Maybe it's a good thing that my Wutaian language skills are lacking severely...
They had decided that the easiest way to enter Wutai was by car. They simply started the charade a bit earlier than expected.
Elena was trying so very hard not to do or say something stupid. She was sitting in the passenger's seat, staring out the window, watching the woods fly by. It's just a mission. Just a mission, like any other mission. I just have to pretend to be in love with him. No one's saying I have to be. So what if I am? No! No, I am not in love with him, dammit!
"Is something wrong? You're being awfully quiet." Damn the Turk partner bond! Of course he would have realized that something was different about her behavior. "Are you worried about something?" He glanced over at her, his tone polite, but with a faint edge of worry.
"Oh, I'm fine," she smiled brightly at him, and hoped it didn't look too forced. I'm just sitting here, thinking about ravishing you later. Oh, hell. "I'm just... wondering how to act, that's all. When we get there, I mean. I mean, should I be all over you, or nervous, or giggly, or..."
Tseng shifted, rolling his shoulders back. "Well, that's up to you, ideally. Just warn me, whatever you choose." He gave her a small smile, before focusing back on the road.
"Oh, of course, I'd never do something stupid like not telling you the plan," Elena babbled, her old habit rising again out of nerves. "I mean, I'm not Reno, you know." She shut her mouth, biting down firmly on her tongue before she could continue. Tseng chuckled, much to her relief.
"I know you aren't," he said, smiling still. "Which is why I'm not overly worried about your actions tonight."
Oh, Gods. Tonight. Elena licked her lips, looking out the window again. "Oh, yes... I did mean to ask... about that... What are we going to do... tonight?"
She was so engrossed in looking out the window and not giving away any of what was in her head, that she completely missed the way Tseng's hands tightened on the wheel, and he had to fight to keep his attention on the road. "I imagine," he said slowly, also attempting not to give anything away, "that we'll do whatever feels right at the time. It all depends on what the situation is."
"That makes sense," Elena agreed. His tone of voice sounded strange, but she couldn't place exactly how. Stress? Worry? Why? What the hell does he have to worry about? He's so... unbearably attractive... How can I- how can- I don't- oh, shit... She fought to control her rising emotions, and her whirling thoughts. Calm down... before this conveys itself to him as well!
Tseng glanced at her again, then back to the road. "We're almost there." His voice was as calm as ever, and Elena absolutely loathed him for it. She doubted she could speak in a calm voice- in fact, her voice would probably come out as a high-pitched squeak. "Are you ready?"
That was the dumbest question she'd ever heard. "I'm never ready, sir," she admitted. "I mean, I'm always physically ready, but for a job like this, where we really don't know anything... It's hard to say. I guess I'm ready."
"Good," Tseng glanced at her, smiling a little. "I have faith in you."
"Why?" Elena looked at her hands. I let you down. I failed you. I couldn't protect you. The only reason she was on this mission, she was sure, was because of the act they were putting on. If possible, she had no doubt Rufus would have sent in Reno and Rude, and kept Tseng close by his side. And Elena as well, though Tseng was certainly a much more valuable man, as the Director of the Turks.
"Elena." Something in Tseng's voice made it obvious that he knew what was going on in her mind, and she looked over at him. "It wasn't your fault."
They hadn't spoken about this, not ever, not immediately afterwards, when they had been huddled together in the pale forest, under Valentine's cloak, waiting for him to return with help, and not even later, after Rufus had interrogated them. It was a subject that neither of them truly wanted to deal with, and yet it was something that, if left alone, would fester between them and ultimately ruin them both. She knew it. She knew he knew it. There wasn't any choice- she had to discuss this with him.
"I was injured first," she began slowly. "If I'd been more careful, faster..."
Tseng pulled off to the side, parking the car and turning his full attention on her. She wanted to remind him about the mission, and how they were expected, when he drew her close and started messing up her hair a little. "A reason for being late," he murmured, eyes taking on a faint, wickedly humorous glint before utter seriousness returned to his expression. "I simply couldn't keep my hands off of you..."
"Oh..." Elena swallowed slowly, looking away from his dark eyes. "Of course..."
