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[nonvoting]

@tseng

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Comments

[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?

[nonvoting]

Yes, in a manner of speaking.

[ again, the typing bubbles. ]

I don't remember who I used to be. My name, my parents... I don't know if I had siblings. I don't know what I smothered to become who I am now. Even so, I don't regret it.

[unionized]

[...Ah.]

Impertinent though it might be, I can't resist asking. What made it worth it, that you don't regret it?

[nonvoting]

You.

[ surely rufus knew that. ]

[unionized]

Your parents, your siblings, your name.

I'm worth that?

[nonvoting]

Those things... they no longer exist. I grieved them and I moved forward in their absence. I don't wonder what it would have been like if things were different, because they aren't and they can never be.

What I do know is that the first time I came to see you on the Turks quarters during your house arrest, seeing your mind at work was like looking into the center of a star. I saw your drive and your ambition, and along with it your intelligence and the kindness you prefer no one believe you have at all. You have my loyalty and the loyalty of the Turks not because you demanded it or paid for it but because you earned it. How could I possibly regret that?

[unionized]

[It's his turn to "...typing" bubble for a little while, now.]

Can I ask you something? I don't want to sound as though I doubt your position or your commitment to it.