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@tseng

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un: shinra | text

[unionized]

Oh, Tseng, by the way, I've just hired an unvetted new recruit for the Turks. I'd like him to immediately become my personal bodyguard on the merits of he's fit and appears to need quite a bit of space in his slacks.

Expedite his credentials, would you? Don't worry about the interview process, I'll be taking care of that myself, alone in my office for the next few hours. Undisturbed.

[nonvoting]

[ tseng reads the text twice: once with unmitigated alarm, and then a second time when he remembers that this was pretty much word for word the terrible script that he and rufus had been kicked off of, a week or two ago. ]

At once, sir. Shall I also immediately provide him with handcuffs and a sidearm, despite never having tested his proficiency with either?

[unionized]

Please do. Make sure the handcuffs are the padded variety, while you're at it.

[nonvoting]

It would be my pleasure. As well as yours, I think.

I can suspend my disbelief to a certain extent, but even now I still think that script was atrocious. If I ever behave that way I hope you'll have me shot.

[unionized]

If you ever demonstrate such an egregious lapse in judgment, rest assured I'll shoot you myself.

Not just for the security, but for thinking I'd ever find some kid fresh off the street more attractive than you.

[nonvoting]

I can accept the possibility that there are others in this world more physically attractive than I am, but I'm confident that I appeal in other ways to which they would never measure up.

My efficiency with paperwork, for example. And my dedication to maintaining appropriate credentials for firearms and helicopters.

[unionized]

You're more tolerant than I am. I can't accept that possibility at all.

Maybe I should update your uniform to silk scarves and gold chains, to help encourage you to find yourself as gorgeous as I do.

[nonvoting]

If it's all the same to you, I think I'd prefer that particular view stay privileged.

[ then, typing bubbles for a few long seconds. ]

I liked the way it made me feel to wear them, but I wouldn't want the entire world to see it. I don't know if that makes sense.

[unionized]

Are we workshopping again? I'd welcome that.

Was it the spectacle you didn't like, or something else?

[nonvoting]

It seems so. We're getting better at this.

It isn't that I didn't like it. I liked it, or I wouldn't have done it. Just, now having done it, I think I like even more the idea of that side of me being a secret you get to keep.

[unionized]

Is it a "side of you", then? Because if so, you know I'll want to indulge it — just like you've done for me and my...facets. I like the thought of that.

I admit, I'm a little possessive of that side of you, myself. Or maybe more than a little.

[nonvoting]

Are you talking about the exhibitionism or the submission?

[unionized]

For what I'm possessive of? A little of both and a little of neither. It's your sensitivity more than anything that drives me wild.

You know I like the thrill of the conquest generally, so the scene appealed in that respect, but the idea of conquering you specifically holds less lustre. The same with the exhibition; I like being looked at, and I like the thought of showing you off, but...

You should be a tantalizing enigma. The masses don't deserve the privilege of seeing you in the throes of pleasure.

[nonvoting]

I understand what you mean.

You asked if it's a "side of me." I think... it is, and I think I would enjoy letting you indulge it. But you remain the only person I would trust to handle me that way, and while I can't speak to what the masses deserve, I would prefer that you be the only one to see the fruits of your efforts, so to speak.

I do like exhibitionism conceptually, though. So if there are other types of sex you'd like to have with me in public, or in semi-public, I'm also open to those ideas.

[unionized]

You mean like going to see our movie together sometime?

You, me, adjacent seats, a dark theater...

[nonvoting]

You drive a hard bargain. I accept.

[unionized]

Would it be an equally hard bargain to get you back into that outfit sometime?

Not for the movie, of course. Just sometime.

[nonvoting]

Not if we were in private. Did you like it that much?

[unionized]

I did. It's a rarity for you to call attention to yourself like that — something to be looked at and admired. You're breathtaking when you indulge it.

[nonvoting]

I spent a decade and a half being trained in how to vanish from awareness. Being the focus of attention doesn't come naturally to me. Still... I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did too.

[unionized]

I'm still surprised they started you so early. You were well under the starting age for a Turk when you were brought into the fold, weren't you?

— Wait. I'm shifting the subject when we're flirting again. Disregard that.

[nonvoting]

[ cute... ]

It's all right. We have been flirting, you've been flirting back. I don't mind a change of subject now, since you've made your interest clear.

I was young, yes. I was thirteen when I was recruited. Extenuating circumstances, I believe.

[unionized]

Something to do with the war, I expect.

No wonder you developed a knack for blending in and avoiding notice. You had to adapt to life in Midgar.

[nonvoting]

Yes. My village was destroyed by the fighting, with me the only survivor. I avoided capture for several weeks before the infantry found me and gave me the choice to go to Midgar and take the application exam.

[ "the choice," tseng says, although they both know that the other option would have been to be gunned down on the spot. ]

There aren't many Wutaians in Midgar, let alone working for the Company. Especially not back then. It behooved me to learn to keep a low profile.

[unionized]

And to become the perfect citizen. Twice as dedicated to make up for starting half the race behind everyone else.

We both smothered what we were to become what we had to, didn't we?