"Now." Tseng leaned forward, even closer, almost invading her space. "Listen to me. There was nothing I could do against Kadaj and his brother. There was nothing Reno could do. He had to run, and run fast. Think about that, think about how he would react to that. Elena, those were clones of Sephiroth. I've fought Sephiroth." That was another thing Elena knew he hated talking about. "While they were considerably weaker than he was, you and I are still alive. If we faced Sephiroth, and not his remnants, we would be dead."
Elena worried the inside of her cheek, then rubbed her hands together. "Th-that's true... But I-"
"No." Tseng put a finger to her lips, and she almost forgot about everything, the stupid mission, the Northern Caves, the pain, the blood, all of it. He's touching me... She wanted to say something, anything, wanted to babble that she loved him, that if he wanted to make the facade real, she wouldn't mind at all, the backseat of the car was nice and spacious...
Wait. Tseng was still talking. "You did nothing wrong. Nothing. Do you understand me? Nothing at all. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. I am very proud of you. You were professional, and strong. Now be strong for Shin-Ra again."
Somehow, Elena could almost hear him say "Be strong for me again, Elena." She nodded, setting her jaw. "Yes, sir. Shall we?"
Tseng smiled, and put the car in gear, pulling away from the side of the road. "Well done," he murmured. "Thank you."
"No thanks needed," Elena said quietly, giving him a quiet smile. "It's our job, after all." And nothing more, I guess.
"Indeed it is." There was no inflection in his tone now, nothing to betray what was in his mind. He had his "game face" on now, and, as they approached the resort, she began calming herself down, preparing herself for the facade to come. Tseng was going to have to ask the pressing questions, if he could.
She was going to be an excellent source of information for Tseng this time. For once, her hair color and slim, diminutive build was going to help the Turks, rather than hinder it. For once, she was going to play the dumb, air-headed, vapid blond princess, and get information that way.
After all, no one looked twice at someone like the woman she was going to be. No one even thought about telling them anything, because obviously, they wouldn't remember it five minutes later.
Only Elena would. But they didn't need to know that. Tseng parked the car in front and got out, letting the doorman get the bags, as if it were second nature to him. He was to be the Wutaian merchant, who, during his travels in Midgar, found a wife he simply couldn't resist. With the dress Rufus had insisted she wear for the day, she couldn't blame him for being unable to resist. It left little to the imagination, and suggested that he didn't marry her for her mind at all.
I hate wearing this. She pulled the strap up, moving over and leaning on Tseng's arm. It exposed some fresh scars, which Tseng had already come up with an excuse for, if they were asked. "Accidents happen," he'd said, shrugging, "more often than not these days."
Hopefully, no one would ask. She pressed a bit closer to him, leaning up to murmur in his ear. "Trust me," she kept her voice low, and a smirk on her face. "Just play along." Then, just because it was perfectly in character, and not because she wanted to at all, she bit his ear. She felt him stiffen and curse under his breath in Wutaian, and his arm slid around her waist.
"I always trust you," he murmured in her ear, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. That was, after all, what his character would do. Of course.
She smiled adoringly up at him, mentally resolving to kill Rufus Shin-Ra the moment she returned to Headquarters. Giggling, she let him draw her into the resort's hotel. Oh, yes, Rufus. You're a dead man. I don't know why you did this to me, but I'm going to kill you. A relatively quick death, though. It's the least I could do to you, after you've made part of my dreams come true.
She looked around, widening her eyes and blinking often. Tseng approached the front desk and started talking to the clerk. She simply leaned against him, giggling every so often at nothing.
This might be fun yet.
-
Tseng placed a hand on the counter, oozing confidence and arrogance, exactly as his grandfather had, years ago. Whenever it came to emulating a powerful Wutai man, Tseng always deferred to his Grandfather's memory. And so far, it had always worked- he had never been questioned. "Hello. I am Liang Jun. I have a reservation for your honeymoon suit." Saying that, he glanced over at Elena and, fighting back laughter at her air-headed expression, poured all of the lust he had ever felt for her into a single glance.
She blushed, then giggled to keep with her character. "Oh, Jun," she said, hanging off his arm.
