Tseng is attracted to me or not. I don't care if he doesn't want me as a lover. I am a professional, as the boss said. As long as he handles this is a professional way, I will as well.
She opened her eyes in time to see Rufus nod in satisfaction. "Good," he said, nodding. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. You are both dismissed. You'll find things you both need in your office, Tseng."
Tseng stood, Elena followed suit. "Yes, sir." They said in unison.
"Ok, we're just gonna go too..." Reno started to get up, as Tseng headed for the door, Elena following.
"Not just yet." Rufus gestured a bit. "Sit down, Reno. I want to talk to you and Rude..."
Elena glanced over her shoulder, just in time to see Reno's expression shift to one of forced curiosity, but there was the definite oh, shit look behind his eyes. Uh-oh. Poor Reno.
"Come on," Tseng said, glancing at her. "They can handle themselves, whatever they've done."
"You noticed too." It wasn't a question. "What do you think's going on?"
"It's Reno." Tseng shrugged, opening the door to his office. "Who knows what he's done now. Sounds like whatever he did, he dragged Rude into it as well."
Elena stepped inside, eying the suitcases on the bed. "I wonder what he got us."
"I doubt we're going in uniform," Tseng said, slightly dryly. "I hope we can get away with 'business casual.'"
"Skirts," Elena's tone dripped with distaste as she opened the suitcase. "Well... at least they're not short." She held up one of the skirts, then examined some of the other outfits. She didn't notice Tseng's expression change at the mention of short skirts from one of wry amusement, to slightly glazed staring, then back to somewhat forced wry amusement.
"I'm sure we'll live." He examined his own suitcase, then zipped it shut. "Well, we don't need to leave for a while, yet."
"I guess I'll get changed," Elena muttered, digging through until she found a pale cream dress. This'll work. We're supposed to be just married anyway. She took a deep breath and headed into the bathroom to change.
How can I deal with this? What is the boss thinking? Doesn't he know? She examined herself in the mirror, toying with her hair a bit. How can I keep myself from taking this the completely wrong way, and... wanting this again?
She closed her eyes, unbuttoning her blouse. I guess I'll deal with it. Maybe this'll be enough to last me for the rest of my life. Or maybe it'll be awful, and I'll break free of this stupid crush.
She knew she was just deluding herself into thinking Tseng was a bad lover. He was damned attractive, and polite, and he seemed to be so concerned with her at times...
No. No, he's probably terrible in bed. Yes. That's what I have to believe.
She slipped into the dress and looked at herself in the mirror. Hm. Snobby bitch, or air-headed trollop? Better go with the latter- they'll never suspect that I'm a Turk that way...
She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, nodding. Right. Here we go. Scooping her uniform up, she turned on her heel and walked, barefoot, back to Tseng's office.
I can do this.
-
Reno was praying to every God he'd ever heard of that he wasn't in real trouble. Or, rather, that Rude wasn't going to get into real trouble. He'd promised the older man that if the shit hit the fan, he'd take the fall.
Staring into the cold smile of Rufus Shin-ra, it appeared that the shit had, indeed, hit the fan. He grinned jauntily, though it felt strained on his face. "So, boss, what's the deal? Got something for us to do, with Tseng and Elena off on their honeymoon?"
"Guard duty, of course. While I'm no longer incapacitated, it never hurts to have people who know how to take care of problems." Rufus' smile didn't change. "I know the two of you are extremely capable in that aspect."
"Well, yeah, of course." Reno relaxed, just slightly, hoping it didn't show. "We can always do that, can't we, partner?"
"It's no trouble." Rude, thankfully, always looked rigid and at-attention, sitting, standing or laying down, so his posture didn't change a damn bit if he was stressed, calm or whatever. "Of course."
"Hm." Rufus nodding slightly, smiling a bit more. "Now, that, of course, wasn't why I kept you behind."
Shit. Reno tried to keep his shoulders from tensing up. That sent pain jerking down his back and buttocks. Son of a bitch. I didn't think I'd be this sore... "Oh? Well, don't keep us in suspense, boss..."
"You seemed terribly distracted, earlier." Rufus' eyes flicked between Reno and Rude. "I'd like to know why."
Rude straightened his tie. Reno swallowed a bit. "Yeah, about that..."
"Tell me, has something happened between the two of you?" Rufus gestured between the two of them. "Don't be afraid to tell me the truth."
Reno traded a look with Rude. Well? I guess there's nothing for it. "Yes, sir. We... um... had a nice discussion last night."
"A discussion." Rufus' voice was flat. "Oh, yes? What sort? Do enlighten me."
Reno sat quietly for a moment, tapping his jaw. "Well, sir, you see..."
"We had sex, sir." Rude wasn't known for his tact when it came to the boss. Reno dropped his face into his hand. Gods, Rude. Real subtle.
Rufus' eyebrows raised slightly. "Oh? Really."
"Look, boss, I can explain," Reno hastened to cover for his partner's blunt words. "You see, it happened kinda funny, like a dream..."
"I don't need an explanation." Reno's heart sank. I'm not even gonna get a chance, am I?Dammit... I hope he at least doesn't demote Rude or anything... Maybe that's really why he offered the mission to Tseng and Elena and not us...
