[Rude laughs, shaking his head. There was nothing that could keep Reno out of trouble. He laughs and pulls Reno down lay with him and hold him tightly.]
[ just sprawling over him, as much as his blanket cocoon/ghost costume will allow for. he's wearing it like a fucking clone cloak, over his head with just his face showing. ]
I, uh. Y'know.
[ nice one. totally nailed it reno. doing the romance thing great. ]
[The best part of the word 'boo'? The point where the 'b' flows into the 'oo'. Because it puckers the lips. And with Reno's eyes covered, Rude can lean in and kiss him. Just kiss him slow and warm. He loves you, Reno, and if you can't say the words, say it with the kiss.]
[ he wanted to say it, he just needs time. it's important that he says certain things, he thinks. Rude's mom knows about him. he knows most of the guy's story by now, and he can piece together the rest without much effort. but he's still pretty much a blank slate, besides giving him a glimpse into his pathetic childhood. they could move past it without it being a <>thing, but he still has more to say. and that—he needs to learn how to say that, too. sometimes silent communication doesn't always cut it.
but for now, it'll have to. he might have needed time to talk, but he doesn't need time to show Rude what he was thinking. he presses close, framing Rude's face with both hands and kisses him back, long and soft. eventually, though, he has to draw back when his jaw starts to quiver. emotionality is really nothing unusual or new for Reno, it's just that he's never shown it like this. ]
[Damn. That... When Reno pulls back Rude is left absolutely breathless, his lips slightly parted as he tries to breathe and process. That... was a good kiss.]
[ he says, while taking a moment to get himself under control. no crying. he doesn't cry, but it's a close call. and then, after a second, he realizes what he just said and shakes his head. way to ruin the moment, idiot! ]
In my head, I mean. I, uh... wow, that doesn't sound any better. Never mind, glad you liked it.
[ It's seven o'clock on the dot and just as Angeal promised, he's here at the town square of Sector 5 dressed in his Sunday's best. He's an uncommon sight around these parts, especially outside of the uniform. This evening he chose to forego the military fatigues for something a bit more stylish to prove he has good taste. While he's nowhere near as polished as the Turk, Angeal certainly makes a striking figure in a simple white button-down shirt, dark navy slacks, and sleek black dress shoes. He even has a matching blazer to boot but it's a bit warm for that. So he keeps the blazer slung over his shoulder as he leans against the lamppost. His hair is slicked back and brushed in its usual style but it might look a bit neater than usual.
Hell, Angeal even went as far as to shave and put on a dab of cologne. To say the least, he's dressed to kill.
On a side note, he's completely unarmed which is a bit of a rarity within itself but the soldier's body is his weapon. Even if something was to happen, Angeal can still crack open skulls despite being dressed up like a prom date.]
A second later and he'll be buying the drinks too.
[ He mutters to himself as he glances down at his phone. While Angeal doubts that the Turk would stand him up, Angeal can't help but wonder if he would. Genesis would probably scold him for attempting to date a colleague but technically, they're not colleagues. Techincally. ]
[They most definitely were not colleagues. If they were then Angeal would know that Rude was never late. That was the thing about Turks. They were like the wizards in that one book series. They always arrived precisely when they meant to. Which meant that, in the ten seconds before 7:00:49 and 7:00:59, Rude turned a corner, striding over with all the calm self-possession of a man that knew he would not only be on time, but that there wouldn't be a complaint.
He stopped in front of Angeal at one second to 7:01. Meeting time achieved. Then he tilts his head and moved toward the restaurant in question. Because, of course, that was just his style.]
You shaved.
[An observation, and one that comes as he's looking the man over. Not bad. Not nearly as sharply dressed as Rude in his usual work suit, but with today's shirt and pocket cloth of green so dark as to almost be black. Then again, Rude had to be in suits every day. You learned to make them work.]
Unarmed?
[His tone spoke to a hint of surprise. He hadn't expected the Soldier, known for always carrying a blade he never used, to have nothing. Even Rude was armed, one of the compact Turk-issue bangles hidden up a sleeve, a gun at his ankle, and of course his gloves still on.]
If you get mugged, Genesis will quote at me endlessly.
[ The expression on Angeal's face was absolutely priceless. The Turks really do have this uncanny way of arriving just in the nick of time. Hell, their penchant for punctuality is borderline uncanny but Angeal can't help but appreciate it. Some of the Seconds could learn a thing or two in that regard, namely his pup.
Despite feeling quite confident in his choice of attire, Angeal can't help but feel slightly underdressed. What can he say? He's still a country boy who likes to keep it simple. Rude, however, is a triple fucking threat right now despite the shades. Rude is so cool. Ridiculously, so. The general census among the Firsts is that the Turks are an anomaly worthy of both praise and scorn thanks to their red-headed mascot, Reno, and some of their less than honorable deeds. While he's a little uncertain how this date will go, Angeal is at least glad there's some interest there between them. ]
Oh, you noticed.