The clerk coughed slightly. "Ah, yes, it is an honor, Liang-sama." His eyes fell on Elena, on her pale skin and hair. "Where have your... travels led you, Liang-sama?"
"Around the world, boy, around the world." Never mind that the clerk was clearly older than Tseng by at least two decades. Everyone under his social class was "boy". "It's a pity- Lina here knows very little of our language or culture... but she certainly makes up for her... lack of education."
The man's thoughts were clear on his face. Oh, wonderful. Another damned trophy wife for some arrogant nobody who has only made his power through other countries. Tseng kept his expression slightly gloating and superior as the man found the key. "Your baggage will be taken to your room shortly, Liang-sama," the clerk said, now simply oozing with charm. "Is there anything you require?"
"Not as of this moment," Tseng took the key, glancing at Elena again, who was giggling and playing with a pen. "We would like dinner sent up to us, if you please."
"Jun, darling, will you tell the funny little man that we'd like dinner and champagne, please?" Elena beamed at Tseng. "He's just so cute in that little outfit!"
Tseng glanced over at the man- this was a perfect test to see if the man spoke the tongue of Midgar. The clerk's jaw clenched slightly, and he stood just a bit stiffer. Tseng took Elena's hand. "Now, now, Lina, dear," he purred, "we've already talked about this. Be nice to the people we talk to, and I'll make sure you're rewarded..."
Elena shivered, and her eyes slid sideways for a moment, glancing at the desk clerk. Tseng longed to know what was going on in her mind. Do you want me, Elena? Do you desire me now?
"Well then do tell him I'm sorry, the poor thing. If he understood me, you know. Oh, I just love it here! Let's go upstairs, Jun, darling?" Elena took his hand in both of hers, beaming at him.
Tseng shook his head, smiling, and turned back to the clerk. "My apologies," he continued in Wutaian. "She is... well..."
"An idiot, with all due respect, Liang-sama?" The clerk, clearly still affronted, said as politely as possible.
Tseng laughed, and noticed that the clerk did relax a little more. "Not an idiot per-say. More of a... a fool, sir, a fool. But it's something I'm more than willing to live with, in return for better things." Smirking now, he bowed to the clerk. "Our thanks. Please send dinner up around six."
"Of course, Liang-sama," the clerk said smoothly. "Do enjoy your stay."
Tseng led Elena up to the room, drawing her close and putting an arm around her waist. "Well done," he murmured in her ear as they walked up the stairs. "It's safe to assume that the staff will know how to speak your language."
"Insulted him, did I?" Elena murmured back, giggling, unable to stop herself. "Well, I'm just so sorry, Jun, darling, I just couldn't help myself..."
Tseng fought the urge to roll his eyes and tugged her into the room that they would share for as long as it took for them to discover the truth of what had occurred here. He gave it a cursory once-over, before turning back to her and leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Cameras."
Elena beamed up at him and nodded, kissing his cheek. "I don't think they have audio in here, even if they did have cameras." She also kept her voice to a low murmur. "I read the plans."
Tseng smiled down at her and nodded as well, looking around the room now. It was the classic honeymoon suite, lush and rich, with huge glass doors that opened up to a balcony. The bed was a large, old-looking four-poster monster, with dark-stained wood and huge pillows. He padded silently over to the door-windows, and pushed them open, stepping out onto the balcony. The view was incredible, a clear vista of his homeland, the rich scent of the nearby conifer forests and mountains tall in the distance. "Oh, Gods," he murmured, eyes tearing despite himself. "How I have missed this."
He had always told himself that he could not go back to Wutai. Midgar was his home now. He was outcast from Wutai, serving the son of the man who had destroyed them, and serving him well. He had forced himself to forget his homeland, to never wish to return. But now, standing here, looking out over the once-familiar sights of his country... he could not stop the desire to stay.
I could stay... I know how to avoid detection by Rufus...
He closed his eyes, letting the rays of the setting sun hit his face. I could leave Elena here. She would return to Rufus. She's a smart girl, she could escape.
His eyes opened, and he turned away from the wilderness, looking back inside the room. Elena was fussing with the bed, whether out of nerves or still in her act, he couldn't tell from where he stood. He took a moment to examine her, just to force the thoughts of leaving her behind from his head. Against the ivory of the blankets and sheets, touched by the light of the setting sun, her hair and skin seemed to glow. It was ideal. It was perfect.