Rufus was looking between the two of them. Rude's face was utterly impassive, and he sat straight and calm in his chair. Reno's expression belied his inner feelings, his posture slightly slumped, his expression too blank, too carefully neutral. "I trust, however, that you are both Turks, and can easily separate your... personal lives from your working relationship."
Reno decided not to tell his boss that he was definitely intending on using the time spent on-duty playing around, at least once. Then, the realization of what Rufus really said kicked in, and he blinked. "Wait a minute- you're not gonna fire us?"
"Would you prefer that alternative?" Rufus glanced at Reno, eyebrow raised. Rude gave Reno a dirty look, and his partner flinched.
"No, no, no way, man." Reno shook his head rapidly, hands clenched in his lap. "This- this is my life..."
"Mine as well," Rude rumbled. "Shachou, you must understand how much being a Turk means to both of us... It took me out of a life that I do not wish to remember..."
Reno nodded, looking at Rufus now. "And I'm sure that if I wasn't in Turk, I'd be dead..." He licked his lips, looking down. "Boss... boss, being a Turk is my life, yo, but Rude..." He crossed his arms and hunkered down in the chair. "Rude, he's important to me, man, and not just as my partner... He's- I- I really- I-" He grew awkward, unwilling to say what he felt now, in front of his boss. Might was well just exclaim "I am a wuss!" and be done with it...
"So you love him?" Rufus simply raised an eyebrow. Rude shifted, his shoulders tensing, the only sign that Rufus' words had any effect on him. Reno's jaw dropped, fingers biting into his arms. Rufus was working now. "Do you?"
"I... I..." He stared at Rude, mouth working silently. He couldn't say it. Not here, not now. Not like this. Can't do it... I can't do it, babe, I am so sorry... I do, I do, but I can't...
Rufus looked satisfied and settled back in his chair. "Dismissed, Turks."
"What about you, Shachou?" Rude finally asked. "We can't leave you alone."
"I'll be fine," Rufus' tone was very dry. "Trust me. You two go on. I think you two have something to work out."
Reno gave Rude an awkward look before standing up. "Ok, you're the boss... boss." Turning, he started out, Rude following.
"We'll stay in the building," Rude said, after a moment.
"Yeah..." Reno pocketed his hands. "Gotta keep an eye on him. We'll do monitors."
"Sure."
"Yeah."
The pause was long and awkward, and neither of them could muster the courage to break it.
I fucked up this time, man. Fucked up royally. Now if Rude doesn't lo- care about me, he's gonna be freaked out. He's probably gonna run for the hill first chance he gets. It figures. Fuck! Elena was right! Fuck, fuck, FUCK! Dammit! I'm a fucking Turk! We're not supposed to have feelings, we're not supposed to want commitment, even though Rude and I have been partners for what, three years? A hell of a long time. Longer than most fucking marriages. Fuck! I don't depend on him! I don't want him forever and ever, always in my life, always there to watch my back...
Fuck. I do. Goddammit!
But what if he does lo- care about me? What then? Now he's probably thinking that I'm some total jackass, who's just using him. Can't admit to the boss that he doesn't love him. Fuck!
Why had Rufus said that? Why had he brought it to the surface like that? He'd been doing so well, convincing himself that his feelings for Rude weren't there, that it was just lust. That he didn't love him. And Rufus just came in and threw it all in his face.
"Do you love him?"
...fuck, yes.
"Are you all right, aibou?"
Reno jerked at Rude's voice, the sound like a physical slap. "Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah..." He rubbed an arm, looking away. "Yeah, I just thought... you know, were were gonna get in trouble."
"So did I," Rude admitted, sitting down in one of the monitor chairs. "But we're all right."
"Gods know how," Reno muttered. Damn, his partner was sexy, bathed in the pale glow of the monitors. "So..."
Rude glanced at him. "Yes?"
Reno straddled his lap in an instant, smirking. "We basically got the boss' 'Ok', you know..."
"Not to fuck around on the clock," Rude said, a blush touching his cheek briefly. "Get off."
"No," Reno purred, leaning down to press his lips to his neck. "Rufus dismissed us anyway... Don't think we're needed..."
Rude's eyes half-closed, one hand settling on Reno's hip. "We shouldn't. He said we can't..."
"What he doesn't know, won't hurt him..." Reno purred, slowly untying Rude's tie. "Trust me... You know you want to anyway..." He slid deeper into Rude's lap, griding himself against the other's apparent arousal. "Oh, yeah, you do."
Rude's sour look at his partner's shit-eating grin was broken up into a strained expression as his other hand settled at Reno's waist now. "Goddammit, Reno, you make everything so damned hard..."
Reno chuckled and bit down on Rude's earring, tugging lightly. "I'd noticed." Rude's tie ended up somewhere on the monitor control board. His shirt was quickly unbuttoned, pale hands sliding across mocha skin. "You like it."
"Occasionally," Rude admitted, head falling back against the chair. Reno grinned at the surrender and leaned in close, kissing his neck.
Sorry, boss. You, of all people, should know that I don't play by the rules...