[ He responds with a slight smirk. ]
That means you must've been keeping tabs on me before.
[ That's funny. He doesn't remember seeing Rude around headquarters too often. Geez! The Turks are really something else. Should he flattered or turned off? He's not even sure anymore but what catches his attention is Rude's next question. ]
Midgar isn't that bad. Besides, I still got my fists.
[ He states with a measure of confidence that is more than just arrogance on his part. Even though Angeal is known for carrying that enormous Buster Sword around, he rarely ever uses it. Why? Rust. So he says but that's not entirely the truth. Angeal is a lethal combatant with or without his sword. Who else can knock a mako-infused monster out cold with their bare fists? Even so, maybe Angeal should've brought something with him.
He lets out a light chuckle as he falls into step with Rude. ]
Though, we can't have Genesis spouting poetry at you all day. So, I'll play it safe.
[Rude has a brief moment to wonder why he never bothered sparring with the other man. After all, Angeal was probably one of the best hand-to-hand people in the company, and one of the few that could keep up with Rude. How interesting.
Rude walks them over to the restaurant otherwise silent, and then holds the door open once they get to it.]
Surprised you don't go out for food more often. That Genesis doesn't haul you off for dinner and a show.
[ He just might end up purchasing a Chain Bangle later. He has plenty of them back at his apartment but he might as well be safe than sorry. Midgar is a rough city and despite being up here on the plates, it's still pretty rough. Even so, Angeal is less concerned about all that as he is about Rude.
It doesn't come to his surprise that he knows very little about him. The Turk goes out of his way to keep a low profile. He seldom speaks unless spoken to and the two of them never really spoke much until now. So Angeal finds himself wondering just how will this dinner will go. While he's quite eager to learn more about his date, he realizes that they hail from two different worlds.
It's just that they serve the same master. ]
Genesis tries his best but I don't like theatre.
[ He says with an appreciative smirk when Rude opens the door. Angeal always thought Rude was the classier of the duo considering his near impeccable manners. Unlike his partner Reno, it seems Rude has a penchant for fine dining. That's something the Turk shares with Genesis surprisingly enough. ]
[What about him, huh? There are a lot of reasons a Turk doesn't have time for shows or movies. One never knows when they will be called in, so Rude had mostly chosen to take up hobbies that were easily put aside. Movies he could watch at home and pause. Books that could be put away. He hasn't even bothered to learn to cook, ovens and stoves could burn things down, or he could be sent along for days.
Fine dining was the best option he had. Sure, sometimes he hit up food stalls or hole in the wall joints. But when he wanted Costan, it was always caliber. If it wasn't going to be his Madre's cooking, it had to be good.]
Don't do plays. Too many people. Can't see backstage. Too many points of entrance. Would have to sit at the end of a row, which sacrifices visibility.
[Yes, there was definitely inherent paranoia. Which only is underlined here. The hostess clearly recognizes Rude, and doesn't even ask his name. Instead she takes him to an already set up table, scooping up menus as she goes. Most of the time the women would do the whole specials of the day spiel. She knows it isn't appreciated from this man.
So they are guided to a table near the back, close to the doors to the kitchen without being right there. Sight lines to the doors and the bathroom area. Not too close to the windows. Rude, of course, takes the seat with the back to the wall and all those perfect sight lines. Even the candles at the table, normally actual candles, have been replaced with electronic ones, burning with that green mako-energy light.
Paranoia is healthy sometimes. Moreso in his line of work.]
[ That inherent paranoia is something that Angeal can sympathize with to some degree. However, it certainly cements the notion that they have very different lives. Angeal doesn't have to worry too much about possibly getting ambushed or killed unless we're talking about insurgence members or anti-Shinra protestors. He can easily venture around town without a single worry but for Rude, that's the opposite.
The Turks are well hated and feared at the same time. They're operatives, after all. Cold stone killers who act on the becking call of President Shinra himself. They do a lot of things that the top-brass don't want the public to know about and even have a higher security clearance than the military. With all this in mind, everything Rude says makes sense. Why would a Turk willingly put himself in danger by going to enjoy a Broadway play? ]
Good point.
[ He comments after a moment of thought. ]
I might use that as my excuse the next time Genesis asks me out.
[ Which is bound to happen since Genesis can't take no for an answer. It's well known that Angeal lacks his passion in the arts but that hasn't stopped Genesis yet from dragging him to a play or two. That's just how things are between them.