If he were truly her husband, he would have crossed the room and taken her in an instant. If he had just married her, he wouldn't be standing out on the balcony, watching her smooth over the silk of the down comforter. He would be looming over her, kissing her, pushing her to the bed- no- she would be sinking back to the pillows of her own accord, smiling that beautiful smile at him, perhaps laughing a little at how eager he was, how eager she was...
Gods. Stop. He sagged against the doorframe, rubbing a hand over his face. If he wasn't careful, his selfish desires would overwhelm him and compromise the entire mission. I have better control than this! I control my desires, they do not control me!
He looked back at Elena, to see her watching him quietly, simply blinking. He straightened, and moved over to her. "Well, my darling?"
"Cameras," she said, smiling at him, "but no audio."
"Good." He relaxed back onto the bed. "That doesn't mean they won't spy on us, of course..."
"I'd be insulted if they didn't. However, if we keep our voices low enough, they'll never understand us." Elena rested her head against Tseng's chest, and he tried desperately not to think Oh, well, I could get used to this...
"That's true. But that leaves us the question of what to do tonight?" He kissed the top of her head, mindful of the cameras, raising his eyes to see if he could see them. "Where are they?"
"One in the mirror, one in the lamp and one in the bathroom mirror," Elena said immediately. "They're good at covering them up, but I'm better at my detective work."
Tseng chuckled, but noticed that she said nothing about the problem he had proposed. "Indeed you are, Lina. Well done."
"Oh, of course, Jun, darling." Her voice held a touch of sarcasm this time, and he chuckled.
"What do you think of the place so far?" He stretched out, putting his hands behind his head, and, for all intents and purposes, relaxing after a long trip.
"I think it's beautiful." Elena nuzzled him lightly. "I'm thinking of asking about the history of the place, so I can find out what their story is. You should take a shower, and I'll go wander around and make a nuisance of myself."
"Too risky," Tseng shook his head. "As tempting as it is. An entire unit of Soldiers disappeared here. You're the best, but you're only one. And you're foreign. I'm not going to risk something happening to you." I would never forgive myself. I still haven't told you anything. "However," he placed a finger to her lips before she could protest, "I have no problem with taking a shower, and, when the food arrives, you can torment the poor room service to death with your questions."
Elena's eyes lit up, and he smiled warmly. You are beautiful. "Really, sir? Oh, thank you. I'm having too much fun as it is."
"I know," he murmured, smiling. "I can tell." He stood easily. "I'm going to shower. I assume you'll want the same later?"
"Perhaps, maybe even a bath, if it's nice enough." And safe enough, her expression clearly added. Tseng simply nodded and hurried into the bathroom.
Like the bedroom, it was grand to the point of grandiose. It was dominated by the huge, sunken bathtub, with elegant mosaics radiating out from it. The shower was tucked into a corner, also with floor and wall mosaics, and wavy glass along one side. The toilet was almost hidden into a small offshoot of the room.
Dearest Gods. When Rufus buys something, he certainly makes certain that it isn't half-done. This is incredible. The bath alone must have taken significant structural work. Perhaps that was another reason the unit of Soldiers had been brought out...
Raking a hand through his hair, he unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it onto the counter of the sink. Gods. Gods, Gods, Gods, Rufus, why did you do this to me? You unbalance me enough by sending me home, but now... Now with Elena...
It all came back to her, didn't it? He turned on the water and stepped inside, standing under the cold water, hissing as it gradually turned very hot. He had to scald away the thoughts plaguing him. He would control himself. He had to.
His ears picked up the faint sound of a knock at the door, and Elena sing-songing her way to it. Heh. Poor man, whoever opens that door...
She really was enjoying herself. He couldn't relax enough to enjoy this mission. This was, all things aside, really a mild one. He knew this place, he knew it well enough to easily take Elena and escape. Elena would stick out here, no question, but he knew that he could get her hair dyed easily enough.
Damn. I should have brought black hair dye. I'll mention it to Rufus next time.
Though the thought of Elena with black hair truly puzzled him. It wouldn't be right. He couldn't picture it. He could only picture the sunset on her hair as she sat on the bed...
Gods damn it! This is turning out to be a bad romantic play in my head. Damn! Enough, Tseng. Enough. Tonight. Tonight we'll get this out of our system. Tonight...
After all, we're husband and wife, aren't we? There are cameras in the room. He shampooed his hair, letting the water massage his back. They'll be expecting a show.
The thought of being watched while making love to Elena made his gut twist oddly. It wasn't just that they were being watched. Gods knew, if they ever did something at Headquarters- like Reno and Rude had, but of course, not that he ever would- Rufus himself would probably watch it. That didn't upset him as much as it probably should of, and he kicked himself for even considering doing something so crass as having sex on duty. No, it was more of the fact that they did not know who was watching them.
He didn't know what had happened here. In fact, if I do make love to- no, have sex with- Elena tonight, it will reduce our awareness, make us more vulnerable...
Oh, but the thought of it... Something he had fought so hard and so long against admitting, that he had given up on ever having... And now it was, all but in his lap. In fact, if he suggested it, it would probably be in his lap during dinner.
The damned voice of Rufus Shin-Ra popped back into his head once again. I've practically ordered it, Tseng. What are you afraid of? Being interrupted?
Oh, hells, no, I am not listening to you. Tseng hit the wall, letting the water run down over his hair, washing out the soap. I can't- I can't compromise the mission...
So you'll take her to bed, the voice purred. You'll pin her down and have your wicked way with her, and oh, will she thank you for it... In fact, she'll probably beg you for it again, and again, and again...
"Shut up," Tseng growled, fists clenched. I'm going insane.
Oh, yes, insane with desire.
The last thing Tseng wanted to do was have an argument with himself- literally- in the middle of a mission. Especially if it was about Elena. Never mind the fact that the voice was probably right.
Oh, hell. I will not agree with a voice in my head!
"Ts- Jun?" He tensed as Elena caught her slip, and glanced over his shoulder. He couldn't see much through the wavy glass, but it looked like she was poking her head in the door.
"Yes, Lina?" He forced his voice to remain calm, focusing on the charade between them. "What is it, darling?" They were speaking loud enough to be heard from the hallway now, if someone was listening right.
"Dinner's here, darling." Then, without warning, Elena was standing just on the other side of the glass, almost at the open portion of the shower, a two-foot gap between tile and glass that served as a door. "Shall you come out, or shall I come in?"
He knew it was part of the act. Oh, Gods, it had to be. Her voice was pitched just so and she was offering- was offering-
"I'll come out, my love," he said, voice huskier than he'd intended. "What you suggest will come later. Go out and get it all ready for me, dearest?"
He knew Elena was pouting for the camera from her tone. "Oh, all right, if you insist." She walked casually, hips swaying, out the door.
Tseng collapsed against the far wall of the bathroom, rubbing a hand over his eyes. He wasn't going to last an evening with her. He was going to give in. He was going to let his lust and his desire ruin what was between them.
What was between them? Friendship? Partnership? Or had it always been this strained, tension-filled atmosphere? Had he always wanted her?
He'd once asked her out on a date. Sephiroth had disrupted that, then with the destruction of Midgar, the rebuilding of Shin-Ra, the illness of Rufus... they'd never had the time to actually go out. They had been only two of four Turks left, thrown together out of necessity, as Reno and Rude were close partners, and would work with no one else anymore.
Reno and Rude were lovers as well as partners, now. Could lightning strike twice?
She can't feel that way, he told himself. I ruined what chances I had years ago.
Keep telling yourself that, fool. You'll really ruin your chances.
Tseng turned off the water and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist. Telling the voice in his head a final time to shut up, he stepped out of the shower. Could he risk jeopardizing not only his friendship, partnership, whatever it was he had with Elena, but the mission as well?
He shook his head. I may have to. I don't know about those cameras. He pulled on his pants, then a fresh shirt, and took a deep breath. The decision will lie with Elena.
As I hope to, as well.
He walked out to the bedroom, smiling at her as she sat on the bed, the food spread out for them both. "Well, my dear," he said, "what have you got for me?"