The table the waitress offers them isn't bad the least. It's far enough away from the other patrons to give them a sense of privacy without seeming completely closed off. He figured that Rude would prefer this spot since it's tucked away and out of view. After all, he has a healthy sense of paranoia thanks to his job. However, this makes Angeal wonder why Rude is willing to risk it all just to have a dinner date with him. It's evident that Rude frequents this restaurant sometimes judging from the look of familiarity in the staff's gaze. Still, Angeal can't help but feel at least a little guilty for putting the Turk at needless peril. ]
Is that why you prefer books over the grand stage?
[ He asks as he glances over the menu briefly. The prices are what he would expect of a classy joint like this but Angeal can't help feel the need to be somewhat frugal. After all, Rude is paying. ]
[Rude doesn't even bother to look at his menu. He knows what he wants. It is not something he normally gets, but the gesture matters, because it is one of the most expensive things on the menu. But he'll wait until the waitress comes over, and he can order a bottle of expensive wine. Just to underline the point that for dinner, money will be no issue. Rude's paid almost as well as an executive. Shinra has to bribe people to do this job in some serious way.]
You're welcome to it. I attempt to use it on Reno when he wants to go places. Don't bother anymore, because he knows me too well.
[He leans back in his seat, just a little bit.]
Books are something I can put down. It is like being the on call First. Life can change in a moment. I prefer not to get involved in things I cannot immediately abandon.
But I hope you're not the type to abandon everything outside of work.
[ There's a hint of a smirk upon Angeal as he speaks, one that briefly hints to the underlining message there. While he finds it rather admirable that Rude takes his work that seriously, that notion of just adnadoning things makes him feel a bit cautious. While he's virtually in the same position considering his rank in SOLDIER, Angeal isn't the type to abandon his relationships. His friendship with Genesis and Sephiroth is proof of that. ]
So what will you be getting?
[ He asks curiously after glancing over the menu again. ]
I'm in the mood for shrimp scampi with linguini. I haven't had that dish in a while.
[ He could probably make it back at home but getting quality seafood can be a bit pricy sometimes. Unlike Rude, he doesn't eat out every night. This is something of a rare occasion for him since he tends to find joy in cooking. It's a rather domestic hobby to have but Angeal loves it. ]
[Rude opens his own menu and turns it to show Angeal. He taps a meal that involves a full cooked fish, first marinaded in serious spices, then grilled slowly. The price for it is obscene.]
Also getting a salad. Maybe a dessert.
[The raised eyebrow he gives with that suggests that dessert will entirely depend on how dinner plays out.]
I ordered ahead. Takes a few hours to cook it. You can try it too.
[It's a lot of food after all. And when the waitress shows up he's quick to order his wine, white of course and a good quality, as well as water. It's only after Angeal has a chance to place a drink order, the waitress wanting to give them more time for other parts of the order, that Rude turns his attention to the other question. Wanted to make sure he had privacy for it.
EVen if it hadn't been phrased as a question.]
I abandon only the thing I am working on at the moment, and only if that is what is required of me. I'm still in touch with family back home. I see no point in isolation.
[The soldier lets out a low whistle once he sees the price of that dish on the menu. Angeal figured that Rude appreciates the finer things in life but that's ridiculous! Then again, he's a Turk and they get paid very, very well. Angeal grins up a little at the possibility of dessert. It seems like Rude is hellbent on wining and dining him tonight. Angeal can't help but grin.]
I wouldn't mind dessert at all.
[But what to order? This restaurant has a rather impressive list of savory delights, each of which sounds more appetizing than the last. He'll be relying on Rude's expertise here, especially since the Turk is a well-known patron. A little overwhelmed by all the selections, Angeal peeks over at Rude when he offers to share the main course with him. The dish he ordered is the second most expensive dish here. Angeal would be a fool not to take him up on his offer.]
If you don't mind, I think I will.
[He says with a look of gratitude before glancing down the menu again. This isn't his first rodeo within such a fancy establishment but it's been a while. The last time he visited a restaurant of this caliber was back in Junon for the military showcase. All of Shinra's top-brass was there including President Shinra himself and his son, Rufus. It was a black-tie event, of course. A little too stuffy for Angeal's liking but he managed well enough. This date is a bit more low-key than that but it has the same vibe almost.
When the waitress appears, he orders himself a bottle of scotch to go with the wine before deicing to order a salad as well. Despite knowing his date can more than cover the bill, he's still trying his best to be frugal. That's just how he is after all.]
Seems that we share that in common. Since my father passed, I do my best to keep in contact with my mother.
[Angeal doesn't doubt at the Turks already have a file on him somewhere in headquarters but he doesn't want to think about that.]
Tell me about yourself. Where are you from or is that classified information?
Page 5 of 10